Modern orthodontic options let people straighten teeth with far less disruption to their daily lives than traditional braces. SureSmile® is a digitally driven clear aligner system that combines 3D treatment planning with custom-made aligners to move teeth in a predictable, controlled way. The goal is to produce efficient, esthetic results while keeping the process convenient and comfortable for patients who value discretion and precision.
At the heart of SureSmile® is a digital workflow that begins with a detailed scan of the mouth. These scans create an accurate 3D model of the teeth and surrounding structures, allowing clinicians to evaluate tooth positions, bite relationships, and potential movement trajectories without relying on traditional impression material. This digital baseline is the foundation for a fully customized treatment plan tailored to each person’s anatomy and goals.
Using specialized software, the clinician maps a series of incremental tooth movements that guide the design of each aligner in the sequence. Rather than moving teeth in an ad hoc fashion, this planned progression anticipates how teeth will respond and adjusts force applications accordingly. The result is an appliance set that’s engineered to deliver forces where they’re needed while minimizing unnecessary adjustments.
Manufacturing precision is a key differentiator: each SureSmile® aligner is fabricated to match the digital prescription closely, which helps maintain consistency between the planned stages and real-world outcomes. That combination of digital planning and accurate fabrication reduces guesswork and supports more predictable, efficient progress toward alignment goals.
One of the most appealing aspects of SureSmile® is its discreet appearance. The clear thermoplastic material used for the aligners is designed to be minimally visible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who prefer a subtle approach to orthodontics. Because the aligners are smooth and custom-fitted, they tend to be less obtrusive than metal brackets and wires.
The removable nature of the aligners offers practical advantages that fit modern lifestyles. Patients can take them out for short periods to enjoy meals, attend special events, or for important professional or social situations. Being able to remove aligners temporarily also simplifies oral hygiene: brushing and flossing can be performed as usual, which supports gum health and reduces the risk of staining or trapped food particles.
Compliance remains important for success, but the convenience of removability paired with a discreet look often improves adherence compared with more visible options. Clinicians work with patients to establish a wear schedule that balances comfort and the clinical demands of the treatment plan, helping ensure steady progress toward the desired alignment.
A typical SureSmile® treatment begins with a consultation and a digital scan. During this visit, the dentist or orthodontist will evaluate oral health, discuss alignment goals, and capture the necessary records to start planning. The digital plan will outline the sequence of movements, an estimated timeline, and the number of aligners needed, all adjusted to the complexity of the case.
Once the aligners are produced, patients receive a set numbered in sequence and instructions for wear and care. Each aligner is worn for a prescribed period—commonly one to two weeks—before moving to the next in the series. Regular check-ins with the clinician, typically every six to eight weeks, help monitor progress and address any refinements needed to stay on track.
Because SureSmile® emphasizes planned movements, mid-course corrections are less frequent, but the treatment team remains attentive to how teeth respond. If refinements are required, additional scans and aligners can be integrated into the plan to fine-tune final positions. Throughout the process, the focus is on steady, controlled changes that prioritize dental health and long-term stability.
Beyond improving a smile’s appearance, properly aligned teeth can offer measurable oral health benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce plaque accumulation and help maintain healthier gums. Balanced tooth positions also distribute bite forces more evenly, potentially lowering the risk of abnormal wear, temporomandibular joint strain, and other functional problems over time.
SureSmile® treatment is planned with long-term stability in mind. Clinicians assess not only the immediate cosmetic goals but also the functional relationships between upper and lower teeth. This comprehensive approach helps create a final result that supports effective chewing, comfortable jaw posture, and a smile that is both attractive and resilient to future changes.
Retention after active alignment is a critical component of lasting success. Once aligner therapy concludes, retention strategies—such as removable retainers or fixed retainers—are discussed and implemented as appropriate. These measures help preserve the achieved positions and protect the investment made in treatment.
Delivering precise, patient-centered orthodontic care requires both advanced tools and informed clinical judgement. Our team integrates the SureSmile® digital platform with years of experience in orthodontic mechanics and restorative considerations so that treatment plans are realistic and grounded in best practices. That clinical perspective ensures movements are not only esthetic but also safe for supporting structures like roots and bone.
We prioritize clear communication throughout care—explaining the treatment sequence, expected sensations, and home-care requirements so patients feel prepared at every step. By combining digital predictability with individualized attention, the practice helps patients make confident decisions about their smile goals while maintaining oral health as the central priority.
Whether a case requires subtle refinement or a more comprehensive alignment, we tailor the SureSmile® approach to each person’s needs and lifestyle. Mercer Island Dental Associates brings a collaborative, evidence-informed process to aligner therapy, aiming for outcomes that fulfill both functional and esthetic objectives.
In summary, SureSmile® is a digitally driven clear aligner system that offers precise planning, discreet wear, and predictable tooth movement. If you’re considering aligner therapy and want a treatment path that balances esthetics, comfort, and oral health, contact us to learn more about how SureSmile® could fit your needs.
SureSmile® is a digitally planned clear aligner system that moves teeth through a sequence of custom-made, removable trays. Unlike traditional braces, which use brackets and wires fixed to the teeth, SureSmile® uses 3D treatment planning and precision-manufactured aligners to guide tooth movement in controlled stages. The clear thermoplastic material makes aligners less visible and allows patients to remove them temporarily for eating and oral hygiene.
Because planning is driven by digital scans and specialized software, clinicians map a series of incremental movements to predict how teeth will respond. This planned approach helps reduce guesswork and supports more consistent progress between appointments. The system emphasizes predictable forces and fabrication accuracy to align clinical goals with real-world outcomes.
The process begins with a comprehensive intraoral scan that creates a 3D model of the teeth, bite relationships, and surrounding structures. Clinicians use specialized software to design a step-by-step movement plan that sequences the necessary tooth shifts and optimizes force application across the entire course of treatment. That digital prescription drives the fabrication of each aligner so clinical intent and the physical appliance closely match.
By simulating tooth movement in advance, the digital workflow helps identify potential challenges and allows clinicians to refine the plan before aligners are produced. If mid-course adjustments become necessary, updated scans can be incorporated into the plan to generate additional aligners. This iterative capability supports a controlled and responsive treatment path that prioritizes both function and esthetics.
Good candidates for SureSmile® typically include adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite alignment concerns who prefer a discreet orthodontic option. Candidates should have healthy gums and adequate oral hygiene, since inflammation or untreated periodontal issues can affect tooth movement and treatment outcomes. A clinical evaluation will assess tooth positions, jaw relationships, and any restorative or skeletal considerations that may influence candidacy.
Complex orthodontic or skeletal problems may require adjunctive treatments or a different approach, and your clinician will advise whether aligner therapy alone is appropriate. Clear communication about expectations, daily wear commitment, and follow-up schedules is also essential for success. Ultimately, candidacy is determined by a combination of clinical factors and patient goals evaluated during the consultation.
The initial visit typically includes a thorough oral exam, a discussion of treatment objectives, and a digital scan to capture the current tooth positions and bite. The scan replaces traditional impressions and provides a highly accurate 3D model for treatment planning, while the clinician reviews medical and dental history to identify any factors that could affect movement. After capturing records, the clinician will outline the proposed sequence of movements and an estimated timeline based on case complexity.
Patients can expect a clear explanation of the aligner wear protocol, hygiene requirements, and the schedule for progress checks during that appointment. The clinician will discuss how many aligners are anticipated and how refinements are handled if fine-tuning becomes necessary. This visit is also an opportunity to address questions about daily life with aligners and any clinical concerns prior to starting treatment.
Treatment duration varies according to the case’s complexity, but many patients complete aligner therapy within several months to a couple of years depending on the scope of movements required. The digital plan provides an estimated sequence and number of aligners, and clinicians monitor progress to confirm that movements are occurring as predicted. Regular follow-up visits, commonly every six to eight weeks, allow the treatment team to evaluate fit, oral health, and overall response to the aligners.
Because SureSmile® emphasizes planned stages of movement, mid-course corrections are often less frequent, though refinements remain an important tool when fine-tuning final positions. If refinements are needed, additional scans and aligners can be added to the plan to address residual issues. The clinician will maintain communication about timelines and any adjustments necessary to achieve the intended outcome.
Proper care of aligners includes rinsing them after removal, cleaning them with a soft brush and recommended nonabrasive cleaner, and storing them in their case when not in use. Because aligners are removable, patients should brush and floss after meals before reinserting trays to help prevent plaque buildup and staining. Avoiding exposure to hot liquids and abrasive cleaners will preserve the aligners’ fit and clarity.
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine and attending scheduled professional cleanings supports gum health throughout treatment and reduces the risk of inflammation that could impede tooth movement. If any aligner becomes damaged or does not fit properly, contact the office promptly for guidance. Your clinician will also instruct you on the prescribed wear time to ensure predictable progress.
Mild discomfort or pressure is common when starting a new set of aligners and typically fades over several days as teeth adapt to the applied forces. Sensitivity with biting or transient soreness around the gums and teeth can occur, but these sensations usually resolve as the mouth adjusts between stages. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods during the initial days of a new tray can help manage brief discomfort.
Other possible effects include slight changes in speech for a short period and minor irritation where edges contact soft tissues; most patients adapt quickly and irritation diminishes with wear. If persistent pain, unusual swelling, or signs of infection occur, patients should contact the clinician promptly to evaluate the situation. The treatment team monitors responses throughout care to address complications early and maintain comfort and safety.
For cases that require more intricate tooth rotations or vertical movements, the digital plan can incorporate attachments, staging strategies, and optimized force applications to address specific biomechanical needs. Attachments are small composite shapes bonded to teeth that help the aligner grip and direct forces more effectively for targeted movements. Clinicians evaluate the planned mechanics to ensure movements are achievable and safe given the tooth and bone conditions.
If teeth do not move as anticipated, the clinician can take additional scans and issue refinement aligners to continue guided adjustments. The digital workflow supports iterative updates so clinicians can modify the sequence, reassign forces, and produce new aligners to reach the desired final positions. This flexibility makes it possible to manage complex cases with a combination of careful planning and responsive refinements.
Retention is an essential phase following active aligner therapy to preserve the achieved tooth positions and reduce the risk of relapse. Common strategies include wearing removable retainers, such as clear thermoplastic retainers, or placing bonded fixed retainers on the lingual surfaces of front teeth when long-term stabilization is appropriate. The clinician will discuss a retention plan tailored to the patient’s specific movements, occlusal relationships, and lifestyle preferences.
Retention schedules often begin with more frequent wear, gradually transitioning to nighttime-only wear as stability is established. Regular follow-up visits help monitor the integrity of fixed retainers and the condition of removable retainers, ensuring long-term maintenance. Patients should understand that adherence to the retention plan is a key factor in protecting the investment of time and effort made during active treatment.
Mercer Island Dental Associates combines a digital-first approach with clinical experience to design practical and evidence-informed aligner treatment plans that prioritize oral health and predictable results. Our team integrates scanning technology, detailed treatment simulations, and ongoing clinical oversight to ensure movements consider restorative work, periodontal status, and long-term stability. Clear communication and individualized planning help patients understand the process and what to expect at each stage.
We emphasize patient education, careful monitoring, and responsive refinements to support efficient progress and minimize surprises during care. By aligning digital capabilities with a patient-centered workflow, our practice seeks to deliver esthetic and functional outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort. Patients who are interested in learning whether SureSmile® is right for them can schedule a consultation to discuss goals and receive a personalized evaluation.
