What is SureSmile Aligner Therapy?
SureSmile is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to adjust and move the teeth into proper alignment while being virtually invisible. The aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement. Your aligner treatment experience can be customized to your teeth for a perfect, comfortable fit, predictable results, and straighter teeth.
Who is a Good Candidate for SureSmile Orthodontic Treatment?
Good candidates for Suresmile aligners are patients who can commit to their oral hygiene and who are struggling with the following orthodontic concerns:
- Crowding: Teeth are too close together
- Overbite: Upper front teeth overlap lower front teeth
- Crossbite: Upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth
- Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth
- Spacing/gaps: a gap between one or more teeth
- Open Bite: Top and bottom teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed
- Crooked Teeth/Alignment Issues: Teeth are misaligned or slanted
SureSmile technology can be a great alternative to traditional braces for those who don’t want visible metal wires and brackets or who aren’t good candidates for metal braces. It’s also perfect for simple and complex cases. If you want to straighten teeth, this is likely the perfect option for you.

What to Expect With SureSmile Clear Aligners
At Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC, our dental professionals will be with you through every step of your SureSmile clear aligners treatment. From consultation to your new smile and beyond, we’ll ensure you have the beautiful smile you deserve.
SureSmile Consultation
Your first appointment will be to determine if the SureSmile clear aligner system is right for you. If your provider determines it’s the right treatment for you, we’ll start by taking digital scans (or digital impressions). These are photos of your teeth and mouth to ensure the SureSmile Digital Lab experts can create your removable clear aligners to fit your teeth exactly.
Your provider may also use the SureSmile™ Simulator to show you a 3D visualization of what your teeth will look like after your clear aligner treatment.
After your consultation, your doctor and SureSmile experts will work together to build a customized treatment plan for you. This typically takes 2-4 weeks. They will also walk you through how to best take care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other concerns.
SureSmile Treatment
After 2-4 weeks, you’ll come back into the office and receive your kit of aligners as well as the SureSmile® VPro™ High-Frequency Device to ensure your aligners always fit properly. We’ll show you how to put in your aligners, how to use the high-frequency device, and give you a schedule for when to change your aligners.
Check-Ins
As your discreet treatment continues, we’ll have you in for regular check-ins to ensure treatment is going as planned and no changes need to be made. Typically, SureSmile takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months, but it greatly depends on how quickly your teeth move and the final results and the healthier smile we’re looking for.
Clear Aligner FAQs
Can I drink coffee with clear aligners?
When it comes to consuming beverages like coffee while wearing clear aligners, its important to consider the impact on both the aligners and your dental hygiene. Coffee is known for its staining properties, which means that drinking it while wearing aligners could result in discoloration of the aligners, making them more noticeable to others. To maintain the clarity and proper function of your clear aligners, its best to remove them before drinking coffee or any other beverages besides water. By doing so, you ensure that the aligners remain clear and retain their intended fit.
How will I look with clear aligners?
Clear aligners offer a subtle and discreet way to straighten your teeth while maintaining your natural smile. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth, allowing for greater comfort and convenience. When you wear clear aligners, they fit snugly over your teeth, making them less noticeable, which many find aesthetically pleasing. As you progress through your treatment, youll likely notice a gradual improvement in your smile, culminating in straighter teeth.
Can clear aligners cause problems?
Like any orthodontic appliance, clear aligners can potentially lead to certain issues. Some users may experience discomfort or soreness, especially when transitioning to a new set of aligners. This is typically due to the pressure exerted on the teeth to facilitate movement. Additionally, improper care or irregular wearing of aligners can lead to negative results. Its crucial to follow the orthodontists guidance on wear time and oral hygiene to minimize these risks.
Which is better braces or clear aligners?
When deciding between braces and clear aligners, its important to consider factors such as aesthetics, comfort, treatment time, and personal lifestyle preferences. Braces, typically made from metal, have been traditionally used for orthodontic treatment and are highly effective for complex dental alignment issues. They are fixed to the teeth and can handle significant shifts in tooth position, making them an ideal choice for more severe dental misalignments. Clear aligners offer a more discreet alternative, appealing to those who may feel self-conscious about visible metal braces. They are removable, which allows for easier brushing and flossing, and have fewer dietary restrictions. However, aligners require discipline to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours per day to achieve optimal results. Ultimately, both braces and clear aligners are effective, and the best choice depends on your individual needs.
Do your teeth move back after clear aligners?
After completing treatment with clear aligners, it is possible for teeth to shift back slightly from their newly aligned positions. It can occur because teeth have a natural tendency to move over time, especially if not adequately maintained. To minimize the risk of teeth shifting back after clear aligners, orthodontists typically recommend wearing retainers as prescribed. Consistent use of retainers, proper oral hygiene, and regular follow-up visits can help ensure that your smile remains aligned and beautiful.
How quickly do teeth move with clear aligners?
Clear aligners can effectively move teeth at a pace that typically ranges from about 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm per aligner. Typically, patients switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on the treatment plan prescribed. This gradual repositioning means that noticeable changes can often be observed within a few months, though full treatment can vary from several months to a couple of years based on the complexity of the dental issue being addressed.
Can you brush your clear aligners with toothpaste?
Brushing your clear aligners with toothpaste is not recommended. While it might seem like a good idea to use toothpaste to clean your aligners, many toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the surface of clear aligners, making them more visible and less effective at appearing invisible when worn. Using a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste can be a great way to brush your aligners, but mild soap or a specially formulated clear aligner cleaning solution can be highly effective as well. Additionally, always remember to rinse your aligners with lukewarm water, avoiding hot water as it can warp the plastic.
Do you wear clear aligners when you sleep?
Yes, wearing clear aligners while you sleep is an essential part of the treatment process for achieving effective orthodontic results. Clear aligners are designed to be worn approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, which includes nighttime use. Wearing them consistently during sleep helps to maintain the pressure on your teeth, allowing gradual movement toward the desired position. Failing to wear your aligners overnight can prolong the treatment duration and hinder your progress.
Can you eat with clear aligners on?
When it comes to clear aligners, one of the significant advantages is that they are removable, which makes eating much more convenient compared to traditional braces. Its not advisable to eat with clear aligners on, as doing so can cause damage to the aligners and adversely affect the treatment process. Eating with aligners can lead to cracking or staining, as theyre made from delicate, clear plastic. Additionally, food particles can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, potentially causing spots and increasing the risk of dental issues such as cavities or bad breath. For optimal care of your clear aligners and oral health, it is recommended to remove the aligners before meals and snacks, and always ensure you follow up with thorough cleaning of both your teeth and the aligners before putting them back in.
Do clear aligners increase the risk of cavities?
Clear aligners themselves do not inherently increase the risk of cavities; however, improper oral hygiene while using them can. Because aligners fit snugly over teeth, any food particles or plaque trapped underneath can create a breeding ground for bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, including after every meal, before reinserting the aligners. Additionally, rinsing the aligners and using mouthwash can further reduce the risk of cavities.
Schedule A Consultation
Achieve the beautiful smile you deserve with SureSmile at Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC! With this unique custom clear aligner system, you can finally achieve a straight smile and maintain it for years to come. Take the first step and schedule a consultation today. Call our Bethesda, MD office at (240) 358-3078 or message us using our contact form.