Invisalign vs SureSmile

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is one of the best-known clear aligner systems worldwide. It is based on technology developed over 20 years ago and is continually being researched and refined. Invisalign uses custom-made aligners that are removable and designed to exert pressure on teeth, so they gradually move in small increments.

What Is SureSmile?

SureSmile is another clear aligner system, but it hasn’t been around for as long as Invisalign. It works similarly, using a series of clear, removable aligners designed to exert pressure on teeth, gradually moving them into the correct places.

In this article, we compare both systems to help identify their differences. These comparisons will help you make a more informed choice.

Appearance

Invisalign

• Invisalign aligners are made from clear, smooth plastic and fit tightly over your teeth.
• Although the aligners are made from clear plastic, they are not completely invisible, so you can see them if you look closely.

SureSmile

• SureSmile aligners are made from clear smooth plastic and fit tightly over your teeth.
• Just like Invisalign, the aligners are not quite invisible and can be seen if you look closely.

Comfort

Invisalign

• The aligners are carefully finished, making them smooth and comfortable to wear without sharp edges.
• Removable aligners are less likely to irritate your cheeks, lips, and gums or create sore spots.
• When you initially start wearing your Invisalign aligners, you may experience some discomfort. This is perfectly normal and will settle down after you have worn a new set of aligners for a few days.

SureSmile

• SureSmile aligners are also smooth and comfortable to wear and do not have any sharp edges.
• They are unlikely to create any sore spots or irritate your cheeks, lips, or gums.
• SureSmile includes a special gadget to use each day with your aligners. It gently vibrates, helping your aligners fit more snugly and helping to alleviate discomfort. You use the device for five minutes each day.

Treatment Process

Invisalign

• Treatment is planned using a digital scan of your teeth with an iTero scanner. Invisalign proprietary software then prepares your digital treatment plan.
• Virtual images allow you to see how your new smile will look. Once you approve the plan, your aligners are created using 3-D printing technology.
• You wear each set of aligners for two weeks before throwing them out so you can start wearing the next set.
• The aligners are custom-created, so they don’t require any adjustments during treatment.
• Regular dental checkups are needed during your Invisalign treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to see if treatment is progressing correctly.

SureSmile

• Treatment is also planned using a digital scan. Treatment is then planned using the company’s proprietary software.
• You also get to see digital images showing the predicted outcome, created using the digital scan of your teeth.
• Once you approve your treatment plan, your aligners are created, and you begin treatment 2 to 4 weeks after your initial appointment.
• You wear the aligners as directed by your dentist. You also use the vibration device for five minutes daily. The aligners are changed for a new set every 7 to 10 days.
• You will need to see your dentist or orthodontist regularly for checkups.

Oral Hygiene

Invisalign

• You remove the aligners whenever you need to brush and floss your teeth.
• You remove the aligners for mealtimes, so no dietary changes are needed.

SureSmile

• You take out the aligners for brushing and flossing.
• You can also take out the aligners for mealtimes, so you won’t need to change your diet.

Treatment Duration

Invisalign

• Invisalign treatment takes an average of around a year.
• More complex treatments using Invisalign will take longer. However, cosmetic problems affecting only your front teeth can soon be corrected.

SureSmile

• Treatment time takes an average of 6 to 18 months to complete, depending on the problems requiring correction.

Effectiveness

Invisalign

• Invisalign is designed to correct a comprehensive range of orthodontic problems, including mild, moderate, and more complex issues.
• Invisalign may not be suitable for everybody, especially if you have complicated bite problems that would benefit from fixed braces.

SureSmile

• SureSmile can correct a similar range of orthodontic problems. These include incorrectly spaced teeth, overlapping or crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
• Like Invisalign, SureSmile may not be suitable for more complex issues.

Daily Maintenance and Follow-Up

Invisalign

• Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours each day, ideally 22. It is best to remove them for mealtimes, brushing, and flossing.
• You will need regular checks with our Invisalign dentist, but these are quick and are only to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

SureSmile

• SureSmile aligners must also be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Ideally, they are only removed when you want to eat or drink anything and for regular oral care.
• You will need to see your orthodontist regularly for checkups to monitor your progress.

Cost

Invisalign

• Invisalign costs a similar amount to clear fixed braces. Treatment depends on the number of aligners required.
• Dental insurance may cover at least part of the cost of treatment, provided it gives oral health benefits.

SureSmile

• SureSmile aligners may be slightly cheaper than Invisalign. However, this technology is new and hasn’t been extensively researched and developed.
• Dental insurance may cover at least part of the cost of SureSmile aligners, provided they improve your oral health.

Suitability for Different Age Groups

Invisalign

• Invisalign is extremely popular with adults. It can also be suitable for older teens with good compliance.
• Invisalign produces a system specifically for teenagers, as well as a system for younger children aged between six and 10.

SureSmile

• SureSmile is an adult-oriented system. The company doesn’t produce any special systems for teenagers or children or include adaptations for these age groups.

Lifestyle Impact

Both Invisalign and SureSmile have minimal impact on everyday life. You can remove the aligners before meals to eat whatever you wish during treatment. Oral care is easy as you remove the aligners for regular brushing and flossing. If you wish to play sports, the aligners can also be removed and replaced with a custom-made mouthguard.

On the face of it, there is very little to choose from between these two systems. Both can treat a comprehensive range of orthodontic problems and have minimal impact on everyday life. The only real difference is using SureSmile’s proprietary vibration device to help make treatment more comfortable.

However, Invisalign has been around for far longer. It produced clear aligners for at least a decade before SureSmile and has conducted more research and development into improving and refining its system.

Both systems have their merits, and our orthodontist can discuss which might suit you after your consultation and dental exam.