SureSmile® Aligners – New Bedford, MA

Crowded Teeth

Crowding can have a major impact on both the appearance and function of your smile, and the issue can worsen with age as the mouth changes shape. This can make teeth harder to clean and lead to oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, jaw discomfort, or difficulty eating. SureSmile clear aligners can effectively guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions, which can also help correct crooked and overlapping teeth.

Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps in your smile are another orthodontic problem that can be detrimental to both your oral health and self-confidence, and they can be caused by natural bone development or due to prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting during childhood. These spaces between teeth can expose the gums to injury and allow plaque and food debris to accumulate, which increases one’s risk of oral infections. The good news is that you can easily address this concern with SureSmile clear aligners that can gently and gradually move your teeth into better positions for a more appealing look.

Overbite

Overbites, also called overjets, involve the top teeth being positioned too far in front of the lower teeth, leading to jaw pain, speech problems, uneven dental wear, and problems with closing or opening the mouth. This misalignment can also leave the top teeth more exposed to injury.

Underbite

An underbite happens when the bottom teeth match or rest slightly in front of the top teeth when the mouth is closed, and it typically results from genetics, oral trauma, or non-nutritive habits like thumb-sucking going on too long in childhood. An underbite can increase your risk of sleep apnea, lead to mouth breathing, or make it difficult to speak and chew. While underbites are usually easier to address in younger patients, it’s still important to correct this issue in adults. Treating underbites with SureSmile usually requires the use of elastics or other appliances to properly readjust the teeth.

Crossbite

Crossbite refers to when the bottom teeth sit slightly in front of the top teeth, and this problem often arises from genetic factors, poor oral health habits, or premature baby tooth loss. SureSmile is often used to address this issue, and the process usually requires accessories like elastics to help reposition the jaw. An untreated crossbite can lead to long-term problems like gum disease, tooth decay, jaw pain, speech problems, headaches, teeth-grinding, and facial asymmetry.

Open Bite

An open bite happens when the top and bottom front teeth do not overlap or touch when the mouth is completely closed, and it is usually the result of poor bone development or prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking during childhood. An open bite can make it difficult to speak clearly and lead to excessive wear of the enamel on the back teeth. SureSmile can address these issues by bringing the top and bottom teeth together into a better alignment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of SureSmile® Aligners

To give you an accurate price estimate, your dentist will need to consider a few factors, including:

• The complexity of your orthodontic issues
• The number of trays you’ll require
• If you’ll need additional accessories (like elastic bands)
• If single-arch treatment is possible
• The type of retainer you need

Again, our friendly and knowledgeable team will happily review all of the factors that impact the cost at your appointment and answer any questions you have so you fully understand the number we arrive at.

SureSmile® Aligners vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?

If you’ve seen the advertisements for mail-in aligners, then you know that much of the messaging centers around the low cost. While it’s true that these alternatives cost less than SureSmile® Aligners, that doesn’t mean they are worth it. After all, they usually skip the initial exam, rely on DIY impressions, aren’t supervised by a licensed dental professional, and leave patients with nowhere to turn when something goes wrong. Simply put, just because it’s cheaper, doesn’t mean it’s worth the cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover SureSmile® Aligners?

It’s possible that your dental insurance provider will cover a portion of the cost of SureSmile® Aligners! If you’re unsure, then take a look at the fine print on your dental plan, call your provider directly, or reach out to our New Bedford dental team with any questions you have. We’d be more than happy to take a look at your benefits, explain your out-of-pocket expenses, and provide you with the answers you’re looking for.

Options for Making SureSmile® Aligners Treatment Affordable

But what if you don’t have dental insurance? And what if paying for the entire cost of SureSmile® Aligners in one lump sum simply isn’t in your budget? If that’s the case for you, then you’ll be happy to hear that there is another option: flexible financing with CareCredit. All you need to do is pick a payment plan that works with your monthly budget – it’s that simple! Plus, the plan you choose may have little-to-no interest attached as well. So, it’s worth taking a look to see if this trusted third-party financier is the solution you’ve been looking for.

What Does SureSmile Look Like?

Designed with clear plastic, SureSmile is only visible when outside of the mouth and is incredibly hard to detect once worn. With proper maintenance, patients can keep their aligners clean and discreet. In some cases, patients may require attachments, buttons, or elastics that help during the alignment process. These items are not made from clear plastic and are sometimes more visible than the rest of the aligners.

Does SureSmile Hurt?

SureSmile is not a painful treatment. In fact, its smooth plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options. When you first get SureSmile, there is an adjustment period where you will likely experience some soreness, but this will go away as you get used to the treatment. SureSmile works by gradually shifting the teeth into the proper position, so you may experience some pressure on your teeth, but this is how you know that the treatment is working. To help with any adjustments, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and/or use a cold compress.

Can You Eat with SureSmile?

One of the main advantages of SureSmile is that your aligners are removable, so you can take them out when it’s time to eat. Eating with your trays in your mouth will not only damage your aligners, causing cracks and stains, but it also puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The only item you should consume when wearing your aligners is water. Otherwise, you should take out your SureSmile.

Can You Get SureSmile After Braces?

This all depends on your specific needs. Traditional braces can correct more severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites than SureSmile can. If your teeth have grown crooked or misaligned years after you’ve completed treatment with braces, SureSmile is likely a viable option. During your consultation with us, we will discuss whether or not SureSmile is the best option to meet your needs.