What Affects the Timeline of SureSmile® Treatment?

In general, the average timeline for SureSmile® treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, it’s important to remember that each patient is different. Some individuals may only have minor issues to correct while it may be more extensive for others. To get an accurate estimate for your clear aligner therapy, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with our Holly, MI, SureSmile dentist.

SureSmile Treatment Dentist Holly MI

In the meantime, here are 3 factors that may affect the length of time you have to wear SureSmile aligners.

1. How Often You Wear Your Aligners

SureSmile clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional metal braces. Not only are these clear aligner trays discreet, but they can help you feel more confident while receiving orthodontic care. However, since SureSmile aligners are removable, you’ll be responsible for wearing them and following our instructions.

If you choose clear aligner treatment, you’ll need to commit to wearing your custom trays at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule and you’ll fall behind on your treatment plan. You’ll also need to practice good oral hygiene to avoid staining your clear orthodontic aligners and developing oral health issues, such as tooth decay.

2. Your Age at the Time of Treatment

In general, it’s easier to move your teeth and jaws into optimal alignment while you’re still growing. Once you become an adult, you’ll also gain bone density which makes teeth more difficult to move. While you can receive orthodontic treatment at any age, SureSmile for adults may take slightly longer than it would for younger patients. 

For complex cases, we often recommend that our pediatric patients receive Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment. During Phase 1 treatment, we’re able to correct orthodontic issues early while the patient is between the ages of 6 and 9. This makes it easier for the patient to achieve a healthier, more attractive smile once they’re ready for Phase 2.

By moving the baby teeth into their proper positions during Phase 1, we’re able to create space for the permanent teeth to emerge without crowding. Phase 2 treatment begins once the patient has all their permanent adult teeth.

In general, we don’t recommend SureSmile aligners for children. This is because they lack the willpower to consistently wear their aligners for the required amount of time every day. However, we may recommend SureSmile treatment for teens regardless of whether they received two-phase orthodontic treatment or not.

3. Severity of Orthodontic Issues

During your consultation, our local SureSmile dentist will evaluate the current health and condition of your smile. Dr. Bandy will also determine the extent of your orthodontic issues. With this information, he’ll be able to estimate how long you’ll need to wear SureSmile dental aligners.

Examples of common concerns treated include:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps 
  • Crooked teeth 
  • Overbites 
  • Underbites 
  • Open bites 
  • Crossbites

The more complex the issue, the longer it’ll take to treat it. If you have a couple of crooked teeth that only affect the aesthetic of your smile, you may not need to wear SureSmile aligners for long. In comparison, someone with severely crowded teeth and an overbite will most likely spend more time wearing aligners.

Request a SureSmile Consultation

Dr. David Bandy is a SureSmile dentist in Holly, MI. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you achieve your dream smile. To schedule a SureSmile consultation, please call Bandy Dental at (248) 634-9251. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.

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