Since each person’s treatment plan is different, it’s hard to generalize how long your unique case may take. Treatment generally lasts anywhere from 6 to 18 months. What to expect:

• On average, plan on about 2-4 weeks from your initial scanning appointment to wearing your first aligners.
• Expect to wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, as prescribed by the treatment plan we create.
• We will schedule your office visits depending upon the complexity of your case. Quite often you can expect to visit every 3 months. You may schedule short dental visits approximately every four weeks to check progress and pick up the next two sets of aligners.
• When you start wearing each new set of aligners, you can experience a snugger fit for a few days, which is normal.
• Retainers will be prescribed once your treatment plan is complete.

Here’s some simple, easy-to-follow tips to best care for your aligners:

• Do not store aligners near a heat source such as warm stoves, hot dashboards, hair dryers/curling irons and anything hot in your mouth like hot water or soup. This may cause them to distort, resulting in improper fit in your mouth.
  • Use one case to store your “current stage” of aligners when they are not in your mouth. This can help you remember not to throw them away when you clear your lunch tray.
  • Use the other case to store your “backup” aligners. These are the previous set of aligners that you just finished wearing. If your “current stage” aligner is lost or broken, your doctor may recommend that you temporarily use your “backup” aligners while a replacement for the “current stage” is made.
  •  To keep aligners invisible and well fitting, avoid using toothpaste/toothbrush, mouthwash, scented or colored soaps, and hot water that can soften, deform, scratch and discolor them.
  • To safely and effectively clean, use Retainer Brite^® products on your SureSmile aligners, follow the specific instructions for use provided with each Retainer Brite product. Never put Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets or tablet solution in your mouth.
  • Always clean your aligners before each insertion. Be sure to choose the Retainer Brite^® cleaning method that fits your daily routine. SureSmile Aligners can be quickly cleaned while you shower, eat meals, or while you are out on-the-go.
  • Keep brushing and flossing your teeth per your normal routine.

Because each case is different–some patients require more or less treatment–the total cost of your new smile will depend on your treatment plan. We will discuss cost, insurance options and payment plans with you during your initial consultation appointment.

One of the benefits of the SureSmile Aligners, is that you do not have to adjust your diet. As long as you remove your aligners, you may continue to eat and drink as normal. When wearing your aligners, you cannot eat or drink anything other than plain water. This is to prevent food getting trapped beneath your aligners, and pigments to discolor your transparent aligners.

SureSmile Aligners are a popular treatment for many adults who wore braces when they were younger, but want to correct teeth that have shifted since their orthodontic treatment was completed.