Invisalign vs. SureSmile: Which Clear Aligner Should You Get?

Getting braces has become an important milestone in a person’s life. It’s an affordable, straightforward way to look better and feel more confident. While braces are commonly found in preteens and teens, adults of all ages are also flocking to this solution — especially when convenient solutions like invisible braces and clear aligners are available. 

Gone are the days of 24/7, super-visible braces. Clear aligner therapy is a discrete choice that makes it barely noticeable that a person is correcting their smile. Right now, the two main options for this option are Invisalign, which is the original clear aligner treatment that is more well-known, and SureSmile, a newer brand that is known as the more affordable clear aligner. 

So which one should you get? Is one brand superior to the other? Let’s find out.

Invisalign- How to straighten teeth fast

Invisalign aligners, which are created by Align Technology, became available to the public in 1997. It was a game-changer, expanding orthodontic care to patients who wanted a “barely noticeable” solution. It answered the burning question "how to straighten teeth fast". To this day, its central design is the foundation of all competing “invisible braces” variations.  

Invisalign is essentially a set of custom-made plastic aligners that fit around the top and bottom teeth. Over time, the aligners are changed to gently guide the teeth to their final position. The patient simply wears their current set until their teeth have reached the desired position and moves on to the next aligner. 

This option is popular because it’s far less visible than traditional metal brackets and can be taken out for meals. They are also easy to clean and promote good oral hygiene since food particles don’t get stuck around brackets.

SureSmile Invisible Braces

SureSmile is also known as “smart wires”. First, your teeth are scanned by its proprietary OraScanner® technology that analyzes the positioning of your teeth as well as other soft tissue. Then, SureSmile technology tells a robot to bend a shape memory alloy archwire according to your prescription. Or, you may get clear aligners if your needs are less complicated.

Unlike traditional braces, SureSmile custom wires are gentler and move your teeth more precisely to their final position. If your orthodontist recommends clear aligners instead, you can use SureSmile clear aligners just like Invisalign. After your teeth move to the final position for one set of aligners, your orthodontist will give you a new set to further progress your treatment. 

Are SureSmile and Invisalign the Same?

The short answer is no. Align Technology, which makes Invisalign, has been an authority in the orthodontic industry much longer than other companies like SureSmile. Having more experience in this field has granted them a powerful edge — they simply have had more time to develop great patented technology. Here are some other main differences:

• Unlimited Treatment Time: SureSmile offers unlimited aligners for 3 years of treatment. Meanwhile, Invisalign offers 5 years of unlimited aligners. If you need more than 3 years of treatment with SureSmile, you have to pay for a new treatment. 
• Cost: SureSmile does offer a competitively low cost treatment option, but this option doesn’t include unlimited aligners, which forces patients to pay out-of-pocket. This can lead to your orthodontist to cut corners if cost is an issue. So, is SureSmile cheaper than Invisalign? Yes, but it can involve some cut corners.
• Lab Fees: Overall, SureSmile lab fees cost less than Invisalign lab fees.
• Materials: Invisalign uses SmartTrack™, a comfortable, precise plastic that has predictable movement. SureSmile uses Essix ACE, which is not as precise as Invisalign’s material.
• Predictive Modeling Tech: SureSmile uses OraScanner® while Invisalign uses iTero digital scanning, which is both good at identifying your tooth alignment needs, but iTero has an advantage in terms of capabilities. 

SureSmile or Invisalign: Which Clear Aligner Is Best?

Overall, the Invisalign clear aligners have superior treatment plans, patented alignment materials, and predictive modeling technology. Though Invisalign costs more for the general treatment and lab fees, you get what you pay for. 

Interested in one of our services such as invisible aligners? Want answers to questions like "how much does Invisalign cost" and "is Invisalign the best clear aligner"? Then let’s get started.

Click below to schedule an appointment online. We accept most PPO plans and offer flexible payment solutions. We can't wait to meet you!