Are your teeth crooked? Maybe you have spaces between your teeth? What about your bite? Is it off so much that your jaw hurts? These are common orthodontic problems that dentists see every day. Luckily, living with them doesn’t have to be a reality thanks to the many safe and effective methods of treatment available today. But if you’re one of the many individuals who would prefer to keep the spotlight off your smile during treatment, you’ll be happy to learn that Legacy Trails Dental of Plano offers SureSmile aligners in Plano, TX. These are an alternative to traditional metal braces that gives you the care your smile needs without hindering your appearance in the process. To find out how you can start treatment, contact us today.
SureSmile clear aligners are very similar to Invisalign as they are made of clear plastic. The difference is that SureSmile uses advanced technology to produce a product that is custom-made and can have you seeing results in less time than Invisalign. The software used works to analyze your facial structure to ensure your aligners are comfortable and will move your smile in the right direction to achieve desired results.
You will first need to discuss with your dentist in Plano your goals and what you wish to change about your smile. After performing a thorough evaluation of your smile and dental x-rays, our team will determine if you are qualified to move forward with SureSmile aligners. If so, the following steps will be taken:
Once you receive your aligners, it will be necessary for you to wear them for 22 hours each day, for two to three weeks at a time. This timeline will be based specifically on your individual case. After that time, you will swap out your current set for the next in the series, at which time you will begin to see and feel your teeth shifting.
You will be expected to keep regularly scheduled dental visits with us toe receive additional trays and allow our dentists to monitor your progress. In less than a year, you should see a noticeable difference in your smile.
SureSmile in Plano is a great way to straighten teeth, but it does require a time and financial commitment. As a result, patients who choose this type of orthodontic treatment must undergo a thorough consultation to find out how much they can expect to pay for their aligners. During the visit, your dentist will compile the appropriate information to determine the expected cost as well as if dental insurance will help to cover any of the existing prices. No matter what is decided by your insurer, you can count on our team to help you maximize your available benefits while also providing helpful solutions to pay for treatment in other ways.
It is not until a dentist in Plano can evaluate your smile to consider the various factors before explaining your treatment plan and how much it will cost. A few of the most pivotal components include:
It is not uncommon for many people to fall victim to the likes of Smile Direct Club and other similar products. Not only do these solutions cost less than professional orthodontic treatment, but they allow you to complete care in the comfort of your own home.
However, there are several downsides to Smile Direct Club. Apart from the potentially harmful effects it can have on your oral health, it also:
When it comes to SureSmile, however, you can expect to be guided by your dentist from start to finish. There are no steps you need to take alone, and if a problem occurs, you can simply call our office and let us know. We’ll provide immediate care to help get your smile back on track.
Some dental insurance plans may offer coverage for orthodontic treatment; however, each plan is different, so you’ll need to check with your insurance company to find out what kind of coverage they offer if any. Many plans are now viewing clear aligners as a rightful alternative to traditional braces, but even if they do not agree to cover a portion of the cost of SureSmile in Plano, you can also use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover the cost.
When dental insurance is not an option, there’s no need to assume all hope is lost. Instead, you can enroll in CareCredit, which is a third-party financing company. By opting for one of their payment plans, you can stay on track toward better oral health without emptying your wallet to afford your newer, straighter, smile. If you have questions about your coverage or how to use CareCredit to pay for your SureSmile aligners, feel free to call our office.
When you first put your aligners on, you will feel some tightness. That’s because the aligners are designed to place just enough pressure on your teeth so that they begin to move. The good news is that this sensation is only temporary, and there are several ways you can alleviate it even sooner. The first is only taking out your trays when absolutely necessary (remember, the more you wear them, the quicker your teeth will adjust!). The second is sticking to soft foods, and the third is taking OTC pain medication as directed.
SureSmile aligners essentially look like clear molds of your teeth when they aren’t in your mouth. When you are wearing them, they will blend in seamlessly, ensuring no unwanted attention is drawn to your smile.
Note: If you don’t take good care of your aligners, they will begin to discolor and warp, negatively impacting their look and function. In other words, if you want to keep them in pristine condition, you need to adopt good habits, like rinsing them with clean, cool water each time you take them out.
Since the aligners are removable, you don’t have to change your diet with SureSmile! All you need to keep in mind is how what you eat impacts your oral health. After all, if a cavity or another oral health problem develops, it will negatively impact your teeth-straightening journey. The easiest way to prevent that from happening is by implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen and keeping foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum.
You can, but you need to take your aligners out first. We also recommend using a straw, using clean water to rinse your mouth afterward, and brushing your teeth about 20 minutes later. That way, you’re less likely to experience enamel erosion, dental discoloration, and the like.
Although SureSmile is incredibly versatile, it’s not for everyone. For example, patients with severe cases of malocclusion will need traditional braces – at least at first. This discreet orthodontic treatment also isn’t suitable for those with tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. If that ends up being the case for you, don’t worry – we can start the road to your dream smile with the necessary restorative care.
Your SureSmile treatment is actually just the first step in enjoying a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile for life. That’s because orthodontic relapse happens to upwards of 50% of patients, which is when teeth begin to drift back into their misaligned positions. We need to provide you with a retainer to help prevent that from happening. We will also provide you with instructions on how to take care of it, how often to wear it, and what to do if it breaks.