While Sure Smile and braces both straighten teeth and correct bites, there are a number of differences between these two orthodontic treatments. If you’re trying to choose which is best for you, one factor you might be wondering about is whether braces or Sure Smile is faster. Here’s what you need to know.
Which Is Faster, Sure Smile or Braces?
Because each patient has their own unique orthodontic needs, it's difficult to say whether Sure Smile or braces will be faster without an in-person consultation. Sure Smile aligners are often equivalent to braces in terms of treatment time needed, but it's important to note that Sure Smile aligners only work when you wear them, whereas braces are at work straightening your teeth 24/7 because the brackets are cemented to your teeth and can’t be removed. It’s common for patients to need a longer Sure Smile treatment time if they take their aligners out often and leave them out for extended periods of time.
Sure Smile will save you time in other ways, though. Many adult patients prefer Sure Smile because it requires fewer office visits. Instead of having to rearrange your schedule to see us every 4 weeks, you’ll only need to make follow-up appointments every 6 weeks because you’ll be able to switch to the next set of aligners at home as your treatment progresses.
Another time-saving benefit of Sure Smile is that there are no orthodontic emergencies. With braces, brackets can break off, wires can move, and you’ll need to schedule an appointment to have these issues fixed so they don’t interfere with your treatment time.
Sure Smile vs. Braces: Other Factors to Consider
Treatment time shouldn’t be your only consideration when it comes to choosing Sure Smile or braces. Here are some other factors to keep in mind:
Appearance
Patients prefer Sure Smile to traditional metal braces for a variety of reasons, with the most common being their discreet appearance. Braces are obvious and can't be taken off. Sure Smile aligners are nearly invisible and can be taken out at any time.
Cost
Sure Smile is usually comparable in cost to traditional braces. Most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics will cover both choices, although you may have to pay the difference between aligners and metal braces if you choose Sure Smile. This difference can be paid for using savings from a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA).
Results
Both Sure Smile and traditional metal braces are effective in straightening teeth and improving bites. There are some situations, though, when braces are the best solution. For especially complex orthodontic cases, traditional braces are still the treatment of choice.
Convenience
Many people prefer Sure Smile to braces because aligners are more convenient. Aligners can be taken out, allowing you to eat whatever you like and brush and floss your teeth as usual, which makes good oral hygiene practices easier to maintain.
Learn More About Sure Smile
To learn more about Sure Smile, contact us today at 310-530-9893 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.