Clear Braces – Shelton, CT
Clear, Affordable, and Fast Results
Whether you are suffering from crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, overcrowding, or spaces between teeth, you no longer need to assume the only viable method of treatment is metal braces. Dentistry and orthodontics have come a long way, allowing patients like yourself to enjoy high-quality solutions that produce faster and longer-lasting results. At the Dental Center of Huntington, Dr. Graber and his team are pleased to provide clear braces in Shelton to give you a more subtle and flexible form of treatment. Using the SureSmile® aligner system, you can feel more confident as your teeth move in the right direction. To learn more about this unique orthodontic solution, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Graber.
What Are SureSmile® Aligners?
SureSmile® aligners are a removable orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made, clear, plastic trays to shift and straighten smiles. Unlike traditional metal brackets and wires, SureSmile is more subtle and discreet, allowing you to improve your smile without compromising your daily appearance.
Considered to be highly versatile, they can address all types of dental problems, including:
- Overcrowding
- Spaces between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crooked teeth
SureSmile® aligners are made using Essix® plastic and are fabricated using 3D models of your smile. Not only will you receive aligners that are comfortable to wear, but they will fit and function in a way that addresses your individual problem areas, ensuring optimal results.
How are They Different from Invisalign?
You might assume that SureSmile® aligners are exactly the same as Invisalign. While the two are similar in their abilities to provide a more subtle and flexible solution for orthodontic treatment, they do vary in certain ways, such as:
- Invisalign is designed to correct minor orthodontic issues; however, SureSmile® can address even the most complex cases that would often result in a patient requiring metal brackets and wires.
- SureSmile® offers greater precision when it comes to realigning your smile because digital impressions are taken in-house using the SureSmile® imaging software.
- Invisalign typically requires attachments and/or buttons to ensure the aligners remain in place. SureSmile® requires fewer or no attachments, making them less visible to others and offers a more comfortable fit.
- SureSmile® aligners are capable of providing faster results than Invisalign, even in some cases taking as little as 8 months.
Who is a Candidate for SureSmile® Aligners?
If you suffer from overcrowding, gapped or crooked teeth, or a misaligned bite, SureSmile® aligners may be right for you. This unique orthodontic system can correct the most severe and complex cases, allowing you to avoid the reality many patients have faced when it comes to resorting to metal braces.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Graber, he will examine your smile and take a 3D impression of your teeth. After looking at the results, he will be able to determine if you are ineligible in any way. Luckily, for most patients, SureSmile® is a viable solution that produces outstanding results.
The 3D impression will allow Dr. Graber to better analyze your smile and formulate a treatment plan that is designed to improve and straighten your teeth. The unique software used creates a visual step-by-step representation of your smile as it moves throughout the treatment process, allowing you to see exactly how your teeth will shift over time until final results are achieved.
Understanding the Cost of SureSmile
Because SureSmile® aligners are much more affordable than other clear aligner systems, they are a more attractive option for most patients. During your consultation, we will be able to discuss specific numbers with you. We can also help you learn about your payment options, such as insurance and third-party financing.
Factors that Affect the Cost of SureSmile
The cost of SureSmile can vary based on a number of factors, including:
- The overall complexity and severity of your case. Severe cases of misalignment require more aligners and more time to correct. Naturally, they tend to incur higher fees.
- Your compliance with treatment. Missteps throughout your treatment period could cause delays and lead to slightly higher overall costs.
- Whether you are straightening one dental arch or both. Usually, straightening both the top and bottom teeth costs more than straightening just one or the other.
During your consultation, we will be able to provide a cost estimate for your unique case.
SureSmile vs. Mail-Order Clear Aligners: Which Costs More?
In recent years, mail-order clear aligner systems, sometimes called DIY aligners, have experienced a boom in popularity. They often come with an attractive price tag; they usually cost just $2,000 or so for start to finish treatment. SureSmile may cost significantly more than that.
Before you decide to go with the lower-priced option, though, consider what you are getting for your money. Mail-order systems do not give you the in-person support of a dental team that is invested in your treatment’s success. In many cases, they do not use state-of-the-art technology. Some patients have been highly dissatisfied with their results from mail-order aligner companies.
SureSmile, on the other hand, use top-tier technology and advanced materials. It has a reputation for consistently providing predictable, beautiful results. You also get to enjoy the personal support of a local team of experts. It is an excellent value!
Does Dental Insurance Cover SureSmile?
Dental insurance does not always cover orthodontic treatment. You will have to look at your policy to see if it applies. If it does have a provision for orthodontic treatment, it might cover around 50% of the cost of your SureSmile, up to the amount of your plan’s lifetime orthodontic maximum. Our team can help you with the process of filing your claims so you will pay as little out of pocket as possible.
Options for Making SureSmile Affordable
Beyond insurance, there are a few provisions that might make it easier to afford your SureSmile treatment:
- Our practice is partnered with CareCredit, a third-party lender that offers low-interest payment plans for dental services. The application process is fast, and if you are approved for financing, you may be able to choose a monthly installment amount that fits your budget.
- Your FSA or HSA. You may be able to use your healthcare savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for SureSmile.
Would you like to learn more about SureSmile and its cost? Our team is ready to guide you through the entire process. Get in touch today to book your consultation!
SureSmile FAQs
SureSmile in Shelton is a preferred orthodontic system because it is nearly invisible. Clear aligners are worn over your teeth to fix bite and alignment problems. It's commonl to have some concerns before you're ready to commit to SureSmile. Your dentist at the Dental Center of Huntington will explain everything during your consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about your smile.
Does SureSmile Hurt?
No orthodontic treatment is completely pain-free. It's normal to have some tenderness after first wearing your aligners or switching to the next set. SureSmile applies continual pressure to your teeth to move them gradually, which can make your mouth sore. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Your discomfort will decrease as you get used to wearing your aligners. They won't cause any irritation to your gums or the insides of your lips and cheeks because the aligners are smooth. Each aligner is custom-made, so you don’t have to worry about any slipping or irritation.
What Does SureSmile Look Like?
SureSmile is made from transparent plastic. You can see the aligners while holding them in your hand, but they are very difficult to notice when wearing them over your teeth. Your aligners can stay discreet with the correct care, like cleaning them after every meal using non-abrasive dental products. Don't have anything except water while wearing your aligners to prevent staining.
How Long Does SureSmile Take?
Every mouth and situation differs, but many patients are finished with their aligners in about 12 months. Your cosmetic dentist in Shelton will explain how long your treatment will take during your consultation. Many factors affect the duration of your treatment, like your age and the complexity of your case. You can ensure there aren't any delays in your journey to a straight smile by wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Switch to the next set in the series every 1 to 2 weeks, as instructed by your dentist. Maintain your follow-up appointments to ensure your treatment stays on track.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance for SureSmile?
Dental plans with orthodontic coverage can offset the cost of SureSmile. Your benefits may include several steps of your treatment plan, like your consultation, imaging, impressions, or preliminary procedures. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance will pay a set amount for your treatment, which typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your benefits to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. Our office has various financial solutions to keep a straight smile within everyone's budget, like third-party financing. You can make monthly installments with little or no interest in financing based on your credit approval.
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