In 1997, Invisalign changed the orthodontic world forever by developing the first mainstream clear aligner system. No longer did adults have to endure brackets and wires to get straighter teeth. Instead, they could complete their entire treatment without anyone knowing. It was truly revolutionary.
Today, Invisalign remains on the cutting edge of clear aligner therapy — but they’ve got some worthy competitors, like SureSmile. Though these two treatments might seem almost identical, they each have their own defining features. Let’s jump in and learn the key facts about SureSmile and Invisalign.
Table of Contents
Company Overviews
SureSmile isn’t a household name like Invisalign, but it’s one of the clear aligner giant’s top competitors. Yet lesser-known doesn’t mean lesser treatment. SureSmile can treat almost all classes of malocclusions while saving time and money for many patients.
SureSmile didn’t start making aligners until 2007 — roughly a decade after Invisalign — but the company itself launched in 1998. They started out making responsive archwires for lingual braces before expanding into clear aligners. Over the years, they’ve fine-tuned their products and planning software, allowing them to capture a significant share of the market.
Despite fierce competition from SureSmile and others, Invisalign remains the biggest name in clear aligners. That makes sense, given they were the only option for almost ten years. By the time SureSmile launched, Invisalign had already treated hundreds of thousands of patients. Today, they have more than 100,000 partner dentists and orthodontists in 90 countries and they’ve perfected over 15 million smiles.
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Scope of Treatment Comparison
SureSmile and Invisalign are two of the biggest names in clear aligner therapy. Combined, they’ve helped millions of adults improve their oral health and love their smiles. But for either system to help boost your confidence, they have to be able to treat your specific misalignment.
SureSmile Treatment Scope
Invisalign Treatment Scope
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components.
- Can move all the teeth, including the molars.
- Typically requires in-person check-ins every 4–10 weeks.
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components
- Can move all the teeth, including the molars
- Typically requires in-person check-ins every 4–10 weeks.
What SureSmile and Invisalign Treat
As full-scope in-office aligner systems, SureSmile and Invisalign address pretty much the same concerns. SureSmile is made by Dentsply Sirona, and they state their aligners correct class I, II, and III malocclusions. Among the issues they treat are:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Align Technology, makers of Invisalign, make similar claims, stating that their aligners have “demonstrated success in treating Class I, II, and III malocclusions,” including:
Both treatments’ versatility stems from their ability to incorporate attachments — which can improve their control and range of tooth movement. Plus, they can move all the teeth, including molars, and expand the arch, though skeletal expansion usually requires additional appliances. SureSmile also lets your doctor choose your aligner trim, and they may choose a straight cut, which some studies suggest can help improve an aligner’s force transfer.
What SureSmile and Invisalign Customers Say
SureSmile has a few patient testimonials on their website, plus some unsponsored video reviews on YouTube. Many of these reviews back up their claims.
Invisalign has corrected over 15 million misalignments, so they have plenty of customer reviews out there, including some that patients shared directly with us! Users report high success rates even with complex cases, and the patients who sent us their experiences gave Invisalign 4- and 5-star reviews pretty much across the board.
Clinical Oversight
SureSmile and Invisalign both require office visits, which allow doctors to apply attachments and spot small issues before they grow into big ones. In both cases, the frequency of visits will be based on the severity of your case and your dentist’s preferences. Severe misalignments may require monthly visits, while minor ones might only need check-ups every 10 weeks.
Quality of Materials
Attachments can increase aligners’ range of tooth movement, but most of their force comes from their shape, so materials play a significant role in treatment scope. SureSmile uses Essix ACE, a high-quality dental plastic that’s widely trusted for use in orthodontic aligners.
Invisalign uses a proprietary multilayer thermoplastic polyurethane/copolyester blend called SmartTrack. Studies have shown it to work well at making simple and complex tooth shifts.
Technology
Both SureSmile and Invisalign use software to scan your teeth, create 3D models of your dental arches, and simulate your treatment plan. Invisalign uses a proven 3D scanner system called iTero, paired with custom software called ClinCheck, which uses algorithms to model ideal movements for each tooth. iTero scanners and ClinCheck software both have long track records of success and pair specifically with Invisalign’s treatment.
SureSmile uses a similar software that lets your doctor customize everything from attachment placement to aligner cut. The company also includes a high-frequency vibration device called VPro with their treatments. VPro uses gentle micro-pulses to stimulate the bone structures in your mouth, and this study suggests that using it for just five minutes a day can encourage faster, more comfortable dental shifts.
Invisalign providers have the option of offering high-frequency devices as an add-on, but they don’t come standard with treatment.
Affordability Comparison
A straighter smile can improve your oral health and boost your confidence, but these benefits shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial wellbeing. In-person dental care and regular office visits aren’t cheap, so both of these treatments are often pricier than at-home aligner services. Although between them, SureSmile can be slightly more affordable.
SureSmile Affordability
Invisalign Affordability
- The cost varies, but most people will pay between $2,000 and $6,000.
- Aftercare retainers cost anywhere from $100-$500, depending on the dentist.
- Financing varies based on your doctor’s terms, may require a credit check or down payment.
- No set sticker price (depends on your dentist); the average cost is $3,000–$8,000.
- Aftercare retainers cost anywhere from $100–$500, depending on the dentist.
- Financing varies depending on the dentist, may require a credit check or down payment.
Sticker Price
In-office treatments rarely have a set sticker price. While both SureSmile and Invisalign charge dentists standard fees for their products, the dentist themselves set their own prices based on their overhead costs, the severity of your condition, etc. So each dentist will have a slightly different price.
However, SureSmile’s average price range is $2,000–$4,000 for their Select plan (where you pay per aligner) and $4,000–$6,000 for their Complete plan, which includes all the aligners you need for three years. Invisalign is slightly more expensive, with a range of $3,000 to $8,000, though most people will end up paying around $5,000.
If they are both in-office treatments and can correct the same conditions, why is SureSmile cheaper? It typically comes down to three factors:
- SureSmile lets dentists choose from many different 3D scanners, while Invisalign requires that their providers use the expensive iTero scanner.
- SureSmile has lower lab fees than Invisalign (though top Invisalign providers get significant discounts).
- SureSmile doesn’t have the same brand recognition as Invisalign. While this has no effect on quality, as with any product, providers often charge more for a bigger name.
Retainers
After you’ve put away your last aligner, you’ll need to maintain your new smile by wearing retainers, often for the rest of your life. Some dentists don’t include them in the price of your Invisalign or SureSmile treatment, so you’ll need to keep this expense in mind as you evaluate costs.
Dentists can offer several different types — clear retainers, Hawley retainers, bonded retainers, and more. Depending on which one you choose, you could end up paying $100 to $500.
What About Insurance?
One benefit of choosing an in-office treatment over an at-home aligner service is that you’re more likely to receive insurance coverage. Dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits typically cover at least part of SureSmile or Invisalign treatment, assuming your doctor is in network. Bring your insurance information to your consultation so the billing department can check your benefits. And don’t forget to verify if you can apply your FSA or HSA funds to treatment as well.
Financing Options
Both of these treatments cost thousands of dollars — and that’s more than most of us can afford to pay outright. Some doctor’s offices have interest-free, in-house payment plans, but others don’t offer any form of financing. If paying for treatment outright isn’t feasible for you, screen dentists for financing options before scheduling your initial consultation.
Convenience Comparison
Everyday life is a juggling act, balancing work, family, friends, chores, and (we hope) some self-care. When you get some rare free time, you don’t want to fill it with dental appointments and aligner care. Overall, SureSmile and Invisalign offer similar levels of convenience, with a few minor differences.
SureSmile Convenience
Invisalign Convenience
- You select a provider and they handle the entire start-up process.
- Most people need to visit their doctor around once every 4–10 weeks.
- Treatment typically takes about 6–18 months.
- There is no special nighttime-only system, though it is possible a doctor might provide an adjusted wear schedule.
- You’ll visit a dentist for X-rays and dental scans to get started.
- Requires office visits typically every 4–10 weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligner sets.
- Average treatment time is 12–18 months.
- Does not have a nighttime-only option, only the all-day, 22+ hour schedule.
Getting Started
SureSmile and Invisalign both have the same start-up process: you find a provider, schedule a consultation, then go in for an exam and diagnostic imaging. If you want to move forward, your doctor uploads the images and collaborates with the company to create your treatment plan.
The only real difference in convenience is how easy it is to find a provider. SureSmile has fewer providers than Invisalign, so in some areas of the United States, you might struggle to find one. However, major cities and even most suburban areas will still have multiple SureSmile providers.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Moving teeth involves loosening ligaments and remodeling bone, so it takes some time. And the more complex your case, the longer it takes. SureSmile says their treatment times range from six to 18 months, while Invisalign typically takes 12–18. SureSmile claims that using the VPro device can speed up treatment by up to 50%, and certain studies agree that devices like it may encourage faster tooth shifts. Of course, results vary depending on the patient.
Remember, though, that your timeline depends heavily on the severity of your condition. If you have a very mild misalignment, you’ll wrap up treatment much sooner than someone with a more severe case, no matter which route you take.
During SureSmile or Invisalign treatment, you’ll likely need to visit your dentist once every 4–12 weeks, but it depends on your case and your dentist’s preferences.
What About Nighttime-Only Treatment?
Clear aligners are pretty easy to use; you don’t need to alter your diet or relearn how to brush and floss. The trade-off is that you have to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything besides plain water, put them in their case, and clean the aligners (and your teeth) before putting them back in.
Certain aligner companies allow you to skip this hassle by wearing your aligners only at night — but not Invisalign and SureSmile. Your dentist might be willing to create a custom wear schedule, but you’ll most likely need to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours every day.
Appearance Comparison
Invisibility is initially what sent adults flocking to clear aligners, and it’s why appearance-conscious patients still love them today. But not all clear aligners look the same, and every person has their own aesthetic preferences. In our opinion, SureSmile and Invisalign both craft discreet, attractive aligners, but they each have their own defining characteristics.
SureSmile Appearance
Invisalign Appearance
- Uses textured, shiny plastic.
- Might use a scalloped or straight aligner cut, depending on your needs.
- Can incorporate attachments, but they make the aligners more noticeable.
- Uses a frosted, textured plastic.
- Scallops their aligners to match your gum line.
- Supplemental appliances, such as attachments or elastics, will make aligners more visible.
Aligner Material
Aligner plastic can be shiny or matte, with textured or smooth surfaces. Your teeth are porous, so we think matte and textured aligners often look more natural, while shiny, smooth plastic can seem slightly artificial.
SureSmile mixes the two: their plastic is shiny but also textured. While the shininess may be slightly reflective, some people like the gleam it gives their smile. We think Invisalign’s matte, textured plastic does a great job mimicking the surfaces of real teeth — but people who want a shiny smile might not appreciate that.
Aligner Cut
Scalloped aligners hide their edge in the gum line, keeping them discreet, while straight-cut aligners overlap the gum line, and we think that might make them easier to see. SureSmile gives each dentist control over the cut, so they’ll choose the one that best fits your specific needs. Invisalign only offers the scalloped cut, which helps their visibility live up to their name.
Supplemental Attachments
In-office treatments can achieve more complex dental shifts by using supplemental attachments, which leverage more force and give the aligners more control. However, they come with a downside: they’re often more visible than the aligners themselves. Both SureSmile and Invisalign use clear or tooth-colored attachments, and this helps minimize their visibility, but people might still notice them up close.
Patient Experience Comparison
At this point, you’re probably feeling like an expert on SureSmile and Invisalign. But while we’ve covered a lot of big, important concepts, a satisfying patient experience is built on the little details. From communication methods to oversight, we think the in-person care you’ll get with SureSmile and Invisalign is a more individualized experience than their at-home competitors provide.
SureSmile Patient Experience
Invisalign Patient Experience
- You’ll usually contact your dentist by phone, although some offices have other communication channels.
- Office visits allow your dentist to keep track of your progress and make adjustments.
- Refinements vary based on your plan, and refunds are between you and your dentist.
- You’ll typically contact your dentist’s office by phone.
- Office visits allow your dentist to keep track of your progress and make adjustments.
- Refunds and refinements depend on your dentist’s policies.
Communication Channels
Many people today aren’t fans of phone calls, yet calling in is the only way to contact most dental offices. You might find a dentist with a patient portal equipped for web chat and email, but whether you choose SureSmile and Invisalign, you’ll probably have just two options for contacting your doctor: making a call or scheduling an appointment.
Oversight
No treatment is perfect 100% of the time, so there’s always a small chance something can go wrong. Sometimes, the teeth, ligaments, and bones just don’t respond as planned, and in quite a few cases, user error throws things off track. Oversight helps to catch problems early and correct course before they get out of hand.
With both SureSmile and Invisalign, you’ll attend appointments every 4–10 weeks on average. Your dentist will lay out your appointment schedule based on your condition.
Refund & Warranty Policies
It is rare to reach the end of SureSmile or Invisalign treatment and be unhappy with the results. But what if you are among that small minority? You need to know that you have some recourse.
Both companies defer to your doctor’s policies. Most dentists want to ensure that you are happy with your new smile and will work with you to correct the issue, so most likely, you will be fine.
If you get SureSmile and your dentist chooses the Select plan, you may have to pay for more aligners. But if you choose the Complete plan, you can get all the aligners you need until your three years are up. The same is true with Invisalign. If you’re on their Express plan, refinements might cost extra. But if you get Invisalign Full, your refinements are included.
Which Should You Choose?
We think SureSmile and Invisalign are two excellent companies that deliver high-quality aligner treatment. Still, one will ultimately be the better fit for you. Choose your provider based on your unique combination of needs and goals.
Who Should Consider SureSmile?
Anyone who wants the same scope of treatment and personalized attention as you get from Invisalign, but at a slightly more affordable price.
Who Should Consider Invisalign?
People who need in-person treatment or want to work with the largest, most established clear aligner brand in the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with SureSmile or Invisalign?
You just find a provider near you and schedule an appointment. Then you show up, answer some questions, and let your doctor handle the rest.
How much do SureSmile and Invisalign cost?
Neither treatment has a set price. SureSmile’s average cost is around $4,000 and Invisalign’s is around $5,000. You could very well end up paying less or more based on numerous factors, including the severity of your misalignment, where you live, and how much your doctor charges for office visits.
What are SureSmile and Invisalign patients saying?
Patients are overwhelmingly happy with both treatments. SureSmile patients love the low price, quick treatment times, and greater control over their aligners. Invisalign patients love its availability, decades of experience, and amazing results.
How long do SureSmile and Invisalign take?
SureSmile takes 6–18 months for most patients, while Invisalign often takes 12–18 months.
Can I wear my aligners only at night?
Neither SureSmile nor Invisalign approve of nighttime-only treatment. Some doctors might make special wear schedules for certain patients, but many refuse since they feel it delivers subpar results.
Which conditions can SureSmile and Invisalign treat?
They can treat all classes of malocclusions, including those involving the molars and the jaw.
What clear aligner company has the broadest treatment scope?
SureSmile, ClearCorrect, 3M Clarity, and Invisalign represent the best of the best. If you need treatment for severe misalignments, these are the companies to consider.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo is the cheapest clear aligner company we’ve reviewed. They cost $995 for all-day aligners or $1,195 for nighttime-only treatment.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
If you have orthodontic benefits and select an in-network doctor, you should get at least partial coverage for in-office clear aligners. At-home options may or may not qualify for coverage.
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