SureSmile® Clear Aligners are custom, nearly invisible trays that gradually straighten your teeth without metal brackets or wires. At Your Downtown Dentist, Dr. John Ferullo offers SureSmile clear aligners to patients in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, with every step planned and supervised in our office.
Have you been thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t love the idea of traditional braces? SureSmile uses digital treatment planning to build a plan around your smile, so you can straighten your teeth discreetly and keep your normal routine.
Straighten your smile. Keep your lifestyle.
SureSmile clear aligners are removable, transparent orthodontic trays that move your teeth into their planned positions a little at a time. Each series of aligners is made for your teeth using advanced digital treatment-planning software from Dentsply Sirona, the company behind the SureSmile system.
SureSmile is one of the treatment options within our orthodontic care in St. Petersburg. Unlike traditional braces, the aligners come out when you eat, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and keep brushing and flossing as usual.
SureSmile clear aligners can correct many common orthodontic concerns, from crowding to bite problems:
- Crowded teeth: teeth that overlap or don't have enough room.
- Gaps and spacing: unwanted spaces between teeth.
- Overbite: upper front teeth that overlap the lower teeth too much.
- Underbite: lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: upper and lower teeth that don't line up properly.
- Mild to moderate alignment concerns: teeth that are rotated or positioned unevenly.
Not every orthodontic condition can be corrected with clear aligners alone. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your teeth and bite and tell you whether SureSmile is the right choice for you.
SureSmile treatment follows five steps, from your first consultation to the retainer that protects your results.
Clear aligners work best when a dentist oversees the whole process. The American Dental Association reports that the FDA recently warned the public about unauthorized direct-to-consumer clear aligners, noting that clear aligners are prescription devices meant to be used under a licensed practitioner’s supervision.
With SureSmile at our office, a dentist examines your teeth, gums, and bite before treatment starts. We also see you in person during treatment, so small issues can be caught early instead of after your teeth have moved.
SureSmile and traditional braces can both straighten teeth effectively. The best choice depends on your orthodontic needs, preferences, and goals.
| Comparison | SureSmile Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Eating | Removable for meals | Fixed to teeth; some foods restricted |
| Cleaning | Easy access for brushing and flossing | Extra cleaning around brackets |
| Comfort | Smooth, custom-designed trays | Brackets and wires may irritate cheeks |
| Planning | Digital treatment planning | Planning varies by system |
| Your Role | Requires consistent daily wear | Works continuously while attached |
SureSmile and Invisalign are both dentist-prescribed clear aligner systems that use custom trays and digital planning. The bigger factor is usually the provider: a dentist who examines you, plans your case, and monitors your progress. We’ll explain which option suits your smile at your consultation.
At-home aligner kits are mailed to you, often with little or no in-person care. SureSmile treatment at Your Downtown Dentist begins with an exam and includes office visits throughout, so your dentist can confirm your teeth and gums are healthy enough for tooth movement.
SureSmile treatment can take several months for some patients and a year or longer for others, depending on how complex your case is. We’ll give you an estimated timeline after your digital scan.
For the best results, SureSmile aligners generally need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, or as directed by your dentist. Wearing them consistently is one of the most important factors in finishing on schedule.
The cost of SureSmile depends on the complexity of your case and the length of your treatment. We’ll review your personalized plan and its cost during your consultation, before you commit to anything.
To help fit treatment into your budget, we offer dental financing through Sunbit and CareCredit. Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, and our team can help you check your coverage.
Caring for Your Aligners
Clean aligners stay clearer and fresher. A few simple habits help:
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than cool water.
- Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
- Rinse and gently clean your aligners as directed.
- Store them in their case whenever they're out of your mouth.
Once your teeth are straight, many patients like to brighten their new smile with professional teeth whitening. Ask us about timing whitening with the end of your aligner treatment.
Your Downtown Dentist combines personalized care, modern technology, and a convenient downtown St. Petersburg location at 200 Central Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions About SureSmile
Are SureSmile aligners painful?
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
Can I eat and drink with my aligners?
Will SureSmile affect my speech?
How much does SureSmile cost?
Is SureSmile right for adults?
Will I need retainers after treatment?
Is SureSmile the same as Invisalign?
Does dental insurance cover SureSmile?
How do I clean my SureSmile aligners?
Can teens wear SureSmile aligners?
If you’ve always wanted straighter teeth, or you’ve noticed your smile shifting over time, SureSmile clear aligners may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Schedule your SureSmile consultation at Your Downtown Dentist in St. Petersburg, Florida, or call our office at 727-822-8101.
Call or text our office today.
Treatment suitability, duration, and results vary by patient. A clinical evaluation is needed to determine whether clear aligner therapy is right for you.
An Alternative to scary needlesand drills…
