How Do SureSmile Aligners Work?

June 12, 2025 9:00 am

Smile aligners have quickly become a go-to option for straightening teeth—and it’s easy to see why. They’re clear, removable, and don’t come with wires or brackets. But how do they actually move your teeth?

Let’s take a closer look at how SureSmile clear aligners work and what you can expect if you’re thinking about starting treatment.

The Basics of SureSmile Aligners

SureSmile clear aligners are made using precise digital scans of your mouth. These scans allow Dr. Orme to create a detailed, personalized treatment plan. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually with every new tray.

On average, teeth move about 0.25 to 0.33 millimeters per week. That may sound tiny, but over time, those small movements lead to a big transformation.

You’ll wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day. Every one to two weeks, you’ll switch to the next set, continuing the step-by-step progress toward your straighter smile.

What They Can Fix

Aligners can treat a range of issues—like crowding, spacing, crossbites, underbites, and mild to moderate overbites. They’re not for every case, but they’re a good option for many adults and teens.

An orthodontic consultation with Dr. Orme will let you know if aligners are a match for your smile goals.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the biggest perks of SureSmile clear aligners is their barely-there appearance. Made from clear plastic, they’re designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them—unless you tell them.

Just be sure to clean them regularly. Plaque can build up and dull their transparency if you’re not careful. Rinse your aligners every time you take them out. Brush them gently at least once a day. Always store them in their case when not in use—pets and pockets aren’t safe spots!

SureSmile VPro

The SureSmile VPro is a small, handheld device that delivers gentle vibrations to help your aligners fit better. You use it just five minutes a day.

Those vibrations can improve comfort and help aligners seat more securely—potentially speeding up your treatment. It’s an easy add-on that Dr. Orme may recommend depending on your plan.

Clear Aligner Therapy at Southwest Dental Care in Jefferson City, MO

At Southwest Dental Care in Jefferson City, Dr. Thomas Orme helps patients decide if clear aligners are the right fit. Not every case is a perfect match—some teeth need more hands-on help. But for many adults and teens, aligners provide a simple, flexible way to get the smile they’ve been thinking about for years.

If you’ve been wondering what’s possible, we’re here to talk it through. Come in with questions, leave with answers—and maybe a plan that makes you smile.

Categorised in: Cosmetic Dentistry, SureSmile Clear Aligners

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