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April 26, 2019 - No Comments!

Pros and Cons of the Suresmile System

The technologies behind orthodontic treatment have witnessed dramatic changes in the past few decades. Even though metal braces have been used for an extended period of time with good results, they are not the only option anymore. One of the biggest changes in orthodontic treatment has been the influx of new software and 3D modelling that is helping professionals to plan their treatments more effectively than ever before. The SureSmile system is one such new technology.

How does SureSmile work?

The SureSmile system allows orthodontists to see a three dimensional map of the teeth and their positions in the jaw. By using such an accurate system, this allows them to plan out in advance how the teeth will be moved and in what way.

In practical terms, this means that arch wires can be formed that are customised to each and every patient. When they need modifications and tweaking, they follow the blueprint that has already been planned out with the help of the data gathered by the software and the scanning device.

Of course as with any new technology there are going to be benefits and drawbacks, and it’s wise to be aware of them before going ahead with treatment. This knowledge should inform any decision on treatment.

What are the advantages of using the SureSmile system?

There are a number of pros to using this system, including:

  • Comfort

Most of us know that regular metal braces using the old system can be pretty uncomfortable. When SureSmile is used to inform the shape of the arch wires, many patients report that they feel more comfortable.

  • There are no impressions:

Before regular braces are fitted, a mould of the patient’s teeth needs to be taken. This involves the insertion of a paste that has the consistency of children's play-dough. Lots of people dislike the feeling of it being inside their mouth and SureSmile technology means no yucky past for impressions.

  • A plan in place

Because the SureSmile system plans how teeth will move and their final desired position, it’s possible to see a preview of what the final smile will be like. It may seem like a gimmick, but many patients appreciate the level of detail and the fact that the entire plan has been tailored just for them. In fact, many people appreciate that they know exactly what to expect from the treatment and this gives them an increased level of confidence.

  • Time factors

In general, using SureSmile reduces the treatment time by up to a third. What this means in practical terms is that patients have a good idea of when the arch wires will be removed, what the results will be like, and how long the treatment will last for. It also means that when compared with regular braces, SureSmile often reduces treatment time by between 6 and 8 months.

  • Appointments

Due to the accuracy of SureSmile technology, fewer appointments with the Orthodontist are needed. For many patients who really don’t like having to travel or make monthly appointments, this will be a great relief.

Rather than reinvent the hardware itself, SureSmile technology offers advanced levels of treatment through accurate gathering of data. A three dimensional map of the teeth and their positions provides an orthodontist with everything they need in order to plan out a more effective treatment and create effective arch wires.

In this context, the movement path of all teeth is optimised so that the treatment is generally shorter and more comfortable. These are distinct advantages if the technology worth considering.

Are there any disadvantages of the SureSmile system?

Due to the advanced technology, opting for Suresmile technology may in fact be more expensive.  This must be carefully weighed against the pros, such as shorter treatment time. If budget is your main concern, this is certainly something to seriously consider.

Fundamentally, using SureSmile technology addresses many of the major issues that we have had with older technology. It may be a significant time investment for any orthodontist to learn the way that it works and how it can be used, but once this time investment has been made the advantages certainly outweigh any disadvantages.

Of course, SureSmile is only as good as the orthodontic practitioner. And in this sense it is not an automated process. The technology merely provides the orthodontist with more information and more tools. The way that this information is used defines how successful any individual SureSmile-based treatment will be. By choosing the right specialist orthodontist, you can be confident in your treatment process.

The Future is Digital

We are moving towards an increasingly digital future where Artificial Intelligence and automated systems are doing more and more work for us. Orthodontic technology has made a big leap in this area too. SureSmile technology offers a wide range of benefits that many patients find appealing.

Where traditional methods of moving teeth involve educated trial and error adjustments over a period of time, SureSmile offers more accuracy. The three dimensional modelling simply utilises advanced computer simulation.

Is it Right for You?

As to whether the SureSmile system is the right option for you, this is truly a subjective decision. Not all practices have the technology available.  It’s a good idea to consider things like costs, treatment time, and comfort too. Alternative treatments options are possible if some of the benefits of SureSmile are not as big a concern.  It could be worth considering a different direction...

Ultimately, your teeth are your own and we’d certainly never make wide-reaching presumptions here at Profile Orthodontics. What we do advise is that you make an appointment to sit down and talk to us about your expectations. We can then discuss treatment options and what might work best. Indeed, this is the best way to approach any serious treatment and it’s something that we sincerely believe in.

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April 19, 2019 - No Comments!

How Suresmile Works And Why You Need To Care

Have you ever wanted a better smile, but didn't want to wait for years while you wear traditional braces? Then you need to learn how Suresmile works.

Why should you want to know about Suresmile? How about less pain, less time and a better smile? And that's just the start.

Of course, we know you don't want to just jump in. You want to know how the process works first and we're here to explain it.

A Deceptive Look

At first, you might not think Suresmile is much different. After all, it'll still look similar to the traditional braces your friends might have. However, looks can be deceiving. Despite a similar look, they function quite differently to achieve a straighter smile in less time.

The Initial Scan

The innovative Suresmile technology starts with an initial scan. This is the first of three main steps towards getting you fitted with Suresmile braces. Unlike traditional braces that rely on two-dimensional technology, Suresmile starts with a three-dimensional scan to give your orthodontist a much clearer view of your teeth, bone structure, nerves, tissue and more.

By getting a more in-depth scan, you get a more customised fit, which makes them not only more comfortable, but more effective.

A cone beam computed tomography or a white light scanner is used to create the scan. Once this scan is complete, you're ready to move on to the next step.

A Look At Your Perfect Smile

Thanks to the 3D model created from your scan, your orthodontist is able to get a clear picture of how your smile can and should look. Suresmile technology doesn't stop at scans. Instead, the virtual simulation software allows your orthodontist to see your teeth from every angle to determine the best possible positioning.

Getting a more in-depth view through the simulation allows your orthodontist to optimise your treatment, which leads to a better smile faster.

The best part - you get to see what the final outcome will be before you ever get fitted with Suresmile braces or Suresmile aligners. Now, you don't have to wait for months or years to see what your dream smile might look like. You'll already know and just get to sit back and wait for the results - after you get the braces off, that is.

During this phase, your orthodontist creates a personalised treatment plan for you. Every single tooth is taken into account for optimal accuracy.

Robotic Precision

Obviously, a plan is great, but you need the actual braces. How Suresmile works so effectively is by using a robot to bend and form the CopperNi-Ti wires, which are heated to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, to match your personlised treatment plan exactly. Since the robot follows the designed plan, you don't have to worry about human error.

Do you have any smart gadgets in your home? If you choose Suresmile, you'll also have a smarter smile. The wire technology is so advanced that the wires are actually called smart wires. This allows for an unparalleled level of accuracy.

The wires are placed into a custom-made mold. They're designed to work with the heat of your mouth to straighten your teeth faster.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

You've probably heard about all the orthodontist visits necessary with traditional braces. This is because they have to be constantly adjusted to fit with your changing mouth. Until the last decade, it was a one-size-fits-all approach.

While it was effective, one size doesn't fit all. This just meant far more work to achieve the same, or sometimes not as good, results.

Thanks to the patented archwires with Suresmile, you get a customised fit from the start. This means far fewer visits and manual adjustments, which can sometimes lead to a sore mouth.

Thanks to how Suresmile works, periodic adjustments via the Suresmile software and smart wires are all that's necessary to achieve a beautiful new smile.

Less Time In Braces

All of this might sound good, but there's probably one major question you have - how long do you have to wear them? We've talked about getting a smile in less time and that's absolutely true.

In a clinical study, patients wore their Suresmile braces seven months less on average than those with conventional braces. While this is just an average, it proves that you could go from the expectation of wearing your braces for at least two years to around 18 months or less.

This works especially well if you're wanting to straighten your teeth for a special occasion, such as a wedding or graduation.

How Suresmile Works For Most Cases

While every person is different, the advanced approach to how Suresmile works makes them an ideal choice for most people. Crooked teeth, misalignment and overcrowding are all areas Suresmile handles effectively.

From minor to moderate corrections, Suresmile has you covered. For major corrections, another approach may be necessary, but we'll be able to tell you if you're a candidate or not after a quick visit.

Proven Over Time

Suresmile isn't a brand new treatment option, even if some orthodontists still don't offer it. Yes, the traditional approach is tried and true. Wires and brackets are manually positioned and adjusted to give you your best smile.

However, manual means there is more room for human error. Suresmile technology has proven to be an effective option over the last decade.

Instead of having to worry about frequent visits, manual adjustments and longer wear time, you get to avoid all of that. This has proven to be a superior alternative to traditional braces that doesn't sacrifice quality.

Considering The Alternative

While Suresmile might sound more like something out of a science fiction movie, your mouth, smile and confidence might just thank you for letting robots craft your braces for you.

Plus, you get to show off those smart wires to all your friends and family. How often do you see people actually wanting to show off their braces? It's a win-win.

If you have questions, we're happy to further explain how Suresmile works. If you're ready for the smile of your dreams in less time, contact our office today to see how the Suresmile alternative to traditional braces could be the right choice for you.

 

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April 12, 2019 - No Comments!

The Difference Between Single Arch and Dual Arch Wire Braces

Have you ever wondered how metal braces actually work? It's common understanding that braces move teeth by applying pressure. But what does that really involve and what do arch wires have to do with it? What are the elastics for and why do people with braces need to wear them? What is the difference between single arch wire and dual arch wire braces?

The Role of the Arch Wire

If you or someone you know already has metal braces, you’ve probably noticed that there are a few components to them: the brackets that are glued to the teeth, the arch wires that run through the teeth, and the elastics that need to be changed regularly.

When it comes to the job of moving teeth, closing gaps, and fixing crooked teeth, it’s the arch wires that do the bulk of the work in conjunction with the elastics. The brackets merely hold the arch wires in place and allow them to do their job. So what really happens?

The arch wire applies constant pressure to the teeth in order to move them and straighten them out. The elastics supply the tension. And the brackets just hold it all in place.

Often, the arch wire will be bent at various points along its length. This is intended to apply more or less pressure to certain teeth. For example, if a single tooth sticks out more than the others, it may need extra pressure applied to it, and so the wire is bent inwards to apply additional pressure.

SureSmile technology makes this whole process easier and faster because it provides the orthodontist with an accurate 3D model of the teeth so that the arch wires can be bent into a shape that will move the teeth more efficiently into a final position.

The Importance of Constant Pressure

The process of moving teeth, correcting jaw alignment, and fixing crooked teeth is called remodelling. As the arch wires apply direct pressure to the teeth, bone cells form and disappear around the root of the tooth and it is moved little by little.

If you’ve ever wondered why your orthodontist makes it very clear that it’s very important to wear your Invisalign aligners and keep your elastics in, it’s because the more that the pressure is applied, the more effectively and efficiently the teeth are moved.

What are Arch Wires Made from?

Did you know that in the early days of orthodontic practice, arch wires could be made from gold, platinum, or silver? It seems strange to thing about people wearing gold braces, but these noble metals were once considered superior because of their resistance to corrosion and their durability.

These days, arch wires for braces are generally made from stainless steel, although they can also be made from nickel-titanium and beta-titanium. In all cases, the arch wires present a mix of tensile strength, high ductility, anti-corrosion, and durability.

The arch wires themselves need to have certain features in order to be useful in orthodontics. For example, if the wire is made of an alloy that is too soft, it is more likely to move out of shape and apply uneven pressure. Similarly, if a wire is too stiff, it’s a lot harder to bend it into shape. In both instances, the incorrect pressure places on the teeth could cause negative effects.

There have been quite a few advances in metallurgy over the decades, and this has all contributed to better, stronger, and more durable arch wires in modern orthodontic practice. This also means that modern braces are more efficient and effective than ever before.

Single and Dual Arch Wire Braces

You might have seen people around with braces only on the top or bottom row of teeth. This is called single arch wire braces. Sometimes, a single arch wire can be put in place to correct certain issues. For example, when the bottom row of teeth are straight and a person is happy with them. However, the top row presents with significant overbite and gaps. In this case, a set of single arch wire braces on the top row only may be required.

Dual arch wire braces are what most people are used to seeing. This is where the arch wires and brackets are on the top and bottom rows of teeth. In either case, the braces are just as effective and are used to correct certain specific issues.

Factors that Influence Orthodontic Treatment

The jaw and the teeth form a complex arrangement and it’s important that any orthodontic treatment takes all of these factors into account. For example, as we age our bites become deeper and our front teeth change position to overlap a bit more. This will influence what kind of orthodontic treatment is required. And whether single or dual wire arch braces are going to be more effective.

What Treatment is Right for You?

Whether single or dual arch wire braces, your best guide is always your orthodontist. You may have the option to take advantage of technologies like SureSmile. This results in arch wires that can move teeth into a final position more efficiently and effectively.

Even if you opt for another treatment, such as Invisalign, modern orthodontics is very effective. Book a consultation with Profile Orthodontics to discuss the best treatment to suit you and your lifestyle.

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April 5, 2019 - No Comments!

Should you Consider SureSmile Reviews? 

Digital imaging technology has truly revolutionised orthodontics. In days gone by, an orthodontist would need to use their best judgement to create a set of braces that would move a patient’s teeth in an efficient way. Now, technologies like SureSmile provide a highly accurate and fast way of doing the same thing.

What is SureSmile?

SureSmile is a digital imaging and software technology that makes creating your perfect smile is much easier. In this process, an accurate digital image of a patient’s teeth is taken. This data is then fed to software that creates  a CAD-CAM of that patient. The orthodontist works with this virtual image and creates the optimal smile for the patient.

Once this is done, special arch-wires can be created that allow for a more efficient movement of teeth. The accurate imaging process and virtual smile creation process ensures higher levels of accuracy and provides the orthodontist with more control.

Profile Orthodontics was one of the first practices in Australia to commence using this technology 10 years ago.  Our team is well experienced in creating your optimal smile.

What do People Say about SureSmile?

If you’re seriously considering choosing an orthodontist who uses SureSmile technology, you might be wondering what other people have to say about it. It's a good idea to read through some SureSmile reviews in this case. Here are some of the advantages that some SureSmile patients have been talking about:

  • Virtual planning: Using a CAD-CAM program the Orthodontist has complete control over the movement of all of your teeth with finite accuracy. You will be able to see the end result before you have finished treatment.
  • More Accurate: SureSmile arch wires have a custom bend for every tooth that needs to be moved into a final position. This lowers your risk while in treatment. What patients generally find is that the SureSmile arch wires produce a better result in a faster time. In fact, some people are quite amazed at how quickly their teeth begin to line up properly.

Should you consider SureSmile Reviews? 

SureSmile technology is aimed at creating better results faster for patients. If you’re thinking about SureSmile it’s certainly worth reading SureSmile reviews and testimonials so that you have a better idea of what it can offer. Or, book a consultation with Profile Orthodontics & allow us to explain in more detail how SureSmile might work for you.