SureSmile® Clear Aligner Therapy: DS Signature Workflow Overview

Contents:

• Step 1: Assess and Diagnose
• Step 2: Treatment Planning and Case Acceptance
• Step 3: Initiate SureSmile Treatment
• Step 4: Monitoring and Support

SureSmile^® Clear Aligners by Dentsply Sirona are part of a complete clear aligner treatment system incorporating state-of-the-art methodology, advanced digital impression technology, and proprietary software to create a unique patient care experience for both general dentists and orthodontists.

SureSmile® Clear Aligners are made from a high-performance material that is both comfortable and virtually transparent. Patients appreciate that they can easily remove their aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing, making them a convenient and hygienic option for alternative orthodontic treatment. Thanks to predictable workflow systems and preplanned digital mapping, SureSmile® Clear Aligners providers can offer their patients predictable results, making it easier for both dentist and patient to track progress and achieve the desired outcome.

Step 1: Assess and Diagnose

During the initial consultation, dental providers will assess and diagnose their patients’ occlusion and take digital impressions of their teeth using an intra-oral scanner. The scan is then uploaded into the planning software to create a customised treatment plan. SureSmile^® software is also open source, so that any intra-oral scanner will work with the system.

Both the Dentsply Sirona Orthophos^® and Axeos^® imaging systems are compatible with SureSmile^® planning software, allowing providers to communicate records with the SureSmile^® Digital lab. Dentsply Sirona’s cloud-based system DS Core^® is also a benefit for dentists, as patient files can be easily accessed from anywhere.¹ This resource makes it easier for dentists to review treatment plans and make updates as needed through the cloud, even if they are not in the office. It also allows for seamless collaboration between dentists, as files can be easily shared and discussed among colleagues in addition to the SureSmile^® Digital Lab.

What Kind of Cases Can SureSmile^® Treat?

The SureSmile^® system is a versatile clear aligner treatment option appropriate for patients with permanent dentition and malocclusion correction needs, ranging from mild to complex cases. The system utilises advanced digital impression, and imaging technology and planning methodology to create a customised treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This means that even patients with complex orthodontic issues can benefit from SureSmile^® Clear Aligner treatment. 

Step 2: Treatment Planning and Case Acceptance

Patient education and engagement are key components of successful orthodontic treatment and case acceptance, even if it’s an elective procedure. During the initial consultation, be sure to discuss your patients’ individual goals and concerns and tailor the treatment plan to their unique needs. Once a treatment plan is created, the Dentsply Sirona SureSmile® software provides a virtual representation for your patient to preview their predicted treatment outcome. Being able to visualise and fully understand their treatment plan may aid in a higher rate of case acceptance, so that patients will proceed with a provider’s care recommendations. The goal is to provide patients with a positive and empowering orthodontic experience that leads to a healthier, more beautiful smile. With resources like SureSmile^® software, Primescan^®, Orthophos^®, or Axeos^® imaging, patients are empowered to make educated decisions and visualise what orthodontic treatment can do for them. This may aid in a higher case acceptance rate, especially given the integration with virtual treatment mapping software at the time of their care planning meeting. 

How Can I Communicate the Timeline to My Patient?

SureSmile^® treatment planning software and Digital Lab allow providers to create customised treatment plans for each patient, considering their unique functional needs, and smile goals. Providers can also show the patient the digital impressions from Primescan^® so they can have a clear view of the ways their teeth are out of alignment; these resources can help to provide patients with a more accurate estimate of the length of their treatment before committing to orthodontic therapy.

Of course, the length of SureSmile^® treatment will vary from one person to the next, depending on the complexity of their occlusal circumstances. However, using the latest technology and treatment planning tools, SureSmile^® Clear Aligner providers can give patients a clearer understanding of what to expect before treatment begins to ensure that their treatment progresses smoothly and efficiently.

Step 3: Initiate SureSmile® Clear Aligner Treatment

After case plan review and acceptance, the patient is ready to proceed with SureSmile^® Clear Aligner treatment. Their compliance is key to achieving the best possible outcome. Patients should wear their trays as prescribed by their dental providers, for up to 22 hours a day. Furthermore, dental providers should instruct patients to remove them only when eating, drinking anything except cool water, or brushing their teeth.

Regular check-ins and progress updates help to keep patients motivated and engaged in their treatment. Many dental providers choose to see their SureSmile^® aligner patients every six to eight weeks for a check-in and to deliver subsequent sets of aligners. During these appointments, the provider will assess the patient’s compliance and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan, if applicable. By staying closely involved with their patients throughout the course of their treatment, SureSmile^® providers can help to ensure that the treatment progresses smoothly and that the patient achieves an excellent outcome.

What About Refinements?

In a recent review, no refinements were required in three of four SureSmile^® Aligner cases.² This lack of refinements may help reduce chair time while delivering the results you and your patients expect. Implementing a strong patient compliance protocol and keeping the patient involved by sharing their progress map helps to encourage the best outcome in most cases.

What is SureSmile^® VPro™ and How Does it Help?

Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmile^® VPro™ vibration appliance is an innovative tool that can be used to enhance the efficacy of SureSmile® clear aligner treatment. The SureSmile® VPro^TM device uses high-frequency vibrations to assist with and accelerate tooth movement. By using the VPro ^TM appliance for just five minutes per day, patients can see up to a 50% reduction in treatment time.³⁴⁵⁶

In addition to its benefits for treatment efficiency, the SureSmile® VPro^TM appliance can also help to alleviate minor discomfort that patients may experience during orthodontic treatment. The gentle vibrations can help reduce discomfort that is common after switching to a new clear aligner during treatment.

By incorporating this innovative technology into their treatment plans, SureSmile® providers can help their patients achieve their desired beautiful, healthy smiles more quickly.

Step 4: Monitoring and Support

Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmile^® Aligner software makes it simple for providers to commit to providing patients with the support they need to maintain their beautiful, healthy smiles over a long period of time. Following completion of their SureSmile^® clear aligner treatment, patients have access to a range of post-care support options, including retainers, teeth whitening⁷, and imaging records.

Retainers are a critical part of any orthodontic treatment, and Dentsply Sirona offers custom clear retainers specifically designed for SureSmile^® patients. SureSmile^® retainers are also available for non-SureSmile^® patients so that everyone can benefit from the outstanding retention and stability that these devices provide.

Where Can SureSmile® Providers Receive Support During the Patient Care Process?

Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmileU onboarding and clinician education platform is an invaluable resource for both new and established SureSmile providers. This comprehensive system provides ongoing guidance and support for all aspects of SureSmile^® treatment, from case selection and diagnosis to treatment planning, monitoring, and follow-up care.

Through SureSmileU, providers have access to a wide range of resources and tools, including online courses, webinars, and in-person training sessions. Providers can also participate in peer-to-peer learning and discussion groups, where they can share their experiences and learn from others in the SureSmile^® community.

Aside from the SureSmile^® Clear Aligner Signature™ Workflow, Dentsply Sirona also offers an array of solutions which help clinicians meet all of their patients’ oral health needs. In particular, Dentsply Sirona’s solutions help clinicians notice and diagnose future oral health issues, after the completion of orthodontic clear aligner treatment.

For example, Orthophos^® imaging provides a comprehensive view of the patient’s teeth and surrounding structures, enabling dental providers with resources to monitor their patient’s ongoing oral health and ensure that any potential issues are caught early and treated effectively. DS Core^®’s accessible cloud-based platforms also allow providers to share records for case plan review, particularly when additional input is needed. With these post-care support options, Dentsply Sirona’s SureSmile^® patients can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile at the completion of their orthodontic therapy, and for years to come.