SureSmile®

SureSmile is a technology driven orthodontic treatment system. It is an orthodontic system that makes tooth straightening with braces faster and easier compared to conventional orthodontic treatment.

SureSmile employs three key technologies for the orthodontist:

Three-dimensional intraoral scanning
Computerized treatment planning
Robotically engineered customized archwires

SureSmile treatment begins as it would in any orthodontic setting with the determination of treatment. This is usually started with an examination appointment to evaluate the need for treatment. If treatment is necessary, a second appointment is set up to take records (x-rays, photos, impressions). After Dr. Garlitz has examined the records, a consultation appointment is scheduled to discuss the treatment plan.

After the braces are placed the alignment phase of treatment begins. Dr. Garlitz refers to this as the “straight wire’ phase of treatment as the wires that he uses have no customized bends in them.

When Dr. Garlitz determines that the teeth are well enough aligned, the intraoral scan is performed. The scan uses a small stobe-like intraoral video camera that creates a very high resolution computer image of the patient’s teeth and surrounding oral structures. Think of it as a three-dimensional cat scan without the radiation. At the scanning appointment a complete set of records are taken with x-rays, photos and a new clinical examination. These records are instrumental in the final treatment plan that will be formulated.

The scan is then sent via the internet to the SureSmile center in Richardson, Texas for refinement. It will appear in Dr. Garlitz’s database as that patient’s therapeutic model within a week for him to examine and approve. After he approves the model he will begin his computerized treatment planning.

Dr. Gariltz will “virtually” position the patient’s teeth on the model as he designs the finished product for that patient. It will then be examined by his technician at the SureSmile digital lab for refinements. The model is then returned to him for any revisions that he may feel are necessary. Most of Dr. Garlitz’s cases are refined twice before they are accepted.

After the revisions are completed and the case is accepted by Dr. Garlitz, a set of wires is ordered for that case. This is the start of what Dr. Garlitz refers to as the SureSmile phase of therapeutics. These wires are bent robotically and are precise to the highest measurement of accuracy. The wires are made of a metal called copper-nickel-titanium and they are very flexible and resilient. The flexibility of the wires is important as it decreases the force that is placed on the teeth and thereby reduces the discomfort the patient experiences.

The wires are often referred to as "memory wires" because when they are distorted by placement in orthodontic brackets (braces), they return to their "programmed" position. This is one of the main factors in reduced treatment times as these wires are not bendable by the orthodontist. They must be heated to 700 degrees centigrade to bend them and this is accomplished by an electrical current in the robotic pliers used to bend these wires.

When placed in the patient, the "copper niti" wires keep a constant force on the teeth as they move, and this allows more complete movement of the teeth between orthodontic appointments. This is not attainable with conventional orthodontic wires made of stainless steel and titanium niobium. In most patients at least one revision of these wires is necessary to complete the case.

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To learn more, visit www.suresmile.com.