Reveal a Straight, Healthy Smile with Comfortable and Discreet Clear Aligners
Many patients want to correct crooked teeth and bad bites (malocclusion) but don’t want to commit to years of treatment with metal braces. We understand! Traditional braces effectively align smiles but can make you self-conscious because of their conspicuous nature. Wilmington Smiles in Wilmington, North Carolina, has a discreet yet effective method to straighten teeth. Clear aligner therapy uses custom-designed, removable, metal-free aligners to perfect your smile conveniently, comfortably, and speedily.
What issues can clear aligners resolve?
If you have orthodontic issues, a straight smile is still possible without conventional braces. Clear aligners have undergone tremendous advancements to resolve numerous dental problems, including.
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Overlapping/crooked teeth
- Overbites
- Overjets
A healthier, beautiful smile is on the way, and you don’t have to have a mouthful of metal. The bracket-less aligner system resolves dental issues without anyone knowing you are undergoing orthodontic treatment except you and the dentist.

How clear aligners work
The treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Garrett to examine your teeth, bite, and oral health. When all is set, we use a digital scanner to create a 3D rendering of your mouth in minutes. Using these images, our partner lab will create customized aligners to move your teeth.
You must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours daily, only taking them out when eating or cleaning your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks before switching to the next in the sequence. You’ll schedule an appointment with us every six weeks or so to monitor your progress.
Clear braces perfect your smile after about 12-18 months, although milder cases only need a few months. After your treatment, we recommend wearing a retainer to keep your hard-earned results intact.

SureSmile FAQs
How Do SureSmile Clear Aligners Reposition My Teeth Into Their Correct Position and Alignment?
SureSmile clear aligners gradually shift teeth into proper alignment using controlled force. Customized for each patient in Wilmington, North Carolina, the aligners apply gentle pressure on specific teeth, encouraging them to move. Over time, patients progress through a series of aligners, each slightly adjusted to guide teeth closer to the desired position. SureSmile aligners, unlike traditional braces, are removable, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, they’re nearly invisible, providing a discreet orthodontic solution. Through consistent wear, typically 20-22 hours daily, SureSmile effectively corrects misalignments, creating a straighter, healthier smile.
Are SureSmile Aligners Really Invisible?
While SureSmile aligners are not entirely invisible, they are highly discreet. Made from transparent plastic, they blend with natural tooth color, making them barely noticeable when worn. In typical social interactions, they appear nearly invisible, especially compared to traditional braces. However, certain angles or lighting conditions might reveal their presence. Despite this, their subtle appearance offers users confidence and comfort in various settings. The discrete nature of SureSmile aligners is one of the primary reasons they are favored by individuals seeking orthodontic treatment without the aesthetic concerns associated with traditional braces.
Will SureSmile Impact My Ability To Brush and Floss My Teeth Properly?
Brushing and flossing with SureSmile aligners is simple. Remove the aligners before brushing your teeth, then clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Gently brush the aligners inside and out to remove any buildup. After cleaning the aligners, brush your teeth thoroughly, ensuring all surfaces are clean. Flossing is also crucial; remove the aligners and floss between teeth as usual. Remember to clean both your teeth and aligners before reinserting them. This routine, performed at least twice daily, maintains oral hygiene and prevents plaque buildup, ensuring optimal results throughout your SureSmile treatment.
Is SureSmile a Trusted Brand of Clear Aligner Therapy?
Yes, SureSmile is widely recognized as a trusted brand of clear aligners. Backed by decades of research and innovation, it has gained the confidence of patients and orthodontic professionals globally. Its effectiveness in treating various dental misalignments, coupled with the convenience of removable, nearly invisible aligners, has contributed to its reputation. Additionally, SureSmile’s customized treatment plans, tailored for individual needs, enhance its reliability. With millions of satisfied users and endorsements from dental professionals, SureSmile continues to be a preferred choice for achieving straighter, healthier smiles with minimal disruption to daily life.
Is It Possible To Get Other Dental Work Completed During My SureSmile Treatment?
Yes, undergoing other dental work during SureSmile treatment is often possible, but it depends on the specific procedure and your dentist’s recommendations. Routine dental work like cleanings, fillings, or minor adjustments typically poses no issue and can proceed as usual. However, major procedures may require adjustments to your treatment plan or temporary removal of aligners. Your dentist and orthodontist will coordinate to ensure additional dental work aligns with your SureSmile treatment goals. Communication between your dental care providers is essential to maintain your overall oral health and achieve the best outcomes.
If I Have Bruxism (Chronic Teeth Grinding), Can I Still Use SureSmile?
SureSmile can be suitable for individuals with bruxism, but precautions are necessary. Chronic teeth grinding may affect the aligners’ durability and fit, potentially compromising treatment effectiveness. Your dentist may recommend custom solutions like night guards to protect your teeth and aligners while sleeping. Additionally, frequent communication with your orthodontist is vital to monitor any impacts of bruxism on your treatment progress. Despite challenges, many bruxism patients successfully undergo SureSmile treatment with proper precautions and close supervision, achieving desired orthodontic outcomes while managing their teeth-grinding condition.
Does Dental Insurance Cover The Cost of SureSmile?
Dental insurance coverage for SureSmile varies widely depending on your plan. While some insurance policies provide partial coverage for orthodontic treatments, including SureSmile, others may not cover it at all. Typically, insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage apply it to children but may have limited benefits for adults. Additionally, coverage may depend on factors like medical necessity and the extent of treatment required. Reviewing your insurance policy and discussing coverage options with your provider or orthodontist to understand potential costs and reimbursement for SureSmile treatment is essential.
What are SureSmile clear aligners, and how do they work?
SureSmile clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth without needing metal braces. These aligners are made of transparent, BPA-free plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. They apply gentle, consistent pressure that gradually aligns your teeth. You’ll wear a series of aligners, each slightly different from the last, to guide your teeth step-by-step toward their ideal position. The aligners are custom-designed using digital impressions, which ensures precise movement and a comfortable fit throughout the process.
How is SureSmile different from other clear aligner brands?
SureSmile aligners stand out for their accuracy and efficiency. They use advanced software to create a detailed 3D model of your mouth and carefully plan your treatment. This technology allows your dentist at Wilmington Smiles to tailor your treatment plan to your exact smile goals, resulting in faster, more predictable outcomes. Unlike some over-the-counter aligners or mail-order options, SureSmile is supervised by a dental professional from start to finish, ensuring your teeth are moving safely and effectively.
Am I a good candidate for SureSmile aligners?
Most teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues are good candidates for SureSmile. This includes patients with crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth. It’s also a great option for patients who previously had braces but experienced shifting. During your consultation at Wilmington Smiles, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine if SureSmile is right for you. Patients with more complex cases may still benefit from other orthodontic solutions offered in the office.
Will people be able to tell I’m wearing SureSmile aligners?
One of the most attractive features of SureSmile aligners is their near invisibility. The clear plastic material is designed to be discreet, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. SureSmile is especially popular with adults and teens who want to straighten teeth without any awareness of their treatment. The aligners are also removable, allowing you to take them out for photos, special events, or important meetings.
How long does treatment with SureSmile typically take?
The total treatment time varies based on orthodontic needs, but many patients complete treatment in as little as 6 to 18 months. Factors like your case’s complexity, age, and how closely you follow your wear schedule can all affect the timeline. Patients are typically advised to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and switch to a new set every one to two weeks. Regular check-ins with your Wilmington Smiles dentist help keep everything on track.
What is the maintenance like for SureSmile aligners?
SureSmile aligners are easy to care for. Rinse them with cool water and clean them gently using a soft aligner or toothbrush cleaner to prevent buildup. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic. You should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, and brush your teeth before putting them back in to avoid staining and bacteria buildup.
Will SureSmile affect my speech or daily activities?
Most patients find that they adjust to speaking with aligners in just a few days. Because the aligners are slim and custom-fitted, they don’t interfere much with your daily routine. You can continue to eat the foods you love, play instruments, and stay active without worrying about brackets or wires. The flexibility and comfort of SureSmile make it a convenient choice for modern orthodontic treatment.

Benefits of the clear aligner system
Start off the journey to a better smile with clear aligners. With this revolutionary orthodontic system, you will:
- No longer suffer from the self-consciousness of a metal-mouth smile
- Eat whatever you like
- Remove your aligners conveniently when cleaning teeth
- Go about your daily activities without worrying about what others think of your smile
- Enjoy painless treatment
- Enjoy personalized treatment
Do you wish you had a straighter smile? Please dial (910) 208-6721 to schedule an appointment with Wilmington Smiles for clear aligners.