When selecting a clear aligner system, understanding the strengths and challenges of each brand is crucial. Both SureSmile and Invisalign are popular choices for general practitioners (GPs) and orthodontists. While Invisalign has established itself as a market leader, SureSmile offers unique advantages that make it a worthy contender. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision for your practice.
1. Brand Recognition
Invisalign
Advantage: Invisalign is the most recognized brand in clear aligners, with robust marketing campaigns targeting both patients and dentists. This recognition can make it easier to communicate treatment options to patients.
Disadvantage: The reliance on branding means higher costs, which may not necessarily reflect better clinical outcomes.
SureSmile
Advantage: Supported by Dentsply Sirona, SureSmile benefits from its association with one of the largest and most reputable dental companies globally. While it lacks Invisalign’s consumer visibility, it integrates seamlessly into Dentsply Sirona’s digital workflows, which many practices already use.
Disadvantage: Limited brand recognition requires educating patients about the system and its benefits.
2. Software and Workflow
Invisalign
Advantage: Invisalign’s ClinCheck® software is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that simplifies treatment planning. It uses AI to generate initial treatment plans, which dentists can easily modify.
Disadvantage: The system is restrictive, as it works best with Invisalign’s proprietary iTero scanner, locking practices into their ecosystem. Practices with other scanners face additional hurdles or need to rely on PVS impressions.
SureSmile
Advantage: SureSmile is highly flexible, accepting STL files from any intraoral scanner. Its integration with Dentsply Sirona scanners like Primescan ensures a smooth workflow for existing users.
Disadvantage: While the software offers powerful features, it has a steep learning curve, slower load times, and a less intuitive interface. Treatment planning can take significantly longer compared to Invisalign, but the added flexibility can benefit advanced cases.
3. Predictability of Treatment
Invisalign
Advantage: Invisalign’s protocols are optimized for efficient workflows, but predictability relies entirely on the dentist's ability to plan and sequence the case appropriately. The aligners themselves and their AI-driven ClinCheck cannot inherently ensure predictable outcomes.
Disadvantage: Movements such as crown-first sequencing (common in Invisalign setups) are faster but biologically suboptimal, increasing the risk of complications.
SureSmile
Advantage: SureSmile’s aligners use a stiffer Essix Ace material, which, combined with the option for a straight trimline, can enhance root movement predictability when the treatment is planned correctly. SureSmile also employs more conservative movement protocols, often reducing the need for refinements.
Disadvantage: The slower, conservative approach may initially appear to extend treatment times, but it often results in fewer aligner adjustments and shorter overall chair time.
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4. Patient Experience
Invisalign
Advantage: Invisalign offers a premium experience with sleek aligner packaging, a polished brand image, and scalloped trimlines that make aligners easy for patients to wear and remove.
Disadvantage: The need for templates to reapply attachments can be frustrating and time-consuming if attachments fall off mid-treatment.
SureSmile
Advantage: SureSmile aligners allow customization with either a straight or scalloped trimline. This flexibility lets dentists tailor the aligners to specific cases, enhancing clinical outcomes and patient comfort. Attachments can be rebonded using the aligner itself, saving chair time.
Disadvantage: The packaging and overall presentation feel less polished compared to Invisalign, which may impact patient perception of quality.
5. Cost and Accessibility
Invisalign
Advantage: Invisalign has an extensive discount system for high-volume practices, which can make the system more affordable for frequent users.
Disadvantage: Certification fees, proprietary software costs, and restrictions on scanner compatibility make Invisalign an expensive choice, especially for practices just starting with aligners.
SureSmile
Advantage: SureSmile does not require certification, making it more accessible for practices. Its compatibility with any scanner exporting STL files eliminates the need for proprietary equipment, reducing entry barriers. Discounts are available, especially for Dentsply Sirona customers.
Disadvantage: Pricing is comparable to Invisalign, but discounts are less transparent and more dependent on local sales agreements.
6. Reliability and Support
Invisalign
Advantage: Invisalign has robust production facilities and reliable delivery times, ensuring consistent aligner quality. Clinical support focuses on helping practices understand the software and troubleshoot issues.
Disadvantage: Customer service has faced criticism over the years, and clinical support does not assist with treatment planning, leaving dentists to rely on external resources for complex cases.
SureSmile
Advantage: SureSmile benefits from Dentsply Sirona’s extensive resources and commitment to quality. Its customer service is responsive, and the platform allows for detailed customization of treatment plans.
Disadvantage: Clinical support is still developing in many regions, and dentists must invest time to master the software’s advanced features for optimal results.
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SureSmile vs. Invisalign - Key Takeaways
Feature | Invisalign | SureSmile |
Brand Recognition | Most well-known among patients | Growing, backed by Dentsply Sirona |
Software | Intuitive and fast | Flexible but less user-friendly |
Predictability | Dentist-dependent, crown-first | Enhanced with stiffer material, straight trimline |
Patient Experience | Polished and premium | Functional, with customizable options |
Cost | Expensive but with loyalty rewards | Accessible, scanner-agnostic pricing |
Reliability | Consistently high-quality aligners | Backed by Dentsply Sirona’s reputation |
Final Thoughts
When choosing between SureSmile vs. Invisalign, the decision often comes down to the software, material properties, and the aligner company’s ability to deliver consistently high-quality products. While Invisalign offers an easier entry point and unparalleled brand recognition, SureSmile provides greater flexibility and clinical control, making it a strong choice for practitioners willing to invest in mastering its software.
The real predictability of aligner treatment lies not in the system but in the hands of the dentist planning the treatment. Proper diagnostics, planning, sequencing, and understanding of orthodontic principles are the keys to success—regardless of which clear aligner system you choose.
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Kind regards
Jesper Hatt DDS
P: +41 78 268 00 78
AlignerService
We are dentists helping dentists create realistic, safe and predictable treatment plans with clear aligners.
Currently more than1500 dental practices in 19 different countries use our service on a regular basis. We offer expert guidance in the following clear aligner systems: Invisalign, SureSmile, ClearCorrect, TrioClear, Angel Aligners and Spark.
AlignerService is a preferred partner of ClearCorrect and TrioClear.
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