Dentsply Sirona unveils SureSmile aligners

Fully digital, maximum flexibility: The new SureSmile aligners by Dentsply Sirona are designed and produced based on a digital impression scan and 2D or 3D imaging. The newly designed Elemetrix software is used, where all the data, including a photo of the patient's face, is uploaded. An interactive diagnostic tool is engineered to register the digital treatment plan to the patient photo to ensure an ideal smile design.

During the Ultimate Dental Meeting in Orlando, Dentsply Sirona presented this concept for U.S. market release (other markets to follow in 2019), which will reportedly enable all clinicians to benefit from this new clear aligner alternative. With the new product, orthodontists as well as general practitioners will reportedly be able to offer patients more treatment options and different price models with one versatile platform. To ensure maximum flexibility, SureSmile aligners are available with choices ranging from all-inclusive pricing to pay-per-aligner as well as in-office “DIY” aligner design.

SureSmile aligners are designed and fabricated at a Dallas TechCenter that employs clinicians and advanced digital technicians with decades of 3D model experience. Automated staging and attachment placement are said to ensure a high plan acceptance rate. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches, the clinician remains in control and, in particular, has the discretion to design an aligner that fits the patient. This is due to the fact that even when ordering the design and production, the practitioner may intervene in the Elemetrix software, if desired, to drive patient customization.

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Comprehensive clinical experience

The new SureSmile aligners are reportedly based on many years of clinical experience at OraMetrix, a digital pioneer now part of Dentsply Sirona, with a rich history of using advanced robotics for bending arch wires and developers of the SureSmile platform, the most advanced orthodontic treatment planning system. In fact, a study published by the University of Minnesota, U.S., indicated that SureSmile CAD models were the most accurate measured.

This end-to-end digital workflow is supported by the CEREC Omnicam, with which - thanks to the CEREC Ortho software - the orthodontist can perform a guided full-jaw scan. Physical models are reportedly no longer necessary. To perform diagnostic analysis, imaging systems such as the Orthophos SL can be used.

"Our goal was to design a full-service product for all clinicians, delivering a clinically proven and clinician controlled clear aligner system,” states Brad Clatt, group vice president orthodontics at Dentsply Sirona. "The unique linking of ceph to 3D model and smile photo enables more biologically achievable results that support faster treatment time. The clinician has ultimate control over the treatment plan with a comprehensive tool kit that allows for full personalization as no two patients are alike."

Powered by the Elemetrix Platform, the system is open and accepts all STL files, but preferred alongside the CEREC Omnicam. One software platform delivers dental professionals multiple treatment options: fabricated clear aligners, in-office designed aligners and indirect bonding. Finally, clinicians have a flexible product to offer patients different treatment options and different price models for the modern practice.

SureSmile aligners are now available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and select European countries. Due to various certification and registration periods, the products might not be immediately available in all countries.