Start with a digital impression, take a 2D or 3D image, upload patient photos, approve the treatment plan, and have aligners produced.

New SureSmile aligners by Dentsply Sirona are designed and produced based on a digital impression scan and 2D or 3D imaging. Elemetrix software is used, where all the data (including a photo of the patient’s face) are uploaded. An interactive diagnostic tool registers the digital treatment plan to the patient photo.

During the Ultimate Dental Meeting in Orlando, Fla, Dentsply Sirona presented this concept for US market release (other markets to follow in 2019). With the new product, orthodontists as well as general practitioners will be able to offer patients more treatment options and different price models with one platform. 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 TX TechCenter, which employs clinicians and advanced digital technicians with decades of 3D model experience. Automated staging and attachment placement are utilized. The clinician remains in control and has the discretion to design an aligner that fits the patient. When ordering the design and production, the practitioner may intervene in the Elemetrix software, if desired, to drive patient customization.

The new SureSmile aligners are also based on the clinical experience at OraMetrix, a digital company now part of Dentsply Sirona, with a history of using advanced robotics for bending arch wires and developers of the SureSmile platform.

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 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,” says Brad Clatt, group vice president orthodontics at Dentsply Sirona, in a release. “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.

SureSmile aligners are now available in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and select European countries.