Dr. Manuel Sousa of Salem Centre for Orthodontix uses a state-of-the-art software and robotic system to straighten teeth and help people achieve attractive smiles called SureSmile®. It is the hi-tech option for kids, teens and their parents with busy lifestyles who don’t have the time for frequent office visits or lengthy procedures.
SureSmile has been shown to straighten teeth in 40% less time than conventional orthodontics. For example, treatments estimated to take two years with traditional orthodontics may take only 12 to 15 months using SureSmile. In addition to reducing the length of time a patient has to wear braces, the SureSmile system reduces overall patient discomfort by decreasing the number of wire changes, adjustments and office visits.
SureSmile technology uses digital 3-D imaging, computer-aided treatment planning software and robotically customized archwires for more accurate tooth alignment. Go to http://www.suresmile.com/About-SureSmile/Technology.aspx to read and see how it works.
How it works: SureSmile treatment begins by scanning the patient’s teeth with either the OraScanner—a handheld device that works like a digital camera to create 3-D images of the teeth--or a CBCT machine which produces images of the teeth including roots and bone in just a few seconds. These images get transformed into "virtual teeth" by SureSmile software. By manipulating the tooth positions on the virtual model, the doctor will create a 3-D model of the patient’s future bite and tooth alignment.
This "virtual" model is sent to robotic hands that bend and shape the patient’s archwires with unprecedented precision. These archwires are inserted into the brackets on the teeth and move the teeth more efficiently to their final positions than they would with conventional treatment methods. The archwire material used for the SureSmile process is a "Smart" Shape Memory Alloy that permanently retains its shape once it is super-heated and bent by a SureSmile robot. Often times, patients only need one or 2 wire changes.
This "virtual" model is sent to robotic hands that bend and shape the patient’s archwires with unprecedented precision. These archwires are inserted into the brackets on the teeth and move the teeth more efficiently to their final positions than they would with conventional treatment methods. The archwire material used for the SureSmile process is a "Smart" Shape Memory Alloy that permanently retains its shape once it is super-heated and bent by a SureSmile robot. Often times, patients only need one or 2 wire changes.
Please let us know if you’d like to visit our office to watch the process in action and talk to patients that have completed SureSmile treatment or are currently in treatment .
