FAQs - Aligners and other Removable Appliances

If I plan to create appliances for only one arch, do I need to scan both arches?

Yes, you must scan both arches. Since we need to model the teeth in occlusion, you should include a bite scan using an optical scanner. Follow the protocol for that scanner.

May I bond “attachments” to the teeth?

Can I scan the patient while they are still in brackets, so that aligners can be ready in time for the debond appointment?

Yes. Submit the scan as an a la carte unbonded therapeutic model order. Additional considerations:

What if I am debonding the upper arch to continue treatment with aligners, but am still treating the lower arch with wires?

Order an a la carte therapeutic model to produce the staged models. However you must follow existing protocols when submitting the a la carte therapeutic model:

Caution: Once you order a new therapeutic model, you will not be able to order custom archwires referencing this model unless you also first order a new a la carte setup for an additional cost. If you think you may have more than one additional setup, you may consider upgrading your Standard case type to an Extended case type, which allows up to five therapeutic models and five setups for no extra cost.

Can I design vacuum-formed retainers?

Yes. Take a scan for a diagnostic or final model, but you do not need to create a simulation. Export .STL files from the final model.

Can I use the setup as a model for vacuum-formed retainers?

In theory, it is possible to export an .STL model of the setup (that includes gingiva) to produce an appliance for retention. In practice, however, due to biology and other factors, the setup does not completely match to the patient’s final occlusion . A model produced from scan data provides the most accurate representation of the patient’s anatomy.

If the gingiva is available from an earlier model, can I take a CBCT scan to design staged models for vacuum-formed retainers?

Even if you plan to trim the trays to the gingival margins, we recommend an intraoral scan. We have found that the intraoral scan will result in a better fit for appliances.

How many appliances can I produce?

There is no limit to the number of models you can export from SureSmile for appliance production.

What if an appliance breaks?

Keep your exported .STL files so you can re-send them to your lab as needed. If you cannot find the files, you can always export them again from SureSmile.

What if an appliance does not fit?

You may open the patient’s SureSmile record and design additional models as needed.

How will I keep track of aligner orders?

Since this order is between you and your lab, there are no SureSmile features for managing the physical appliances.