Wisconsin Orthodontist offers alternative to Conventional braces

A Wisconsin orthodontist has begun to offer orthodontic treatment that cuts down treatment time by as much as 35% to 40%. Dr James Tomasetti of Apple Creek Orthodontics began his SureSmile orthodontic treatment system about 15 months ago. The system reduces the time that patients have to wear the braces by as much as 1/3rd.  In fact, the patients at his clinic who were fitted with the SureSmile orthodontic system, are completing their treatment around the same time that patients who were treated under previous conventional orthodontic methods in summer of 2006, completed theirs. Some of the SureSmile patients have actually completed their braces treatment before the patients who were treated under the older methods.

According to Dr Tomasetti, the SureSmile system not only takes lesser time to show results, but also offers patients a more comfortable experience because of the reduced need for wire changes.

How does SureSmile work?
Patients first undergo a 3D scan of their mouth. Using special software, Dr Tomasetti then discusses the treatment with the patient, so that the patient knows what exactly is going to happen to his teeth, and what he can expect after treatment. Next, the system makes use of an alloy of copper nickel titanium to custom bend wires with the help of robots, using the most precise method for repositioning the teeth. This is done by looking at the results of the 3D scan. All Dr Tomasetti has to do is configure the wiring set up on his computer, and send the details to the robot at the office in Dallas. The robot then produces the wire, and the wire is sent back to the orthodontist. The results of using a 3 Dimensional scan and robots to create an orthodontic system are incredibly precise. The outcome is clear to see in the shape of the patient’s smile after the treatment.

Besides, the SureSmile system takes just about 15 months to complete treatment as against 24 months under conventional orthodontic procedures. In case of adults, the time period under the SureSmile system can be as short as 12 months.

Something this quick, hi tech and effective isn’t that much more expensive than regular braces. The SureSmile system costs just about 10 percent more than regular braces. However, when you consider the fact that you may save the cost of up to 5 dental appointments, the cost might seem more than worth it.
The SureSmile system is still in its early stages, and according to Dr Tomasetti it is possible to make it even faster and comfortable. He has shared his techniques with other orthodontists, and has presented his system at dental conferences too.  Initial responses have been extremely encouraging, he says.        

With better advances in dental technology and the use of high tech precision instruments and equipment to speed up the process, patients who need braces are increasingly finding a wide range of options to choose from when they do make the decision to get fitted with braces.