If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, it is completely normal to wonder what the process involves.
How many appointments will you need?
Will it hurt?
How long will it take?
What happens if something does not feel right?
We want you to feel comfortable before you even begin. Clear aligner treatment is carefully planned and monitored. It is not simply a set of trays handed to you without guidance.
At Boundary Implant Centre in Hove, your SureSmile treatment is structured, supervised and tailored to your smile.
Let us walk you through each step.
Step 1: Your Consultation and Assessment
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation.
We will:
- Examine your teeth and gums
- Assess your bite and jaw function
- Discuss your concerns and goals
- Take digital 3D scans (no messy impressions)
This stage is very important. Teeth should only be moved if the gums and bone are healthy.
Understanding bite stability and long-term function is essential before any orthodontic movement.
If aligners are not suitable for you, we will explain why clearly.
Step 2: Digital Treatment Planning
Once your scan is complete, your treatment is planned digitally.
SureSmile technology creates a precise 3D model of your teeth. From there:
- Each stage of tooth movement is mapped
- The direction and pressure of movement are calculated
- A full sequence of aligners is designed
You can often see a preview of your projected result.
This planning stage ensures your teeth move gradually and safely.
Step 3: Receiving Your Aligners
When your aligners are ready, we will fit the first set and explain how to wear them.
You will be advised to:
- Wear aligners 20–22 hours per day
- Remove them only for eating and cleaning
- Change to a new set every 1–2 weeks
You may feel tightness when starting a new aligner. This is normal and usually settles within a few days.
If anything feels unusual, always tell the team. We will monitor you throughout your treatment.
Step 4: Review Appointments
Regular review appointments allow us to:
- Check that teeth are moving as planned
- Ensure your gums remain healthy
- Make small adjustments if required
- Answer any questions
These appointments are part of keeping your treatment safe and predictable.
Consistency is important. Wearing aligners as instructed makes a significant difference to your final result.
Step 5: Refinements (If Needed)
Sometimes small refinements are required.
Teeth do not always move exactly as predicted. This is normal biology.
If needed, we may:
- Take a new scan
- Provide additional aligners
- Fine-tune specific areas
This ensures your smile is not only straighter but stable.
Step 6: Retainers and Long-Term Stability
Once your teeth are aligned, they need to be held in position.
Without retainers, teeth naturally drift over time.
You will be provided with retainers and advised how to wear them, usually at night.
We will also continue to monitor your smile during routine dental visits.
Straightening your teeth is an investment. Retention protects that investment.
How Long Does the SureSmile Journey Take?
Treatment length depends on complexity.
In general:
- Mild cases: around 6–9 months
- Moderate cases: 9–12 months
- More complex cases: 12–18 months
We will give you a realistic estimate during your consultation.
What If I Feel Nervous?
That is completely understandable.
We encourage you to ask questions. There are no small or silly concerns.
Our aim is to treat you safely, explain everything clearly, and support you at every stage.
If you are considering SureSmile clear aligners in Hove or Brighton and would like to understand your options, please contact our friendly team.
We look forward to welcoming you.