The effectiveness of suresmile technology to achieve predicted treatment outcome

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of SureSmile technology when used as an adjunctive tool in orthodontic treatment. The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of SureSmile archwires to produce the final tooth position prescribed by the SureSmile virtual treatment plan. METHODS: Digital models of the SureSmile virtual treatment plan and final treatment outcome were digitally superimposed to determine areas of discrepancy. Discrepancy less than 0.5 mm with respect to mesial-distal, facial-lingual, vertical dimensions, and discrepancy less than 2 degrees for crown torque, crown tip, and crown rotation were considered to be clinically acceptable. RESULTS: Discrepancy was within clinically acceptable limits with respect to the mesial-distal dimension for all teeth except upper 2nd molars and upper lateral incisors. In the facial-lingual dimension, clinically acceptable results were observed for upper canines and lateral incisors, lower 1st molars, lower 1st and 2nd premolars, and lower canines. Discrepancy in the vertical dimension was minimal with only lower 2nd molars exceeding clinically acceptable limits. Discrepancy exceeded clinically acceptable levels for crown torque, crown tip, and crown rotation with the exception of crown torque on lower 2nd premolars and crown tip on lower 1st molars and lower 2nd premolars. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of SureSmile treatment to achieve predicted final tooth position is highly variable for tooth type and dimension of movement.