SureSmile® Clear Aligners: New Software Streamlines Workflow, Helps Enhance Treatment

For Joe Chichetti, DMD, it’s all about the patient at his Charlotte, North Carolina, practice, which provides comprehensive services and a philosophy rooted in whole-body wellness. The practice, he says, takes pride in blending cosmetic artistry, restorative care, and advanced digital technology to deliver results that last.

Among the many services offered is cosmetic smile design, with the practice incorporating SureSmile® Clear Aligners from Dentsply Sirona for both teenaged and adult patients. “I took an interest in more reconstructive cases early in my career,” he comments. “This actually was the catalyst for incorporating clear aligner therapy. I found my reconstructive cases went quite smoother and had better results with pretreatment orthodontics. Nineteen years later this still holds true!”

SureSmile software, Chichetti notes, has been updated to enhance patient communication and further streamline the workflow. New software features include secure photo management with easy upload, an intuitive task list for efficient patient management, and improved patient history and digital lab communications at a glance. The software allows for fast patient search and navigation, utilizing a single-button search to save time. “We love how quickly we can capture and update photos. My team is really excited about the update,” he says.

The Charlotte clinician switched to SureSmile Clear Aligners about 8 years ago. “Quite frankly, previously my cases were not finishing on time. I learned that if prerestorative orthodontics takes too long, the patient won’t be motivated to go forward with restorative work. Research showed that SureSmile had a significantly lower refinement rate. It also was already incorporated into the CEREC® ecosystem that I was using in my office. So, we switched,” he says.

Chichetti cites two main technologies that have strongly impacted his orthodontic workflow: (1) CBCT integration into orthodontic setup, and (2) connected/cloud-based workflows. “CBCT being incorporated into every treatment plan makes the movements more predictable and treatment safer. Internet-connected technology enables me to scan any patient anywhere, with no cable or dongle. I can then manage the case from that same platform, making treatment planning, presentation, and execution more efficient,” he says.

“Aligner therapy,” Chichetti acknowledges, “is very predictable in our office now, and we are able to finish cases ‘on time.’ This, in turn, keeps our acceptance rate high and our case results stellar.”

Among other key attributes of SureSmile Clear Aligners, Chichetti notes, is the planning algorithm, which separates antagonistic movements and combines synergistic movements. “This really helps keep plans on track,” he says. Additionally, the variable trimlines enable customization.

Chichetti reiterates, “If an aligner case requires multiple refinements, patients will lose motivation to proceed with the restorative work. We have to make it easy for our patients to succeed. SureSmile has the technology to make the initial plan more predictable and refinements the exception, not the norm.”

Joe Chichetti, DMD
Private Practice,
Charlotte, North Carolina

New software features include secure photo management with easy upload, an intuitive task list for efficient patient management, and improved patient history and digital lab communications.

Dentsply Sirona
844-848-0137
dentsplysirona.com