SureSmile in Ringwood
If you want braces but you’d like fewer appointments and a result that’s planned down to the tooth before you start, SureSmile is the system Dr Sean O’Callaghan uses at our Ringwood clinic. The brackets look like ordinary braces. The difference is the wire: it’s shaped by a robot to match a 3D plan of your finished smile, instead of being bent by hand at every visit.
Key Takeaways
- SureSmile uses a 3D scan of your teeth to design the final result, then robotically bends archwires to move each tooth to that position.
- Custom wires mean fewer adjustment visits and, for many patients, a shorter time in braces.
- Works with metal or clear ceramic brackets, so it can be as discreet as ordinary braces.
- Dr O’Callaghan is a SureSmile faculty member who teaches the system to other orthodontists.
- Book a consultation at 37 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood. Call 1300 678 461 or book online.
What is SureSmile?
SureSmile is a digital orthodontic system that turns a 3D model of your teeth into custom bent archwires. With conventional braces, the American Association of Orthodontists explains, wires apply gentle continuous pressure and the orthodontist adjusts them by hand at each visit, gradually steering the teeth.
SureSmile, made by Dentsply Sirona, replaces that hand bending with software and robotics. Dr O’Callaghan positions each tooth on screen where he wants it to finish. The system then calculates the wire shape needed to get there and a robot bends it to a fraction of a millimetre. Your wires arrive pre shaped for your teeth.
How does SureSmile work?
The plan comes first, the wires follow the plan, and the brackets stay ordinary. After your braces are fitted and the teeth have had a few months to level, we take a high resolution scan (an iTero scan, sometimes with CBCT imaging for root position). Dr O’Callaghan uses that scan to build the 3D plan.
From the plan, SureSmile produces the custom archwires. Because each bend is calculated from your actual tooth positions, the wire moves several teeth in the right direction at once, rather than needing a series of manual tweaks across many visits. That’s the source of the efficiency.
How does SureSmile compare with traditional braces?
Same brackets, smarter wires. The differences show up in the number of visits and the predictability of the finish.
Feature | Traditional braces | SureSmile braces |
|---|---|---|
Brackets | Metal or ceramic | Metal or ceramic |
Wire shaping | Bent by hand at each visit | Robotically bent from a 3D plan |
Planning | Orthodontist’s judgement, visit by visit | Digital 3D plan of the finished result before wires are made |
Adjustment visits | Every 4 to 8 weeks | Typically fewer, often every 8 to 12 weeks |
Precision | High, depends on manual bends | Very high, bends to a fraction of a millimetre |
Treatment time | Typical 18 to 24 months | Often shorter for the same case |
Best for | Most cases | Most cases, especially where precision finishing matters |
Australia’s healthdirect puts typical orthodontic treatment at 18 months to 2 years. SureSmile doesn’t change biology, but reducing wasted wire changes can trim months for suitable patients.
Who is a candidate for SureSmile in Ringwood?
Almost anyone who is a candidate for braces is a candidate for SureSmile. That includes teenagers and adults with crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites. It’s a strong choice for:
- Adults who want fewer clinic visits around work.
- Patients who care about precise finishing, such as those with previous orthodontic relapse.
- Anyone choosing clear ceramic brackets who wants the shortest possible time in them.
- Complex cases where Dr O’Callaghan wants to control root position as well as crown position.
The consultation tells you for sure. Dr O’Callaghan examines your bite, takes records and shows you what SureSmile would do for your case.
What does SureSmile treatment involve?
Here’s the sequence from first visit to retainer at Virtuosum Orthodontics.
- Consultation and records. Examination, iTero scan, photos and X-rays at our Ringwood clinic. You get a treatment plan and written quote.
- Braces fitting. Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded and an initial wire placed. About 1 to 2 hours.
- Levelling phase. Standard wires do the early work for a few months while the teeth align enough for the custom scan.
- SureSmile scan and plan. A high resolution scan captures your current tooth positions. Dr O’Callaghan designs the finished result in 3D.
- Custom wires. Robotically bent wires are made to your plan and fitted at your next visit.
- Fewer, longer intervals. Adjustments run every 8 to 12 weeks while the custom wires do their work.
- Debond and retainers. Braces come off, a scan captures the result, and retainers hold it.
How much does SureSmile cost in Ringwood?
SureSmile is priced as part of your overall braces treatment, and Dr O’Callaghan quotes it in writing at the consultation. The fee reflects case complexity and length rather than the wire technology alone. Virtuosum Orthodontics offers interest free payment plans through Denticare, and private health extras often contribute. Our treatment coordinator can help you check your cover.
What are the pros and cons of SureSmile?
SureSmile trades a little upfront planning time for a smoother middle and end of treatment. Here’s the honest picture Dr O’Callaghan gives patients at the consultation.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fewer adjustment visits once custom wires are fitted | Custom wires are made after a levelling phase, so the first few months look like ordinary braces |
3D plan shows the intended result before the wires are made | Not removable, unlike Invisalign or SureAlign |
Precise finishing, including root position when CBCT is used | Same food rules as any braces (no hard, sticky or chewy foods) |
Works with clear ceramic brackets for a discreet look | Requires a specialist trained on the system, which limits where it’s available |
Often shorter overall treatment for suitable cases | Wire shape can’t be tweaked by hand mid visit; a new wire is ordered instead |
What is day to day life like with SureSmile braces?
Exactly like life with well fitted braces, with fewer trips to Ringwood. You brush after meals, use interdental brushes under the wire, keep wax handy for the first fortnight and avoid the hard and sticky foods list. Sport is fine with an orthodontic mouthguard. If a bracket comes loose, call us on 1300 678 461 and we’ll re bond it; the custom wire is unaffected.
Because the wires arrive pre shaped, adjustment visits are shorter as well as less frequent. Most take 15 to 25 minutes.
Why choose Virtuosum Orthodontics for SureSmile?
Dr O’Callaghan doesn’t just use SureSmile. He teaches it. As a SureSmile faculty member and a specialist orthodontist (see the Australian Society of Orthodontists on what specialist training involves), he has planned SureSmile cases for years and trains other clinicians on the system. Virtuosum Orthodontics has cared for Melbourne families since 1993 and digitally plans every case before treatment begins.
Our Ringwood clinic is at 37 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood VIC 3134, and our Hawthorn clinic at 244 Barkers Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122. Both open Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm and Friday 8 am to 4 pm. Compare your options on our braces page, find us via the orthodontist in Ringwood page, then call 1300 678 461 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SureSmile?
A digital braces system where your archwires are robotically bent to a 3D plan of your finished smile, instead of being shaped by hand at each visit.
Is SureSmile faster than regular braces?
For many patients, yes. Custom wires reduce the number of wire changes needed, which can shorten treatment. Your individual estimate comes from the consultation.
Does SureSmile use different brackets?
No. SureSmile works with standard metal or clear ceramic brackets. The custom part is the wire.
Does SureSmile hurt more than normal braces?
No. Pressure after a wire change is similar. Some patients report it feels gentler because the wires are designed to move teeth efficiently rather than in large jumps.
How often are SureSmile appointments?
Typically every 8 to 12 weeks once the custom wires are in, compared with every 4 to 8 weeks for hand bent wires.
Is SureSmile the same as Invisalign?
No. SureSmile here refers to custom wire braces. Invisalign is a removable clear aligner. Dr O’Callaghan offers both and will recommend the better fit for your case.
Can adults get SureSmile braces in Ringwood?
Yes. Adults are a large part of our SureSmile patients, often because of the fewer visits and precise finish.
How much does SureSmile cost?
It’s quoted as part of your braces fee at the consultation, based on complexity and length. Interest free Denticare plans are available.
What is a SureSmile faculty member?
An orthodontist who teaches the SureSmile system to other clinicians. Dr O’Callaghan holds that role.
Do I need a referral for SureSmile?
No. Call Virtuosum Orthodontics on 1300 678 461 or book online. A dentist’s referral is welcome but not required.