A straighter smile once meant months of metal brackets and adjusted wires. SureSmile® clear aligners have changed that completely — giving teens and adults across New Orleans a nearly invisible path to better alignment without anyone noticing the process along the way.
At Canatella Dental, our aligner program is built around digital precision and clinical independence. Treatment plans are mapped before the first tray touches a tooth — and each plan reflects your specific teeth, goals, and timeline, not the constraints of an insurance provider’s coverage.
Why Patients Choose Clear Aligners in New Orleans
Many adults and teens prefer clear aligners because they integrate seamlessly into daily life:
- Professionals can attend meetings without noticeable orthodontic appliances.
- Students can smile confidently in photos throughout treatment.
- Athletes benefit from a system without metal brackets that may irritate during contact sports.
Digital scans replace messy impressions. Treatment plans are visualized before the first aligner is placed. Check-ins are shorter and less frequent than traditional braces demand. Patients who want a straighter smile often pair aligner treatment with porcelain veneers once teeth have settled into their new position.
What Are SureSmile® Clear Aligners?
SureSmile® aligners are custom-made trays crafted from durable, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. Each aligner applies controlled, graduated pressure that moves teeth incrementally into better alignment.
Unlike traditional braces, SureSmile® uses no brackets or wires. Patients wear a series of removable aligners, progressing to each new set according to the treatment schedule. Every tray is created from advanced digital scans and imaging — mapping the precise movements your teeth need to reach their final position.
How Does Clear Aligner Treatment Work?
Step 1 — Private Consultation
Dr. Canatella evaluates your teeth and bite, discusses your alignment goals, and determines whether SureSmile® clear aligners are the right fit. This visit may include digital scans and X-rays for a complete picture of your dental alignment.
Step 2 — Digital Scans
Advanced imaging technology captures precise 3D images of your teeth — no messy impressions. These scans create the foundation for a customized treatment plan.
Step 3 — Customized Treatment Plan
Specialized software maps how your teeth will move, the number of aligners required, and the projected treatment timeline. You see the plan before treatment begins.
Step 4 — Receiving Your Aligners
You receive several sets at once. Each set is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next.
Step 5 — Wearing and Caring for Aligners
For best results, wear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove only for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Step 6 — Progress Check-Ins
Brief periodic check-ins monitor tooth movement and confirm treatment is progressing as planned.
What Can SureSmile® Clear Aligners Correct?
SureSmile® aligners treat a range of orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate cases. More complex bite issues may require traditional orthodontic treatment or a combined approach. A consultation with Dr. Canatella determines which option fits your situation.
Advantages of SureSmile® Clear Aligners
Nearly Invisible
Transparent plastic trays blend with your natural teeth. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them — an important factor for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to the process.
More Comfortable Than Braces
No metal brackets or wires means no irritation to the gums or inner cheeks. The smooth plastic fits snugly without sharp edges.
Removable and Convenient
Aligners come out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. No food restrictions. No struggling to clean around brackets. Oral hygiene stays simple throughout treatment.
Fewer Office Visits
Traditional braces require frequent wire adjustments. SureSmile® check-ins are brief and less frequent — requiring less time out of your schedule while treatment progresses.
Precise and Predictable
Advanced digital planning shows the full treatment arc before the first tray is placed — giving you a realistic picture of your timeline and expected results from day one.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During Treatment
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water — this prevents staining and protects the plastic.
- Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners to prevent plaque buildup.
- Clean aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
- Avoid tobacco and stain-causing foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, and red wine can discolor clear aligners over time.
- Keep up with regular dental visits throughout treatment to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your progress stays on track.
A Straighter Smile, Shaped Around Your Life
Clear aligners make orthodontic treatment easier than ever. Their nearly invisible appearance, removable design, and digital precision make them an excellent option for New Orleans teens and adults who want a healthier, more confident smile — without traditional braces.
To find out whether SureSmile® clear aligners are right for you, call 504-282-0700 or request a private consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SureSmile® and how is it different from Invisalign?
SureSmile® is a clear aligner system that uses advanced digital scanning and imaging to create custom-fit trays designed to move your teeth with precision. Like Invisalign, SureSmile® aligners are nearly invisible and removable. Dr. Canatella offers SureSmile® because of its digital accuracy and custom-fit design. During your consultation, he’ll determine whether SureSmile® or another approach is the right fit for your case.
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners in New Orleans?
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues in both teens and adults. More complex cases, including severe bite misalignment, may still require traditional braces or a combined approach. The best way to find out is a consultation with Dr. Canatella, who will review your digital scans and discuss realistic outcomes for your specific situation.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment length depends on how much tooth movement is needed. Minor corrections may take as few as three to six months; more involved cases can take 12 to 18 months or longer. Dr. Canatella maps out the full treatment plan, including a projected timeline, before you begin, so you know what to expect from the start. Most patients wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks before progressing to the next.
Can I eat and drink normally with clear aligners?
Yes, one of the main advantages of removable aligners is that you take them out to eat and drink. You can enjoy all the foods you normally would. Just make sure to brush before reinserting your aligners to prevent staining and keep your oral hygiene on track. Aligners should be worn 22+ hours per day for the treatment to progress as planned.