Invisalign vs SureSmile: Which Clear Aligner Is Right for You?
Short answer: for mild-to-moderate crowding or spacing, both systems produce equivalent results and SureSmile usually costs somewhat less. For complex cases — severe rotations, significant bite correction — Invisalign's attachment system and longer track record with difficult movements give it the edge. Most dental offices can only offer you one of these because their doctors are certified in one system. Both Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Sherzoy are certified in both, which means the recommendation you get here is based on your teeth, not on which certification the office happens to hold.
What they have in common (which is most things)
Both are sequences of clear, removable trays that move your teeth in small steps. With either one, you'll wear trays 20–22 hours a day, switch to a new set every one to two weeks, take them out to eat and brush, and wear a retainer when treatment ends. Comfort is comparable. Appearance is comparable — nobody across the table can tell which brand is on your teeth.
In our office, both start the same way too: a digital scan with our 3Shape scanner instead of goopy impressions, and a 3D preview of your projected result before you commit to anything.
Where they actually differ
| Invisalign | SureSmile | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Align Technology — the original clear aligner company, 25+ years of case data | Dentsply Sirona — one of the largest dental equipment makers in the world |
| Tray material | SmartTrack, a patented flexible plastic designed for gradual force | Essix ACE plastic — clear, durable, slightly more rigid |
| Case complexity | Handles the widest range, including severe rotations and bite correction, using bonded attachments | Strongest for mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, and relapse after braces |
| Treatment planning | ClinCheck software — doctor adjusts a 3D plan tooth by tooth | SureSmile digital lab planning, reviewed and adjusted by your doctor |
| Typical cost | Higher lab fees, typically the pricier option | Often somewhat less for comparable cases |
| Extra perk | Largest ecosystem: Vivera retainers, teen features, mandibular advancement | Trays can double as whitening trays during treatment |
Which cases suit which system
We'd usually steer you toward Invisalign if your case involves severely rotated teeth, meaningful bite correction (overbite, crossbite), large gaps, or crowding significant enough to need attachments doing heavy lifting. Its SmartForce attachments and two decades of complex-case refinement are the reason it costs more.
We'd usually steer you toward SureSmile ifyou have mild-to-moderate crowding or spacing, your teeth shifted after braces years ago, or two systems would both work and price is the tiebreaker. Paying the Invisalign premium for a case SureSmile handles equally well doesn't make sense, and we'll tell you that directly.
The honest bottom line: the skill of the doctor planning your case matters more than the logo on the box. A well-planned SureSmile case beats a poorly planned Invisalign case every time.
Cost and financing
Clear aligner treatment in Bergen County generally runs $3,000–$6,500 depending on complexity [owner to confirm ranges], with SureSmile typically at the lower end for comparable cases. Some insurance plans contribute through orthodontic benefits. We offer CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit financing with 0% interest options, so treatment breaks into monthly payments — details on our financial information page.
How to actually decide
Come in for a 30-minute consultation. We scan your teeth, tell you which system fits your case — or that both do, and what each would cost — and show you the projected result in 3D. Patients visit from Leonia, Bergenfield, and around Bergen County specifically because we offer both systems under one roof and can compare them for your case, not in the abstract. You can read more about each on our Invisalign page and SureSmile page.