Traditional braces work, but they're not the only option anymore — clear aligners move teeth just as effectively for most cases. Smile Center Dentistry maps your full treatment plan digitally before your first tray ships.
A generic aligner kit ordered online skips the exam that catches problems a mail-order company can't see. We'd rather flag a cavity before treatment than have it worsen silently under a tray.
Every case is checked for cavities and gum disease first, since aligners can worsen untreated issues. In-person exams catch things a self-submitted photo scan simply can't.
The digital scan means no messy impression trays and a simulation you can actually watch move. We revisit the simulation at check-ins to confirm your teeth are tracking as planned.
Small tooth-colored attachments and interproximal reduction are planned precisely, not applied as an afterthought. Attachments are removed cleanly once treatment finishes, with no lasting mark on the tooth.
Mid-treatment check-ins catch tracking issues early, before they become a bigger correction. We'd rather catch a tracking issue at week six than let it compound for months.
Treatment length and complexity vary a lot, so we tailor the plan rather than selling a one-size package.
The scan feeds directly into ClinCheck software so you can preview your projected result. We review the scan with you chairside, not in a follow-up email.
We adjust the digital plan based on your exam findings, not a template applied to every patient. Expect a plan that accounts for your actual bite, not just crowding.
Small bonded attachments give aligners grip on certain teeth for more precise movement. We only use what your specific case actually needs.
If teeth aren't tracking exactly as planned midway through, refinement trays correct course. These are included in your treatment plan, not billed as a surprise extra.
We fit and explain retainer wear before you finish your last tray, not after teeth have already started shifting back. Nighttime wear schedules are explained clearly, not left to guesswork.
Aligners work well for many teens and adults, but eligibility depends on which permanent teeth have erupted and your specific bite. If aligners aren't the right fit, we'll say so and discuss alternatives.
We check basic eligibility over the phone before booking your scan appointment.
A quick intraoral scan and bite exam determine whether aligners are the right fit for your case.
We walk through your simulated result tray by tray before you commit to treatment.
Regular progress checks catch tracking issues early, keeping your timeline accurate.
"Tried a mail-order aligner company first and it didn't check my gums at all. Switched here and they caught early gum recession before starting."
"Attachments were explained clearly before they bonded them on, which I appreciated after reading horror stories online."
"They actually checked my bite before starting, not just my crowding — caught something a mail kit would have missed."
"Digital scan took ten minutes, no gagging on impression goop like my last dentist."
"Screened me honestly and told me my case had some complexity that a mail-order kit would've missed entirely."
Most cases run 6 to 18 months depending on complexity — we give you a specific estimate after your scan. A realistic estimate upfront beats an optimistic one that slips later.
For most mild-to-moderate cases, yes — more complex bite issues may still need braces, and we'll tell you honestly which applies. We'd rather refer you to an orthodontist for a complex case than force it into aligners.
Some cases need small bonded attachments for precise movement, others don't — it depends on which teeth need to move and how. We explain the purpose of each attachment before bonding it on.
Call us and we'll get a replacement ordered quickly so your treatment timeline doesn't stall. We keep your case file on hand so a replacement order is quick, not a delay.
Cost depends on case complexity and number of trays needed — we quote a specific range after your scan and exam. We'd rather you know the total cost before starting than discover fees along the way.
Yes — teeth can shift back without one, so retainer wear is part of every treatment plan we build. Nighttime wear is usually sufficient long-term, and we explain the schedule clearly.
Our aligner program serves Cotati and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents get dentist-supervised care close to home. Progress check appointments are scheduled locally too, so you're not traveling far throughout treatment.
We'll show you a real simulation of your result before you commit to anything.
Call +1-866-227-2801