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. A dentist who has actually examined your mouth in person makes a different plan than an algorithm alone would.
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.
You'll see a 3D simulation of your projected result before committing to treatment, tray by tray. Seeing the projected outcome upfront helps set realistic expectations from day one.
We explain exactly which teeth need attachments and why, before they're bonded on. IPR amounts are calculated conservatively and never exceed what's actually needed for movement.
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.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite in minutes, no impression putty required. We review the scan with you chairside, not in a follow-up email.
Your specific tooth movements are mapped tray by tray, with a projected timeline shown upfront. Expect a plan that accounts for your actual bite, not just crowding.
Interproximal reduction — filing a small amount of enamel between teeth — is used sparingly and explained before it's done. We only use what your specific case actually needs.
Refinements are a normal part of aligner treatment for many patients, not a sign something went wrong. 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.
We screen for eligibility honestly rather than enrolling every patient who asks. 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.
You approve the digital plan only after seeing the projected outcome, not blind.
Your first trays are fitted, with check-ins scheduled to confirm they're tracking as planned.
"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."
"Needed refinement trays halfway through and they didn't charge extra — said it was normal for my case."
"18 months in trays and the retainer fitting afterward was just as thorough as the treatment itself."
"Progress check-ins every few weeks kept me on track and caught a tray that wasn't fitting right."
"My teenager did aligners here and they were careful about checking which adult teeth had actually come in first."
Most cases run 6 to 18 months depending on complexity — we give you a specific estimate after your scan. We update your timeline at progress checks if tracking runs ahead or behind schedule.
Aligners handle a wide range of cases well, but not every case; your exam determines eligibility. Effectiveness depends heavily on wear compliance, which we discuss openly at your consult.
Some cases need small bonded attachments for precise movement, others don't — it depends on which teeth need to move and how. Attachments are small and tooth-colored, designed to be as unnoticeable as possible.
Don't skip ahead to the next tray — call first so we can assess whether that's safe for your case. Wearing your previous tray a bit longer while we order a replacement is usually the safest move.
Cost depends on case complexity and number of trays needed — we quote a specific range after your scan and exam. Financing options are available if the full amount upfront doesn't fit your budget.
We fit your retainer before your last tray is done, so there's no gap where teeth could relapse. Skipping retainer wear is the single most common reason results don't last.
Our aligner program serves Los Osos and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents get dentist-supervised care close to home. Whether you're new to Los Osos or a longtime resident, our scanning equipment is on-site and ready.
We'll show you a real simulation of your result before you commit to anything.
Call +1-866-227-2801