A digital scan replaces the goopy impression tray, and a ClinCheck simulation shows you the result before you start. Smile Center Dentistry maps your full treatment plan digitally before your first tray ships.
Aligners only work if you actually wear them, so we build a plan you can realistically stick to. 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.
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.
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.
Once trays finish, a custom retainer holds your result — skipping this step is how relapse happens. 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.
You approve the digital plan only after seeing the projected outcome, not blind.
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."
"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."
"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."
Minor crowding can finish faster; bite correction cases typically take longer, and we're upfront about which yours is. 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.
We only add attachments where the ClinCheck plan shows they're necessary, not as a default. 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. 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.
We fit your retainer before your last tray is done, so there's no gap where teeth could relapse. Nighttime wear is usually sufficient long-term, and we explain the schedule clearly.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Invisalign Clear Aligners to patients throughout Birmingham and neighboring Birmingham, MI communities, with digital scanning done in-house. Whether you're new to Birmingham 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