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. 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. We see you in the chair, not just through an app, before any plan is finalized.
You'll see a 3D simulation of your projected result before committing to treatment, tray by tray. 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. Attachments are removed cleanly once treatment finishes, with no lasting mark on the tooth.
If your teeth aren't tracking with the trays as planned, we issue refinement trays at no extra charge within the program. Refinements are a normal, expected part of many treatment plans, not a sign of failure.
Not every misalignment needs the same aligner protocol — here's what we offer after your scan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your first trays are fitted, with check-ins scheduled to confirm they're tracking as planned.
"The ClinCheck simulation showed me exactly where my teeth would end up — and it matched the final result almost exactly."
"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."
"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. 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. Effectiveness depends heavily on wear compliance, which we discuss openly at your consult.
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.
Call us and we'll get a replacement ordered quickly so your treatment timeline doesn't stall. Wearing your previous tray a bit longer while we order a replacement is usually the safest move.
We break down the full program cost upfront, including retainers, before you commit. Financing options are available if the full amount upfront doesn't fit your budget.
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 Santa Maria and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents get dentist-supervised care close to home. Whether you're new to Santa Maria 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