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. We see you in the chair, not just through an app, before any plan is finalized.
The digital scan means no messy impression trays and a simulation you can actually watch move. Seeing the projected outcome upfront helps set realistic expectations from day one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
"Attachments were explained clearly before they bonded them on, which I appreciated after reading horror stories online."
"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."
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.
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.
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. 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. 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. Skipping retainer wear is the single most common reason results don't last.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Invisalign Clear Aligners to patients throughout La Mesa and neighboring La Mesa, CA communities, with digital scanning done in-house. Whether you're new to La Mesa 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