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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
Call +1-866-227-2801 to schedule your digital scan and initial exam in Chevy Chase View.
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."
"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.
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. We explain the purpose of each attachment before bonding it on.
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. 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 Chevy Chase View and neighboring Chevy Chase View, MD communities, with digital scanning done in-house. Whether you're new to Chevy Chase View 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