Cosmetic dentistry
Clear aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, straighten teeth with a series of thin, removable trays instead of brackets and wires. Most adult cases take 6 to 18 months.
- Time in the chair
- Short check-ins, about 20 min
- Visits
- Every 6–10 weeks
- Numbing
- Not needed
- Typical cost
- $1,800–$8,000 total
What it is
Each aligner moves your teeth a small, planned amount. You wear each set about 22 hours a day and switch to the next every week or two. Small tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) are bonded to some teeth to give the aligners something to grip.
Aligners work well for crowding, spacing and many bite problems in adults and teens. Severe bite or jaw problems may be better treated by an orthodontist, and we refer you if that is the case.
Who does this here
Dr. Marcus TellezWhat to expect, step by step
Consultation and scan
A 3D scan of your teeth, photos and X-rays. We show you a simulation of how your teeth would move and how long it would take.
Starting
At your first fitting we bond the attachments (no numbing, no drilling) and show you how to put the trays in and take them out.
Daily life
Take them out to eat or drink anything but water, brush, and put them back. Most people lose the slight lisp within a few days.
Check-ins
Short visits every 6 to 10 weeks to check that the teeth are tracking to plan.
Retainers
When the teeth are in place, the attachments are polished off and you get retainers to wear at night. That is what keeps the result.
How long it takes
Minor cases (a few crowded front teeth) can finish in three to six months. Typical adult cases take 12 to 18 months.
Each new set may feel tight for a day or two.
What it costs
$1,800–$8,000
Typical U.S. range, total, before insurance
Most patients pay somewhere in this range. Your exact cost depends on how much movement is needed: minor cases sit at the low end, full cases usually $5,000–$8,000. Retainers are quoted up front.
Plans with orthodontic benefits often pay around 50% up to a lifetime maximum, commonly $1,000–$3,000.
This is a guide, not our fee and not a quote. After your exam you get a written estimate, and we check your insurance, before anything starts. Call (602) 555-0148 for a quote. Where these ranges come from.
Questions patients ask
Am I too old for aligners?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age if the gums and bone are healthy.
What if I don’t wear them enough?
The teeth fall behind the plan and the trays stop fitting. Twenty-two hours a day is the number that matters.
How to book
Use our request form and we’ll call you back within one business day to pick a time, or call us now on (602) 555-0148. Tell us it’s for clear aligners and we’ll book the right length of visit.