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.
A licensed dentist reviews your bite and gum health before any aligner plan is approved — not a call-center technician. 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.
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.
If your teeth aren't tracking with the trays as planned, we issue refinement trays at no extra charge within the program. 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.
Small bonded attachments give aligners grip on certain teeth for more precise movement. 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.
We screen for eligibility honestly rather than enrolling every patient who asks. 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 Palm Desert.
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.
"The ClinCheck simulation showed me exactly where my teeth would end up — and it matched the final result almost exactly."
"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."
"Progress check-ins every few weeks kept me on track and caught a tray that wasn't fitting right."
"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. We'd rather refer you to an orthodontist for a complex case than force it into aligners.
Some cases need small bonded attachments for precise movement, others don't — it depends on which teeth need to move and how. 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.
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.
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 Palm Desert and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents get dentist-supervised care close to home. Progress check appointments are scheduled locally too, so you're not traveling far throughout treatment.
We'll show you a real simulation of your result before you commit to anything.
Call +1-866-227-2801