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.
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. We'd rather catch a tracking issue at week six than let it compound for months.
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.
Your specific tooth movements are mapped tray by tray, with a projected timeline shown upfront. 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.
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.
You'll see your scan on screen and discuss what treatment could realistically achieve.
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.
"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."
"They actually checked my bite before starting, not just my crowding — caught something a mail kit would have missed."
"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. We update your timeline at progress checks if tracking runs ahead or behind schedule.
Aligners handle a wide range of cases well, but not every case; your exam determines eligibility. We'd rather refer you to an orthodontist for a complex case than force it into aligners.
We only add attachments where the ClinCheck plan shows they're necessary, not as a default. 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.
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. Nighttime wear is usually sufficient long-term, and we explain the schedule clearly.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Invisalign Clear Aligners to patients throughout Elgin and neighboring Elgin, IL communities, with digital scanning done in-house. Whether you're new to Elgin or a longtime resident, our scanning equipment is on-site and ready.
Licensed, scan-equipped, and local to Elgin — call and find out if you qualify.
Call +1-866-227-2801