Aligners suit most mild to moderate cases. At your consultation Dr. Costa tells you plainly whether they are the right tool.
Crowding and gaps
Mild to moderate crowding and spacing are the most predictable cases for aligners.
Adults and teens
Aligners suit adults and teenagers whose adult teeth have come through. Younger children are assessed by Dr. Reyes.
Relapse after braces
If your teeth have drifted since you had braces, a short aligner course often brings them back.
Not ideal for
Some complex bite problems move more predictably with fixed braces. We will explain the options honestly at your consultation.
Step by step / What happens during treatment
Every step is explained before it happens, and you can pause at any point.
01
Consultation and 3D scan
Dr. Costa examines your teeth and bite and takes a 3D scan. No messy impressions.
40 min
02
Your digital plan
We design each stage of movement and show you a simulation of the finished smile, with a written estimate and a realistic timeline.
1–2 weeks
03
Fitting
Your first aligners are fitted. Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip.
30 min
04
Wear and check in
You change to the next set every one to two weeks and visit us every 6–8 weeks so we can check progress.
6–18 months
05
Retainers
When the movement is complete we fit retainers to hold your new smile in place.
30 min
Results and aftercare /
What to expect afterwards
Teeth move gradually into the planned position. Many mild cases finish in around six months; more complex cases take up to eighteen. Retainers are what make the result last, so they are part of every plan.
Aftercare
Wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat and to drink anything other than water.
Brush before putting the aligners back in, so food is not trapped against your teeth.
Expect pressure for a day or two with each new set. It means the teeth are moving.
Once treatment is finished, wear your retainers every night.
You receive a written estimate like this before any treatment starts, with your insurance applied. The figures here show a typical case.
InsuranceIn network with Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife and Aetna
Payment plans0% over 6 or 12 months for treatments over $500
Written estimate
Example
Clear aligners, moderate case$3,900
3D scan and treatment simulationIncluded
Upper and lower retainers$250
Insurance estimate (orthodontic benefit)−$1,500
You pay$2,650
0% plans over 12 months · $221/mo
FAQ /
Common questions
Something else on your mind? Call the front desk on (718) 555-0142 and we'll talk it through.
Between 6 and 18 months for most people. Your digital plan shows the number of stages, so you know the timeline before you start.
They cause pressure rather than pain, mostly in the first day or two of each new set. Most people find them more comfortable than fixed braces.
If you are within a few days of changing, move to the next set; otherwise wear the previous one, and call us. We can order a replacement from your digital plan.
Many PPO plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum. We check your plan and show the amount on your written estimate.
Who leads it /
Dr. Daniel Costa
Orthodontics · 9 years experience
Daniel has straightened more than 1,400 smiles with clear aligners and fixed braces. He is known for realistic timelines and very few surprise extra stages.
Preventive
