How Clear Aligner Treatment Works
- Consultation: Dr. An examines your teeth and bite, takes X-rays, and discusses your goals with you.
- Digital scan: Instead of messy impressions, we take a digital scan of your teeth with our iTero® scanner and plan the movement of each tooth.
- Preview your new smile: See a digital preview of how your teeth are expected to move before you begin.
- Wear your aligners: You wear your trays about 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything besides water, and clean your teeth. You switch to a new set every week or two.
- Check-ins: Short visits every several weeks let us confirm your teeth are moving as planned.
- Retainers: When treatment is complete, a retainer keeps your teeth in their new positions.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time depends on how much your teeth need to move. Mild cases can be finished in about 6 months, while more complex cases can take up to 2 years. Wearing your aligners as directed is the biggest factor in staying on schedule. At your consultation, you'll get a personalized timeline.
Braces or Clear Aligners?
Both braces and clear aligners straighten teeth effectively. Clear aligners are a great choice for most teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite problems, especially for those who want a discreet, removable treatment. Traditional braces may be the better option for some very complex cases, or for patients who'd rather not be responsible for wearing removable trays. If braces are the better fit for you, we'll refer you to a trusted orthodontic specialist.
Life With Clear Aligners
- Eating: Take your aligners out for meals and snacks, so you can eat whatever you like.
- Drinking: You can drink plain water, cold or room temperature, with aligners in. Remove them for other drinks, which can stain the trays or trap sugar against your teeth.
- Cleaning: Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in, and rinse and gently brush the trays daily.
- Comfort: You may feel some pressure for a day or two with each new set of trays. That's a sign your teeth are moving, and it usually fades quickly.
Paying for Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment happens over months, and paying for it can too. We'll give you a complete cost estimate at your consultation and help you put together a plan that works for your family.
Spread Payments Across Your Treatment
With Sunbit®, you can turn the cost of treatment into monthly payments, with terms ranging from 6 to 72 months, and applying won't trigger a hard credit inquiry. CareCredit® is also accepted, and we can set up an in-office payment plan that splits your fees into installments.
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Visit www.carecredit.com for details.
Use Your Orthodontic Benefits
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a separate lifetime maximum, while others cover orthodontics only for children. We're in-network with Aetna, Ameritas, Assurant, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, GEHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal Life, and United Concordia, and we accept many other PPO plans. Our team will check your orthodontic benefits, explain exactly what your plan covers, and file the claims for you.
Save as a Family Without Insurance
If your family doesn't have dental insurance, our Dental Savers Plan offers discounts on dental care for a single yearly fee. One membership of $188 covers parents and children under 18, or individuals can join for $94 a year.
Pay With Pre-Tax Dollars
Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which can make it more affordable.
Accepted Payment Methods
Cash, checks, and debit cards are welcome, along with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
About Dr. Jae An, DDS
Dr. Jae An is a general dentist who brings a whole-smile perspective to orthodontic care. Because he also provides your family's checkups, cleanings, and restorative care, he can keep an eye on your teeth and gums throughout treatment, all in one familiar office.
Dr. An began his education with a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Maryland, then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry. He continued his training with a general practice residency at Jersey City Medical Center.
His interest in how a smile fits the whole face led him to train in facial injectables, and he also completed the RSDM/AAID MaxiCourse in Implant Dentistry. That broad training helps him plan treatment around your complete smile, not just the position of each tooth.
In 2007, Dr. An founded the SOMA Dental Mission of New York, a nonprofit that provides dental care through mission trips. When he's not at the office, he's usually with his wife and daughter, or making music on the piano, guitar, drums, or cello.
.webp)
