Digital treatment planning
A digital scan records the teeth so Dr. Lee can plan the sequence and direction of orthodontic movement.
Clear aligners in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee uses clear aligners to move selected teeth through a planned sequence of removable trays.
She evaluates tooth position, bite relationships, gum health, and the amount of movement required before determining whether aligner treatment can produce the intended correction.
Removable orthodontic treatment
What can clear aligners correct?
Clear aligners move teeth without fixed brackets and can be removed for meals and oral hygiene.
Dr. Lee considers them when the required tooth movements can be controlled predictably through an aligner sequence and the patient can maintain the prescribed wear schedule.
- Correct selected crowding and spacing
- Move teeth through a staged digital plan
- Remove trays for eating and oral hygiene
- Maintain the result with retention after active treatment
What does clear aligner treatment involve?
Controlled tooth movement
Each aligner set is designed to guide a specific stage of movement. Dr. Lee monitors whether the teeth are tracking according to the plan.
Retention
After active movement is complete, retainers help maintain the corrected tooth positions.
What are the steps of clear aligner treatment?
- Evaluate the teeth and bite. Dr. Lee identifies the crowding, spacing, relapse, or bite relationship that needs correction and confirms that the teeth and gums are stable enough for movement.
- Capture a digital scan. The scan records tooth position and provides the digital model used to plan the aligner sequence.
- Design the movement. Dr. Lee determines which teeth need to move, the order of movement, and whether the aligner approach is appropriate for the desired correction.
- Monitor progress. During active treatment, Dr. Lee evaluates how the teeth are responding and adjusts the plan when the actual tooth movement differs from the projection.
- Retain the result. After active treatment, she establishes a retention plan to maintain the new alignment.
Am I a candidate for clear aligners?
Dr. Lee may recommend clear aligner treatment for some cases of crowding, spacing, shifting after previous orthodontic care, or bite concerns that can be corrected with clear aligners.
More complex movements may require a different orthodontic approach or specialist evaluation. Dr. Lee determines that from the diagnostic findings rather than from the appearance of the teeth alone.
When should you schedule an orthodontic evaluation?
Schedule an evaluation when crowding, spacing, tooth movement after prior orthodontics, or bite position is affecting your goals for dental function or appearance.
Treatment length is determined by the movement required and how the teeth respond during active treatment rather than by a fixed timeline for every case.
What affects the cost of clear aligners?
Your clear-aligner cost depends on the movement required, length of active treatment, number of treatment stages, and any dental care needed beforehand. Smile Art can verify whether your PPO plan includes orthodontic benefits.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Orthodontic benefits vary by plan and may apply differently to active treatment and retention.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. Her advanced training includes neuromuscular orthodontics, TMD, and orofacial pain, which she applies when evaluating tooth position, bite relationships, and jaw function during orthodontic planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is clear aligner treatment the same as Invisalign?
Invisalign is one brand of clear aligner treatment. Ask the office which aligner system it uses. Dr. Lee will first check whether aligners fit the tooth movement you need.
What problems can clear aligners treat?
Clear aligners can treat selected crowding, spacing, relapse, and bite concerns when the required tooth movements can be controlled with aligners.
How many hours a day will I wear aligners?
Dr. Lee will provide a daily wear schedule based on your treatment plan. Wearing the aligners consistently is necessary to achieve the planned tooth movement.
How often will I need progress visits?
The interval depends on the treatment stage and how the teeth are tracking. Dr. Lee sets the schedule according to the clinical plan.
Can aligners replace braces in every case?
No. Some tooth movements or bite corrections are better treated with a different orthodontic approach or specialist care.
Will I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Retention is part of orthodontic treatment because teeth can move after active alignment is complete.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.