Clear aligner treatment
Dr. Lee plans a series of removable trays to move your teeth in stages. She will let you know how long to wear them and when to change to the next set.
Clear aligners and retainers in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee provides clear aligner treatment and retainers at Smile Art in Seattle. Aligners move your teeth in stages, while retainers help hold their new positions after treatment.
During your evaluation, Dr. Lee checks your teeth, gums, and bite to determine whether aligners can make the tooth movements you need.
Orthodontic care
What can clear aligners correct?
Clear aligners can help reduce crowding, close gaps, or move teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. They can also correct some bite problems.
What do clear aligner treatment and retainers involve?
When aligners are not the best fit
Clear aligners cannot correct every tooth position or bite problem. If your teeth need a different type of movement, Dr. Lee may recommend another orthodontic approach or a specialist evaluation.
Retention after treatment
After your aligner treatment is finished, a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions. Dr. Lee will explain which retainer she recommends and how to use it.
How does clear aligner treatment work?
- Evaluation. Dr. Lee examines your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work. She uses a digital scan to record your tooth positions and plan your care.
- Planning. Using the scan and your exam findings, Dr. Lee plans which teeth need to move and in what order.
- Active treatment. You wear each set of aligners for the time Dr. Lee recommends and change to the next set when she tells you to.
- Progress checks. Dr. Lee checks how your teeth are moving at progress visits and can adjust the plan if they do not move as expected.
- Retention. After active treatment is complete, you will wear a retainer to help hold your teeth in their new positions.
Am I a candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners may be an option for adults who can wear the trays consistently every day. Dr. Lee checks your teeth, gums, and existing dental work to identify any problems that should be treated before starting orthodontic care. If clear aligners cannot make the movements you need, she will explain why another approach might work better.
What does daily clear aligner wear involve?
Dr. Lee will tell you how many hours a day to wear your aligners and when to switch to the next set. You need to remove them for meals, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in, and clean the trays as directed.
Keep your aligners in their case when you take them out. If a tray is lost, damaged, or no longer fits, contact the office for instructions before trying the next set.
When should you consider clear aligners?
Schedule an evaluation if you want to straighten your teeth, close spaces, or have concerns about your bite. Dr. Lee can explain your options and estimate how long treatment may take.
What affects the cost of clear aligners?
The cost depends on the amount of tooth movement needed, the expected length of treatment, and any dental care required beforehand. Dr. Lee will review the treatment plan and estimate with you before starting care.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans.
Our office can verify your plan details to see how your benefits apply.
Orthodontic benefits vary by plan, and having dental insurance does not mean clear aligners are automatically covered.
Third-party financing
Financing is available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides clear aligner treatment at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. Her additional training includes neuromuscular orthodontics, jaw joint and muscle disorders, and facial pain. She considers your tooth position, bite, and any jaw symptoms together when planning your orthodontic care.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is located on First Hill at 901 Boren Ave, Seattle. 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.