Clear aligners
General Dentistry at Brazos Street Dental
Removable clear aligners for suitable adults and teenagers, with regular progress visits.
01What clear aligners are
What clear aligners are
Clear aligners are a series of removable, clear plastic trays. Each tray moves your teeth a small amount, and you change to the next tray every one to two weeks, as your dentist directs. They are an alternative to metal braces for some people.
02Who provides aligner care here
Who provides aligner care here
Dr. Mei-Lin Tanabe provides clear aligner treatment for suitable adults and teenagers. We are general dentists, not orthodontists. An orthodontist is a dental specialist in moving teeth and jaws. If your bite or jaw problems call for specialist care, we tell you and refer you to an orthodontist.
03How it works
How it works
How long it takes depends on your teeth and how closely the trays are worn. We give you an estimate after planning, and tell you if the plan changes.
- An exam and X-rays, to check that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to move. Cavities and gum disease are treated first.
- A conversation about what you want, and what clear aligners can and cannot do for your teeth.
- Digital scans or impressions of your teeth, from which the aligners are planned and made.
- Wearing the aligners, usually for most of the day and night, taking them out to eat, brush and clean between your teeth.
- Progress visits, to check that your teeth are moving as planned and to give you your next set of trays.
- Retainers after treatment, to hold teeth in their new position. Retainers are not included in the aligner price.
04What it asks of you
What it asks of you
- Wearing the trays as directed. Teeth do not move as planned if the trays spend too much time in a case.
- Cleaning the trays and your teeth each day.
- Keeping your progress visits.
- Wearing retainers afterward, as advised.
05Is it right for you?
Is it right for you?
Aligners suit many mild to moderate crowding and spacing problems. They are not suitable for every bite. We will say so if another approach would serve you better. We do not guarantee how teeth will move or how they will look.
06Cost
Cost
In the illustrative price list, clear aligners include the aligners and progress visits. Retainers after treatment are not included, and are quoted separately. See the range on the costs page. Some dental plans cover part of orthodontic treatment, and some do not. Your plan's benefits decide what you pay, and we check them with you before any treatment.
Illustrative prices for a fictional practice. A dentist confirms your treatment and cost after an exam.
Example fees
What the price includes
Illustrative assumptions, October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. A dentist confirms the scope after an exam.
Clear aligners
USD 3,800–5,600Includes: Aligners and progress visits. Does not include: Retainers after treatment. Case complexity, visits and retainers after treatment.
Questions
A few clear answers
Who provides clear aligner treatment here?
Dr. Mei-Lin Tanabe provides clear aligner treatment for suitable adults and teenagers. We are general dentists, not orthodontists. If your bite or jaw problems call for specialist care, we explain why and refer you to an orthodontist.
When do I wear and change the aligner trays?
You usually wear the aligners for most of the day and night, taking them out to eat, brush and clean between your teeth. Change to the next tray every one to two weeks, as your dentist directs, and keep your progress visits.
Are retainers included in the aligner price?
The illustrative aligner price includes the aligners and progress visits. Retainers after treatment are quoted separately. They hold teeth in their new position and need to be worn as advised.
Related
Read it with an example
A crown and a filling, no insurance
How often do I need a cleaning? · The team
Clinical review: Not reviewed by a dentist and not medical advice
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