What I evaluate first

The bite. Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite relationships respond well to aligners. Severe rotations, large bite corrections, or teeth that need to move vertically a long way are more predictable with braces. I plan on a 3D scan, so you see the proposed result before committing.

Gum and bone health. Moving teeth on inflamed gums or bone loss is a bad plan. If Frank finds deep pockets, gum treatment comes first.

Wear time. This is the honest filter. Trays out at lunch and forgotten until dinner means the plan stalls. If that is your week, say so.

When aligners are the right call

For these, Invisalign at mend means a free consultation, iTero Lumina scanning, one all-in quote, and me reviewing every stage.

• Crowding or spacing that bothers you or makes cleaning hard
• Teeth that have shifted since teen braces
• A bite issue aligners can predictably correct
• You want to straighten before cosmetic work so veneers can be thinner or unnecessary
• You can realistically wear trays most of the day

When I say braces, or no treatment

Braces are still the better tool for severe rotations and major bite correction. If that is your case, I will say so and help you get to the right next step rather than start aligners that will not finish the job.

Sometimes the honest answer is nothing right now. Active gum disease, a tooth that needs restoring first, or crowding so mild that it is not worth two years of trays. I would rather tell you that than sell you a case.

What adult treatment here looks like

Check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks, several tray sets at a time so travel does not stall progress, refinements included, and retainers at the end. Many PPO plans include an adult orthodontic benefit. We verify before you arrive, and payment plans through Sunbit, Cherry and HFD are available.