Orthodontics at Tend

Orthodontic treatment focuses on aligning your teeth and bite to improve both function and appearance. At Tend, we use clear aligners to gently move your teeth into better positions over time, helping you achieve a healthy, balanced smile.

Invisalign is one of the most widely recognized clear aligner brands, but other systems, like SimplyClear, use a similar approach and can often deliver comparable results at a lower cost.

At Tend, we offer both Invisalign and SimplyClear aligners at different price points, all designed for comfort, precision, and great outcomes, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.

Clear aligners gently shift your teeth into alignment using a series of removable trays custom-made for your smile. Each set is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next, gradually guiding your teeth into position.

Our dentists are experts in the art and science of moving teeth, and thousands of patients have trusted their smiles with us.

With affordable orthodontics and leading-edge care for all ages, we help create healthier, straighter smiles so patients can feel confident about their dental wellness now and in the future.

Many dental insurance plans provide full or partial coverage for Invisalign and other clear aligner treatments, often for children and teens, and sometimes for adults, depending on the plan. Tend accepts most major PPO insurance providers and can help you understand how your benefits may apply to orthodontic care.

Our team will guide you through estimated costs, treatment options, and payment solutions to help support your care planning. Coverage and reimbursement are determined by your insurance provider, and benefits can vary based on your specific plan.

It’s never too late to improve your smile. While many people start orthodontic treatment in their teens, adults can benefit just as much. If you’ve noticed crowding, gaps, or bite issues, it’s a good time to talk to your Tend team about your options.

Straight teeth aren’t just about looks;  they’re easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Proper alignment also reduces wear on your teeth and strain on your jaw, supporting long-term oral and overall health.

Once you have clear aligners, you should wear your aligners day and night, taking them out only to eat, drink, and brush. Your aligners should be in for at least 22 hours per day.

Most aligner patients visit every 6 to 8 weeks for quick progress checks. Because aligners don’t require adjustments like braces do, appointments are shorter and more flexible to fit your schedule.

With any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign aligners, your teeth will feel sore while they’re actively moving. With clear aligners, your teeth will be in active movement mode over the first 3-5 days after switching to a new set of aligners. After that, you will finish wearing your aligners until your dentist has instructed you to switch to the next aligner set, while your teeth rest and settle into place in passive mode.

Drinking water with your aligners in is completely fine, but you should remove your aligners before consuming anything else. Eating or drinking with your aligners in could cause cavities and stain your aligners, making them far more visible!

Teeth can shift slightly over time, which is why wearing a retainer is important. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions, protecting your results for years to come.

Taking good care of your retainers helps them stay clean, functional, and long-lasting. Clear retainers should always be stored in their case when not in your mouth—avoid wrapping them in napkins or paper towels, which can easily lead to loss.

Clean them gently with a wet toothbrush, skipping toothpaste to prevent buildup, and use retainer cleaning tablets if you notice any stains. Colored mouthwash can stain the plastic, so it’s best not to soak them in it, and make sure to keep them away from pets, who may be tempted to chew them.

For fixed retainers, focus on brushing carefully around the bonded bar and massaging your gums underneath. Use floss threaders to clean between teeth beneath the bar. To protect your fixed retainer, avoid biting directly into hard foods like raw fruits and vegetables, chewing ice, or using metal straws. If a retainer breaks or becomes damaged, contact your orthodontic team promptly to have it repaired or replaced.

Absolutely! After completing your orthodontic treatment at Tend, you’ll be provided with custom retainers to help keep your smile aligned. Your treatment includes one set of clear retainers, and your doctor will guide you on how to wear them—starting full-time for the first 8 weeks and then gradually transitioning to nighttime-only wear. If you ever need a replacement, a single retainer can be replaced for $150.

Yes! Wearing retainers after your SimplyClear or Invisalign clear aligner treatment is crucial for keeping your teeth in their new positions. For the first 8 weeks after your orthodontic treatment, your doctor will ask you to wear your custom clear retainers full time, removing them only to eat, drink hot or staining beverages, or brush and floss. After your 8-week follow-up appointment, your doctor will provide guidance on gradually switching to nighttime-only wear. Following this schedule helps keep your smile straight and aligned over the long term.

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll begin by wearing your clear retainers full-time for the first 8 weeks, taking them out only to eat, drink hot or staining beverages, or to brush and floss. During your 8-week follow-up, your doctor will evaluate how your teeth are settling and provide instructions for gradually switching to nighttime-only wear. Sticking to this routine helps keep your teeth in their new positions and maintain your smile for the long term.

Getting ready for your first SimplyClear or Invisalign aligner? A little preparation can make those first few days more comfortable. It’s common for teeth to feel sensitive at the start, so having softer foods like smoothies, pasta, or soups on hand can help. You might also want to enjoy any crunchy snacks—like chips or raw veggies—before beginning treatment.

When you first start wearing your aligners, they can feel a bit unfamiliar, especially when speaking. You may notice a slight change at first, but this usually improves quickly as your mouth adjusts, often within the first week. If you have any important presentations or meetings coming up, it may be worth planning around those first few days.

Your initial appointment may take up to an hour, so giving yourself a bit of extra time can help keep the experience relaxed and stress-free.

Keeping your smile on track takes regular appointments, and we reserve time just for you.

The first and second time you cancel your appointment with less than 2 days’ notice, or miss a visit, there's no charge.

For a third missed appointment, a $100 fee may apply, and for the fourth and any additional missed appointments, a $200 fee may be charged.