Q1. What are clear aligners and how do they straighten teeth?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle, controlled pressure to gradually shift them into the desired positions. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before being replaced by the next set in the series, with each tray making a small incremental adjustment. Over the course of treatment, which typically spans 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the case, these incremental movements produce the same type of orthodontic correction that traditional braces achieve, but without brackets, wires, or visible hardware. The aligners are made from a smooth, BPA-free medical-grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn, making them an ideal choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the aesthetic and lifestyle compromises of metal braces.

Q2. What dental issues can Invisalign or Clear Aligner fix?

Clear aligners can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns including crowded teeth where there is not enough space in the jaw for teeth to align properly, gaps and spaces between teeth, overbite where the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth, underbite where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, crossbite where some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth, open bite where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, and generally crooked or rotated teeth that create an uneven smile line. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan uses our 3D CBCT scanner and TRIOS digital scanner to evaluate your specific case and determine whether clear aligners can achieve the result you want. For more complex orthodontic cases that fall outside the range of aligner treatment, she will recommend the most appropriate alternative and can refer you to a trusted orthodontist if specialized care is needed.

Q3. How much does Invisalign or Clear Aligner cost in Las Vegas?

Clear aligner treatment in the Las Vegas area typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the complexity of the case, the number of aligners required, and the duration of treatment. Minor alignment corrections may fall at the lower end of this range, while more complex cases requiring longer treatment and more aligner sets will be higher. Many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits that cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, and our front office team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment begins. Summerlin Dental Solutions also offers 0% interest financing through HFD with approval in under a minute and no impact on your credit score, making it possible to spread the investment over monthly payments that fit your budget. HSA and FSA accounts can also be applied toward clear aligner treatment.

Q4. How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on the severity of the misalignment being corrected. Minor spacing or crowding issues may be resolved in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases involving significant bite correction can take 12 to 18 months. The average treatment time for most patients at Summerlin Dental Solutions falls between 8 and 14 months. One of the advantages of Dr. Cohan’s approach is that she uses the TRIOS digital scanner to create a precise 3D treatment plan that maps every tooth movement from start to finish before treatment begins. You can see a digital simulation of your projected result and understand the estimated timeline during your consultation. Compliance plays a significant role in treatment speed: patients who wear their aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day and change trays on schedule consistently achieve their results on time or ahead of schedule.

Q5. Is clear aligner treatment painful?

Most patients experience mild pressure and tightness for the first day or two after switching to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that the trays are working and your teeth are moving. This sensation is generally described as discomfort rather than pain and is significantly less intense than the soreness associated with traditional braces adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can manage the discomfort if needed, and most patients find that the tightness subsides within 48 hours as their teeth adjust to the new tray. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan designs your treatment plan to move teeth gradually and efficiently, minimizing unnecessary discomfort at each stage. If you experience anxiety about any aspect of treatment, our sedation dentistry options including nitrous oxide are available for appointments that involve attachments, IPR (interproximal reduction), or other in-office procedures.

Q6. Can I eat and drink normally with clear aligners?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of clear aligners over traditional braces. Because the aligners are removable, you take them out before every meal and snack, eat whatever you want with no restrictions, brush and floss normally, and then put the aligners back in. There are no forbidden foods, no food getting stuck in brackets, and no emergency visits because a wire popped out while eating a bagel. The only restriction is that you should not eat or drink anything other than plain water while wearing the aligners, because hot beverages can warp the plastic and colored drinks can stain the trays. Dr. Cohan recommends carrying a small travel toothbrush so you can brush after meals before reinserting your aligners, which also promotes excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment.

Q7. How often do I need to visit the dentist during clear aligner treatment?

At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan typically schedules check-in appointments every 6 to 8 weeks during clear aligner treatment. These visits are brief, usually 15 to 20 minutes, and involve checking your progress against the digital treatment plan, ensuring teeth are tracking correctly, providing your next sets of aligners, making any adjustments to attachments or IPR if needed, and addressing any questions or concerns you have. Because the aligners are pre-fabricated based on the digital treatment plan and you change trays at home on a set schedule, the number of office visits is significantly fewer than with traditional braces, which typically require monthly tightening appointments. For patients traveling from Henderson, Centennial Hills, or other communities farther from Summerlin, the reduced visit frequency is an especially appealing convenience factor.

Q8. Am I too old for clear aligners?

There is no upper age limit for clear aligner treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, clear aligners can be effective at any age. In fact, a growing percentage of clear aligner patients are adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond who either never had orthodontic treatment as teenagers or whose teeth have shifted over the decades since their braces were removed. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan treats patients of every age with clear aligners and frequently combines aligner treatment with other cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers on select teeth to achieve a comprehensive smile makeover. The only prerequisite is that gum disease and active decay must be treated before orthodontic movement begins, which Dr. Cohan evaluates thoroughly during your consultation using AI-assisted diagnostics and 3D imaging.

Q9. Are clear aligners really invisible?

Clear aligners are not technically invisible, but they are very close. The trays are made from a smooth, transparent plastic that fits tightly against your teeth. In most social and professional situations, people will not notice you are wearing them unless they are looking closely from a short distance. At arm’s length and beyond, aligners are essentially undetectable. Some patients require small tooth-colored attachments (small dots of composite resin bonded to certain teeth) that help the aligners grip and move teeth more effectively. These attachments are matched to your tooth shade and are subtle, though they can be slightly more noticeable than the trays themselves. Dr. Cohan places attachments strategically to minimize visibility while maximizing treatment effectiveness. For patients in image-conscious professions or social environments, which describes a significant portion of the Las Vegas population, clear aligners provide a level of discretion that traditional braces simply cannot match.

Q10. What is the difference between getting clear aligners from a dentist versus an online direct-to-consumer company?

The fundamental difference is clinical oversight. When you receive clear aligners from Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan performs a comprehensive examination including digital X-rays, AI-assisted diagnostic analysis, periodontal evaluation, and a 3D CBCT scan if warranted to ensure your teeth, gums, bone, and jaw joints are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. She designs and monitors your treatment plan personally, seeing you every 6 to 8 weeks to verify teeth are moving correctly and intervening immediately if anything goes off track. Direct-to-consumer aligner companies typically rely on at-home impressions or smartphone scans, limited or no in-person examination, remote monitoring (often by a dentist who has never met you), and no X-rays or periodontal evaluation before treatment begins. Moving teeth without first diagnosing and treating underlying conditions like gum disease, cavities, or bone loss can accelerate damage and produce results that look straighter but are built on a compromised foundation. The price difference between dentist-supervised and direct-to-consumer aligners reflects the value of clinical safety, diagnostic thoroughness, and professional accountability.

Q11. Can clear aligners be combined with veneers or other cosmetic treatments?

Yes, and this combination is one of the most effective approaches to a complete smile transformation. Some patients have teeth that are both crooked and aesthetically imperfect (stained, chipped, worn, or unevenly shaped). In these cases, Dr. Cohan may recommend aligner treatment first to move the teeth into proper alignment, followed by porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, teeth contouring, or a comprehensive smile makeover to refine the final aesthetics. Straightening the teeth first means fewer veneers may be needed (since alignment is already corrected), the veneers that are placed require less enamel removal (because the teeth are already in position), and the overall result is more natural and conservative. Dr. Cohan’s AACD Accreditation ensures the cosmetic phases of the treatment plan are designed with the same artistic precision that defines her veneer and makeover work.

Q12. Do I need to wear a retainer after clear aligner treatment?

Yes. Retainers are essential for maintaining your results after any orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. Without a retainer, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions over time, a phenomenon called orthodontic relapse. Dr. Cohan provides custom retainers fabricated from a precise TRIOS digital scan of your newly aligned smile. Most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first few months after treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear indefinitely. The retainer is similar in appearance to a clear aligner tray: virtually invisible, comfortable, and easy to maintain. Wearing your retainer consistently is the key to ensuring your investment in aligner treatment delivers a lifetime of straight, beautiful results. Dr. Cohan monitors your alignment at every preventive care visit and will let you know if any minor shifting is occurring so it can be addressed before it becomes visible.

Q13. What technology does Summerlin Dental Solutions use for clear aligner treatment?

Summerlin Dental Solutions uses the most advanced dental technology available to plan, fabricate, and monitor clear aligner treatment with precision. The TRIOS digital scanner is the cornerstone of the process, capturing a detailed 3D digital model of your teeth and bite in minutes without messy impression trays. This digital model is used to design your complete treatment plan, simulate every tooth movement from start to finish, and fabricate each aligner tray with an exact fit. Our AI-assisted radiological analysis reviews your X-rays to ensure no hidden decay, fractures, or bone loss are present before treatment begins. The 3D CBCT scanner provides three-dimensional views of your jawbone and tooth roots for cases where root position, impacted teeth, or bone density need to be evaluated. Digital X-rays deliver instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation. And dual-screen exam rooms display your treatment simulation in real time, showing you a projected video of your teeth moving from their current positions to their final alignment so you can see your future smile before you begin.

Q14. What are Dr. Cohan’s qualifications for clear aligner treatment?

Dr. Marianne Cohan brings a unique combination of orthodontic training, cosmetic expertise, and diagnostic technology to every clear aligner case. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo with dual honors including the Operative Dentistry Award and the Periodontics Award. With more than 31 years of clinical experience and over 25 years serving Las Vegas, she has treated hundreds of clear aligner cases spanning every complexity level. Her AACD Accreditation (held by fewer than 1% of dentists) means she approaches aligner treatment not just as an orthodontic procedure but as a cosmetic one, designing the final tooth positions to be aesthetically harmonious with each patient’s facial features, lip line, and smile arc. She is a Best Dentist in America through peer nomination and a 19-time Best of Las Vegas winner across four categories including Best Cosmetic Dentist. She maintains memberships in the AAFE, AAID, ADA, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and Academy of General Dentistry. For a procedure that reshapes your smile for life, you genuinely could not be in better hands.

Q15. Can teenagers get clear aligners instead of traditional braces?

Yes. Clear aligners have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional braces for teenagers, and Dr. Cohan treats many teen patients with this approach at Summerlin Dental Solutions. Teen aligner systems include features specifically designed for younger patients, such as compliance indicators that change color to show whether the aligners have been worn for the recommended number of hours, eruption tabs that accommodate teeth that are still growing in, and replacement aligners in case of loss. The advantages for teens are significant: no food restrictions (aligners are removed for eating), easier oral hygiene (no brackets to brush around), fewer emergency visits (no broken wires), and the confidence of a virtually invisible treatment during the socially sensitive teenage years. Dr. Cohan evaluates each teen’s dental development, maturity level, and compliance readiness before recommending aligners and involves the parents in the treatment planning conversation to set realistic expectations.

Q16. Does dental insurance cover clear aligner treatment in Las Vegas?

Many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits that apply to clear aligner treatment, typically covering 50% of the treatment cost up to a lifetime orthodontic maximum (commonly $1,000 to $2,000, though maximums vary by plan). Some plans restrict orthodontic coverage to patients under age 19, while others extend it to adults. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, our front office team verifies your specific insurance benefits before treatment begins and provides a clear breakdown of your estimated insurance contribution and out-of-pocket costs. For any remaining balance, 0% interest financing through HFD is available with approval in under a minute and no credit score impact. HSA and FSA accounts can also be applied toward aligner treatment. Our goal is to ensure finances never stand between you and the straighter smile you deserve.

Q17. Where is the closest Invisalign or clear aligner dentist to The Summit, The Ridges, and Queensridge?

Summerlin Dental Solutions is located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145, centrally positioned in the heart of Summerlin between Tivoli Village and Boca Park. Queensridge residents are just 5 to 10 minutes from our office. The Summit residents reach us in approximately 10 to 12 minutes via Town Center Drive and Rampart Boulevard. The Ridges residents connect via Rampart or the 215 Beltway in a similarly short drive. Because clear aligner check-ins are needed only every 6 to 8 weeks and typically take just 15 to 20 minutes, the appointment commitment is very manageable for residents of these communities. Having an AACD-accredited cosmetic dentist with TRIOS digital scanning and 3D treatment simulation within minutes of home means you receive the highest standard of clear aligner care with maximum convenience. Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your aligner consultation.

Q18. Can patients from Henderson get clear aligner treatment at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Yes. Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Henderson patients choose Summerlin Dental Solutions for clear aligner treatment because Dr. Cohan’s AACD-accredited cosmetic approach ensures the final alignment is designed for aesthetic harmony (not just straight teeth), the TRIOS digital scanner produces more accurate aligner trays than traditional impressions, and the AI-assisted diagnostics ensure treatment begins on a healthy foundation. Because check-in visits are only every 6 to 8 weeks, Henderson patients make the drive approximately 4 to 6 times over the course of the entire treatment, which is a very manageable commitment for a result they will enjoy for life.

Q19. Is there a clear aligner dentist near Centennial Hills and Spring Valley?

Yes. Summerlin Dental Solutions serves clear aligner patients from throughout the Las Vegas Valley including Centennial Hills, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and all surrounding areas. Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes, while Spring Valley patients are just 10 to 15 minutes south along the 215 Beltway. Both communities include patients of every age who are choosing clear aligners over traditional braces for the discretion, comfort, and convenience they offer. Many Spring Valley patients combine their aligner check-in visits with preventive care appointments or other services, making the most of each trip to our office.

Q20. How do I schedule a clear aligner consultation at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

Call (702) 341-9160 and let our team know you are interested in clear aligners or teeth straightening. You can also book online through our website or begin with a virtual consultation from the comfort of your home, which is a great first step if you want to share photos and discuss your goals before visiting the office. New patients can complete patient forms online before arriving to save time. Your consultation includes a comprehensive examination with Dr. Cohan, digital X-rays with AI-assisted analysis to evaluate your oral health, a TRIOS 3D scan to create a digital model of your teeth, a treatment simulation showing your projected tooth movement and final result, a recommendation on whether clear aligners are the right approach for your case, and a detailed cost estimate with insurance verification and financing options. We are located at 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, in the heart of Summerlin near Tivoli Village and Boca Park. We proudly serve patients from The Summit, The Ridges, Queensridge, Henderson, Centennial Hills, Spring Valley, and all surrounding communities. You could not be in better hands at Summerlin Dental Solutions.

The Summit

One of Summerlin’s most prestigious guard-gated communities, The Summit is approximately 10 to 12 minutes from our office. Summit residents appreciate having AACD-accredited clear aligner treatment with TRIOS digital precision within minutes of their community. The 6 to 8 week check-in schedule makes the time commitment minimal for a result that transforms the smile for life.

The Ridges

Nestled against Red Rock Canyon, The Ridges is a short drive from our office via Rampart Boulevard or the 215 Beltway. Ridges families trust Dr. Cohan for clear aligner treatment because her sole-practitioner model means the same doctor who designs the treatment plan is the one who monitors every stage and adjusts the approach if needed. That consistency produces better outcomes and fewer surprises.

Queensridge

Our closest neighboring community at just 5 to 10 minutes from our office. Queensridge residents enjoy the shortest commute of any community we serve, and several Queensridge families have multiple members undergoing aligner treatment simultaneously. The convenience of award-winning orthodontic care just minutes away makes it easy for the whole family to stay on schedule.

Henderson

Henderson, Green Valley, and Anthem patients reach our Summerlin office in approximately 25 to 30 minutes via the 215 Beltway. Because clear aligner check-ins are only needed every 6 to 8 weeks, Henderson patients make the drive just 4 to 6 times over the entire treatment course. They tell us the AACD-accredited cosmetic design approach and TRIOS scanning precision make those visits well worth the trip.

Centennial Hills

North Las Vegas and Centennial Hills residents travel south on the 215 or US-95 in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. This growing community includes many young professionals and families who are choosing clear aligners over traditional braces for the discretion and flexibility they offer and who value having a cosmetic dentist with peer-reviewed credentials guiding their treatment.

Spring Valley

Located just south of Summerlin along the 215 Beltway, Spring Valley patients reach our office in 10 to 15 minutes. As one of our largest patient communities, Spring Valley residents represent a significant portion of our aligner patient base, with many patients combining their 6 to 8 week check-ins with other family appointments to maximize the value of each visit.

TRIOS Digital Scanner

The cornerstone of our clear aligner workflow. The TRIOS scanner captures a detailed 3D digital model of your teeth and bite in minutes using a small handheld wand, completely eliminating the messy putty impression trays that most patients find uncomfortable. This digital model serves as the foundation for your entire treatment plan, the aligner fabrication process, and the treatment simulation that shows you your projected result. The accuracy of the TRIOS scan directly translates to better-fitting aligners that track more predictably and require fewer refinements.

AI-Assisted Radiology

Before any orthodontic treatment begins, our AI system reviews your diagnostic images alongside Dr. Cohan to identify hidden decay, fractures, infections, and bone loss that must be treated before teeth are moved. Starting aligner treatment on an unhealthy foundation can accelerate damage and compromise results. The AI ensures nothing is missed, so your treatment begins at the right time and on the strongest possible foundation.

3D CBCT Scanner

For complex aligner cases where root position, impacted teeth, bone density, or jaw joint anatomy need detailed evaluation, the CBCT scanner provides three-dimensional views that flat X-rays cannot. This is particularly valuable for adult patients with previous dental work, missing teeth, or suspected bone loss, where the orthodontic plan must account for anatomical factors that are invisible on standard imaging.

Computerized Smile Design

Dr. Cohan integrates smile design software into clear aligner planning when the treatment is part of a broader cosmetic plan. This allows her to design the final tooth positions not just for orthodontic correctness but for aesthetic harmony with the patient’s facial features, lip line, and smile arc, ensuring the end result is both straight and beautiful.

Digital X-Rays

Providing instant imaging at up to 90% less radiation than conventional film, digital X-rays are used for initial assessment, progress monitoring during treatment, and post-treatment evaluation. The reduced radiation is especially relevant for aligner patients who may have X-rays taken at multiple points during the treatment timeline.

Soft Tissue Laser

For aligner patients who need minor gum recontouring as part of their smile plan, or who develop minor gum tissue irritation during treatment, our soft tissue laser provides minimally invasive treatment with faster healing and less discomfort than traditional methods.

Dual-Screen Exam Rooms

Every treatment room features dual monitors where Dr. Cohan displays your 3D treatment simulation, showing a projected animation of your teeth moving from their current positions to the final result. Watching your future smile come to life on screen is one of the most exciting moments of the consultation, and the dual screens allow you to see every detail clearly and ask questions as the simulation plays.

See Your Straighter Smile Before Treatment Begins

Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your aligner consultation.

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851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230  |  Las Vegas, NV 89145  |  Near Tivoli Village & Boca Park