Clear, Comfortable Orthodontic Treatment for Teens and Adults
Maybe crowded teeth make flossing a chore, or a small gap has you smiling with your lips closed in photos. Whatever brought you here, you’re not alone, and you don’t need a mouth full of metal to fix it. At Parkland Smile Dental, we offer orthodontic treatment in Tacoma, WA, using clear aligners that straighten teeth quietly, comfortably, and on a schedule that fits real life. Dr. Andrew Lee, Dr. Wai Shan Chiu, and our team keep the process simple, so you always know what comes next.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment gently moves your teeth into healthier, more even positions. Straighter teeth look great, but the benefits go deeper than appearance. When teeth line up properly, they’re easier to brush and floss, they wear more evenly, and your bite feels more balanced. Over time, that can mean fewer cavities, healthier gums, and less strain on your jaw.
Our office focuses on clear aligner therapy, which uses a series of custom, nearly invisible trays instead of brackets and wires. Each set shifts your teeth a little at a time until you reach your final result.
Our Orthodontic Options
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are smooth, removable trays made from medical-grade plastic. You wear them most of the day and switch to a new set every week or two. Because you take them out to eat, there are no food restrictions, and brushing and flossing stay as easy as ever.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is the best-known aligner brand, with years of research behind it. Its trays work with small, tooth-colored attachments that help guide each tooth, making it a strong choice for a wide range of spacing, crowding, and bite concerns.
- ClearCorrect: ClearCorrect is another trusted aligner system that delivers excellent results for many patients. Its trays are thin, clear, and comfortable to wear. Depending on your goals and budget, Dr. Lee may recommend ClearCorrect as a great fit for your smile.
- Retention: Finishing treatment is a big moment, but keeping your results matters just as much. Teeth naturally want to drift back toward their old positions. Custom retainers hold your smile in place, so all your hard work lasts for years.
5 Reasons Patients Choose Clear Aligners
- They’re nearly invisible. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
- They’re comfortable. No brackets or wires means nothing poking your cheeks.
- You can eat what you love. Just remove your trays at mealtime.
- There’s nothing to break. Fewer surprise repair visits means less hassle.
- You can preview your results. Digital planning shows how your smile is expected to change before you start.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
Your journey starts with a relaxed consultation. We’ll talk about your goals, check your teeth and gums, and take digital X-rays. Our cone beam 3D imaging and digital impressions give us a detailed look at your teeth and jaw, without the goopy molds.
Next, we map out your custom plan and order your aligners. Once they arrive, we’ll check the fit and show you how to wear and care for them. For the best results, you’ll wear your trays about 20 to 22 hours a day. Quick check-ins every several weeks let us make sure everything is moving as planned. Many patients finish in about 6 to 18 months, though every smile is different. After your final set, we’ll fit you for retainers to protect your new smile.
Orthodontic Options at a Glance
Treatment | Key Benefit | What It Means for You |
Clear Aligners | Removable, clear trays | Straighten teeth without changing your diet |
Invisalign | Precise, research-backed system | Reliable results for many spacing and bite concerns |
ClearCorrect | Thin, comfortable trays | A flexible option for many goals and budgets |
Retention | Custom retainers | Keep your new smile in place for the long haul |
Comfort and Care at Parkland Smile Dental
We’re a small, close-knit team that loves what we do, and we want every visit to feel easy. We explain each step in plain language, answer your questions, and never rush you. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, and Mandarin, so more families can feel right at home. If dental visits make you nervous, just let us know. We’re happy to slow down and make sure you feel comfortable.
Experienced, Caring Dentists
Dr. Andrew Lee is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He also completed a hospital-based residency that included rotations at the VA Palo Alto and Stanford University Medical Center. Dr. Wai Shan Chiu earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Washington. Both doctors are committed to ongoing learning and to helping you understand every option, so you can make choices with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
Not at all. Healthy teeth can move at any age, and many of our aligner patients are adults.
Do aligners hurt?
You may feel some pressure for a day or two when you start a new set. That’s a sign your teeth are moving, and it fades quickly.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Some plans do. We work with many major insurers, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, and Aetna, and we’re happy to check your benefits. We also accept CareCredit for flexible payments.
How long will I need to wear a retainer?
Most patients wear retainers at night for the long term. We’ll create a plan that fits your needs.
Start Your Straighter Smile Today
A straighter, healthier smile may be easier to reach than you think. If you’re ready to explore orthodontic treatment in Tacoma, WA, call Parkland Smile Dental or request an appointment online. We proudly welcome patients from Parkland, Spanaway, Lakewood, and nearby communities, and we’re always glad to verify your insurance or answer questions before your first visit.
