Clear aligners are removable trays, custom-made from a digital scan, that move teeth a little at a time. We offer Invisalign and Angel Aligners, and consultations are free. For the right case they are nearly invisible and far easier to clean around than fixed braces. For other cases, braces still do the job better — and an evaluation is the only way to know which applies to your child.
Clear aligners are removable trays custom-made from a digital scan. Each tray is shaped slightly differently from the last, applying light steady pressure so teeth move gradually. They must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, coming out only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing.
A series of thin, clear plastic trays worn over the teeth. Each tray is shaped very slightly differently from the last.
Thin and clear, so most people do not notice them at conversational distance. Attachments — small tooth-coloured bumps — are sometimes needed and are slightly visible up close.
A digital scan replaces the old putty impressions. The whole sequence of movements is mapped before the first tray is made.
They come out for meals and brushing, which makes cleaning far easier than with braces. It also means they only work when your child actually wears them.
Where teeth overlap a little and there is room to work with, aligners handle it well. Severe crowding, or cases needing teeth removed to create space, usually calls for fixed braces.
Closing small gaps is one of the things aligners do most predictably.
Certain mild bite issues respond well. Significant jaw discrepancies, deep bites, and complex rotations generally need braces, sometimes with additional appliances.
This is the real deciding factor. Aligners work at 20 to 22 hours a day. A teen who is motivated does very well; one who forgets will simply not progress.
Aligners need a fairly settled set of teeth to plan against. Younger children still losing baby teeth are usually better served by early orthodontic evaluation first.
Neither is better in the abstract. They suit different mouths and different children.
| Clear aligners | Traditional braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear trays, barely noticeable | Visible brackets, though ceramic options are less so |
| On or off | Removable for meals and cleaning | Fixed in place for the whole treatment |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss normally with trays out | Extra effort around brackets and wires |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, pressure after each new tray | Occasional poking wires or loose brackets |
| Depends on the child | Only works if worn 20 to 22 hours daily | Works whether or not your child remembers |
| Case complexity | Many mild to moderate cases | Handles the full range, including complex cases |
| Food | No restrictions, trays come out | Hard and sticky foods restricted throughout |
The right choice depends on your child’s age, how much movement is needed, their oral health, and honestly — how likely they are to keep the trays in. Braces are not a lesser option; for many children they are the more reliable one. A consultation is where that gets decided, not a website.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
A series of thin, clear, removable trays custom-made from a digital scan of your child’s teeth. Each tray is shaped slightly differently from the last, so wearing them in sequence moves teeth gradually. We offer both Invisalign and Angel Aligners. Which system suits your child depends on the movements needed, and we will explain the reasoning at the consultation.
Each tray does not quite match the current position of the teeth, so it applies light, steady pressure. Bone remodels around the tooth in response, and the tooth settles into the new position. Then the next tray takes over.
Sometimes, but not usually for younger children still losing baby teeth — there is not a stable set of teeth to plan against. Early concerns are better handled through an orthodontic evaluation around age seven.
Often yes, provided the case is suitable and your teen will wear them. The appearance matters a great deal at that age, which helps with motivation. Compliance is still the deciding factor.
Mild to moderate crowding, generally yes. Severe crowding, or crowding needing extractions to create room, usually needs fixed braces.
Some. Mild bite issues often respond well. Significant jaw discrepancies and deep bites typically need braces, sometimes with additional appliances. This is exactly what an evaluation determines.
It varies widely with the case — commonly somewhere between twelve and eighteen months, but simple cases finish sooner and complex ones take longer. Inconsistent wear extends it, sometimes considerably.
Not sharply. Most children feel pressure or tenderness for a day or two after switching to a new tray, then it settles. There are no wires to poke or brackets to rub.
Typically 20 to 22 hours, out only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. This is not a guideline that can be bent much — below that, teeth stop tracking to plan.
Many PPO plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to aligners, often as a lifetime maximum rather than an annual one. Medi-Cal covers orthodontics only in limited qualifying circumstances. We can review your specific coverage with you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA. Orthodontic treatment is provided in coordination with our partner orthodontists.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person orthodontic evaluation.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
Consultations are free. We will cover what movement your child’s teeth actually need, whether Invisalign or Angel Aligners can deliver it, and what braces would offer instead. Families come to us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario.
