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Aesthetic Edge Dental 559Dentist.com · Fresno, CA
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Alignment

Straightening Teeth, and Knowing When to Refer

Crowded, spaced, or tipped teeth are harder to clean and can wear unevenly. Some alignment concerns are straightforward to address in a general practice; others belong with an orthodontist. The first step is an honest assessment of which one yours is.
What we assess

The alignment assessment

We examine how your teeth meet, look for wear patterns and recession caused by bite forces, check for crowding that traps plaque, and take the imaging needed to see root positions. That determines whether alignment treatment is cosmetic, functional, or both.

Clear aligner treatment for mild to moderate cases

Removable clear aligners can address mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and relapse after previous orthodontic work. They require consistent daily wear, and results depend heavily on compliance.

Cases better handled by an orthodontist

Significant bite discrepancies, impacted teeth, skeletal issues, and most growing-patient cases are referred. Being told to see a specialist is a sign of appropriate care, not a lost sale.

Retention afterward

Teeth move throughout life. Whatever the treatment, a retainer is needed to hold the result, and replacing a lost retainer promptly is much cheaper than repeating treatment.

Young patients

Space Maintainers

When a child loses a primary tooth early, a space maintainer holds the gap open so the permanent tooth has room to come in and neighboring teeth do not drift. It is a small, preventive appliance that can avoid larger orthodontic work later.

When to have a child evaluated

An early orthodontic evaluation is commonly recommended around age seven, when enough permanent teeth are present to spot developing problems. Early evaluation does not mean early treatment — often it means monitoring.

Common Questions

Fixed braces cases are referred to an orthodontic colleague. We assess, explain what your case involves, and coordinate the referral.
Clinically reviewed by Mankirat Gill, DDS·Last reviewed July 2026

This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an in-person dental examination or personalized advice.

Related: Cosmetic Dentistry Children's Dentistry Smile Consult

Wondering If Your Case Is Straightforward?

An assessment will tell you what is possible here and what needs a specialist.

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What we know / what requires an exam

A page can educate you about alignment — it cannot examine you. Here is the honest line between the two.

We can explain online
What orthodontic movement can address
The general process from scan to retention
Why retainers matter permanently
When alignment reduces the need for other treatment
We need to examine you to determine
Whether your case suits aligners or needs orthodontist-level care
How complex your bite actually is
A realistic duration for your movement
Your actual cost and monitoring schedule