Motto® clear aligners FAQ

Clear aligners are orthodontic devices made from transparent plastic material that are used for teeth straightening and correcting dental misalignments. They are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth and apply gentle, constant pressure to gradually move them into the desired position. Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces and are invisible when worn, making them a popular choice among adults and teenagers who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment option. 

Clear aligners are designed to be removable, allowing patients to take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. This feature makes oral hygiene maintenance easier compared to traditional braces, which have brackets and wires that can trap food particles and make cleaning more challenging. Treatment with Motto® clear aligners typically involves a series of aligner trays, each slightly different to accommodate the gradual movement of teeth throughout the treatment process. 

Overall, Motto® clear aligners offer a comfortable, aesthetic, and convenient way to achieve a straighter smile without the visibility and dietary restrictions associated with traditional braces. They are monitored by Motto experts trained to ensure the treatment progresses effectively and achieves the desired results. 

Your Motto clear aligner journey begins with a complimentary consultation where you'll meet your dentist and undergo a scan to create your personalized treatment plan. About two weeks later, your first set of precision-fit aligners will be ready. Throughout treatment, which typically lasts around 5.4 months on average,¹ you'll switch to a new set of aligners weekly, gradually moving your teeth towards alignment.  
Every 10 weeks, you'll visit the office for check-ins and to receive your next sets of aligners. With MottoMonitoring, some check-ins can even be done remotely, from the comfort of your home. 
Motto clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, crafted from durable, nearly invisible materials that also protect against teeth grinding. After achieving your desired results, you'll receive a retainer to maintain your straight smile for the long term. 
Learn more about how Motto works 
¹Average patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary. 

Clear aligners offer several benefits over traditional braces, including: 

• Discreet Appearance: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens 

• Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, clear aligners are more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation to your gums and cheeks

• Removability: You can remove clear aligners for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of maintenance

• Fewer Office Visits: With clear aligners, you typically need fewer check-ups compared to traditional braces 

Motto is designed to treat most alignment cases—from mild to moderate. Backed by state-of-the-art technology and a whole team of Aspen Dental experts, we have the training to make onsite refinements and adjustments to your treatment whenever you need it.
During your free consultation, we can determine the best Motto treatment plan for you.

Take the Motto Smile Assessment today to see if you are a candidate.

Not all clear aligners are created equal. At Aspen Dental, we aimed to make ours the highest quality possible. It starts with next generation materials. Backed by the power of the Aspen Dental network, Motto delivers a best-in-class combination of speed, comfort and predictability. So, the smile you want is the smile you get. Unlike rigid aligners that can cause pain or weaken over time, Motto uses revolutionary technology to straighten comfortably yet efficiently. Our aligners are also more stain-resistant than other brands, so they look and stay virtually invisible. And because they’re antibacterial, they fight odors and germs better. When you choose Motto, you also get a team of nationally recognized experts, all working together to create straighter, healthier smiles.  
Learn more about why to choose Motto® clear aligners. 

Motto clear aligners are a teeth-straightening solution for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. They may not be suitable for everyone, but their effectiveness depends on the severity of the dental misalignment. They commonly address mild to moderate cases of crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and minor bite issues like overbites or underbites. To find out if Motto clear aligners are right for you, we recommend that you schedule a free scan at an Aspen Dental location near you. During this consultation, your doctor will assess your specific dental alignment issues and discuss whether clear aligners can effectively address them. This personalized assessment ensures that you receive the most suitable treatment plan to achieve your desired smile goals with Motto aligners.

Teeth aligners work by applying gentle and continuous pressure to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and is designed to exert targeted forces on specific teeth to facilitate their movement. As you progress through the series of aligners, typically changing them every one to two weeks, your teeth gradually align according to the treatment plan created by your Aspen Dental doctor. This process allows for precise and controlled movement of your teeth, achieving a straighter and more aligned smile over time.

Motto clear aligners are exclusively available at Aspen Dental locations. To begin your journey with Motto clear aligners, schedule your first appointment at an Aspen Dental office near you. Your doctor will guide you through the process, from the initial consultation to the completion of your treatment, ensuring you receive personalized care and achieve your desired smile transformation with Motto. 

The duration of your treatment with Motto clear aligners is determined by the complexity of your orthodontic case. During your initial consultation, your dentist will assess your teeth and provide an estimate of how long your treatment should last. On average, most patients complete their treatment in about 6 months,¹ though individual results may vary. Motto clear aligners are tailored to address various levels of misalignment, ensuring each patient receives a customized treatment plan that meets their specific dental needs. 

¹Average patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary. 

Absolutely. Throughout your Motto clear aligner treatment at Aspen Dental, you will meet with your doctor and care team regularly. These check-ins are crucial for monitoring your progress, ensuring your aligners are fitting correctly, and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Unlike some other brands, this comprehensive dentist-led oversight is included in the cost of Motto aligners, ensuring you receive personalized care without additional expenses. Our goal is to support you every step of the way, ensuring your new smile achieves its full potential and meets your expectations.

Clear aligners like Motto are designed to minimize discomfort. Motto is 60% more comfortable⁴ than other aligners because it applies much less pressure when you insert it. Its flexible inner layer and smooth, scalloped edges ensure a gentler experience for your smile by mimicking the natural movement of your teeth. While you may experience some initial soreness during the first few days of wearing each new set of aligners, this is normal and indicates that the aligners are working to move your teeth into the desired position. If you find the discomfort bothersome, contact your Aspen Dental doctor for guidance.  
⁴Based on third party analysis of clear aligner options

Motto clear aligners are meticulously crafted to provide effective teeth straightening when worn for at least 22 hours each day. This duration ensures consistent and gentle pressure on your teeth, guiding them into their desired positions over time. They are designed to be removed only during essential activities such as eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. 

Choosing Motto clear aligners offers a discreet solution for correcting misaligned teeth and enhancing your smile without attracting unnecessary attention. Their transparent appearance makes them nearly invisible during everyday activities. To learn more about Motto clear aligners' benefits and begin your journey toward a straighter smile, we encourage you to schedule a complimentary scan at your nearest Aspen Dental location. Remember, wearing your aligners for about 22 hours daily is crucial to achieving optimal results. Avoiding prolonged periods without them (more than two hours per day) helps ensure continuous progress in your treatment, ensuring you achieve the smile transformation you desire. 

If you lose or damage your clear aligner during treatment, don't worry. Contact your Aspen Dental office right away, and we'll help you in getting a replacement aligner as soon as possible. It's important to address this promptly to avoid disrupting your treatment progress. Our team is here to ensure your treatment continues smoothly and effectively. 

Yes. Your Motto treatment plan includes MottoMonitoring™. This feature enables you to streamline your treatment experience by reducing the need for frequent office visits. After your initial consultation and first aligner check, MottoMonitoring allows you to do some of your check-ins with your care team remotely. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your treatment progress is closely monitored and adjusted as needed, all while maintaining the effectiveness of your clear aligner therapy.  
Explore more about how MottoMonitoring can enhance your journey to a straighter smile. 

The best method for cleaning clear aligners is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. You can also use an antibacterial soap to remove any debris or buildup. Avoid using toothpaste as it can be abrasive and scratch the aligner surface. Additionally, refrain from using mouthwash or any products containing alcohol, as these can damage the aligners. Remember to brush your teeth after meals before reinserting the aligners to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent bacteria from accumulating between your teeth and the aligners.  
Explore our patient education series on clear aligner care for more detailed guidance. 

After completing Motto clear aligner treatment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to ensure they have achieved the desired alignment. If your teeth are properly aligned, you will transition to wearing a retainer. Retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original alignment. Typically, you'll wear the retainer full-time initially, like how you wore the aligners, and then switch to wearing it only at night while you sleep once your dentist determines that your teeth are stable. Regular follow-up appointments may also be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the long-term success of your treatment. 

After completing your treatment with clear aligners, you'll usually transition to wearing your retainer, similar to how you wore your aligners (about 22 hours per day). This ensures that your teeth settle into their new positions effectively. Once your dentist confirms that your smile is stable and properly aligned, you'll switch to wearing your retainer only at night while you sleep. This phase helps maintain the alignment achieved by your aligners and ensures the long-term stability of your new smile. After wearing aligners full-time, wearing your retainer only at night should feel comfortable and easily manageable.

We want you to love your new smile. So, we’ve got you covered with—MottoAssuredTM. MottoAssured is our guarantee that you will love everything about your new smile. If you don’t, we’ll work with you to make refinements and get you where you want to be.² This commitment ensures that your smile meets your expectations, provided that any adjustments are requested within 30 days of completing your last aligner step and before receiving your retainer. Your satisfaction is our priority throughout your treatment journey. 
Disclaimer: 
²Must be in compliance with your doctor-directed treatment plan. Refinements must be requested within 30 days of completing your last aligner step and prior to receiving your retainer. 

MottoRetain™ acts as a safeguard for your retainer, functioning much like an insurance policy. Losing, damaging, or accidentally breaking your retainer can be frustrating, but with MottoRetain coverage, you won't have to worry. This optional program allows you to replace up to 8 retainers within 2 years after completing your treatment. Whether it's due to misplacement, wear and tear, or unforeseen accidents, MottoRetain ensures that you can maintain your smile's alignment without any additional financial burden or hassle. 

This coverage is designed to provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your newly aligned smile. If you ever need to replace your retainer, simply contact your Aspen Dental office, and they'll assist you promptly. MottoRetain underscores our commitment to supporting you throughout your orthodontic journey, ensuring that your investment in a straighter smile remains protected and convenient. 

If you misplace or damage your retainer, it's essential to contact your Aspen Dental office right away. Our team will promptly assist you in replacing your retainer to ensure your treatment continues smoothly.

Yes, but you should remove your retainer before eating. Retainers are designed to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment, and they are typically made from materials that can be damaged or stained by food. Removing your retainers before meals prevents them from becoming damaged or dislodged while eating, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness in keeping your teeth aligned. 
After eating, it's important to clean your teeth thoroughly before reinserting your retainers. This helps maintain good oral hygiene and prevents food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the retainer, which could lead to bacterial growth and dental issues. 
By following these practices of removing and cleaning your retainers before and after meals, you can help preserve their condition and ensure they continue to support your smile alignment effectively.

Your complete Motto treatment plan costs one convenient price: $2499, all inclusive. This includes your next-generation clear aligners that straighten teeth more comfortably and predictably, doctor-directed care, virtual monitoring for some of your check-ins, and your custom-crafted retainer. It even includes a professional-grade whitening kit to add sparkle to your new smile. All Motto treatments are backed by our smile satisfaction guarantee, MottoAssured.²
²Must be in compliance with your doctor-directed treatment plan. Refinements must be requested within 30 days of completing your last aligner step and prior to receiving your retainer. 
 
For more information on how Motto aligners can transform your smile affordably and effectively, explore our resources or schedule your free scan today. 

Yes. Your insurance may help cover up to $3,000 in orthodontic treatment.³ During your free consultation, we can help verify whether your dental insurance covers Motto treatment to potentially offset some or all the costs. You can also apply your flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) to cover treatment expenses.

We prioritize transparency and accessibility in dental care, ensuring you have clear information about payment options and coverage eligibility before proceeding with treatment. Our goal is to help you achieve a confident smile through a straightforward and supportive process. For specific details regarding insurance verification or payment options, please contact your local Aspen Dental or visit us online.  

³We do not accept Medicaid.

We accept all major credit cards, as well as HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and CareCredit or DentalFirst plans for payment at our Aspen Dental practices. As an added convenience, those who have no insurance can take advantage of our Aspen Dental Savings Plan, which includes one low annual fee to help you save on Motto, as well. These options provide flexibility in managing the cost of your dental treatments, including Motto aligners. If you have any questions about payment methods or need assistance with financing options, please don't hesitate to contact us or visit our website. 

Aspen Dental makes Motto treatment affordable with third-party patient financing solutions. We also work with most major insurance companies and accept FSA and HSA plans. Typically, an insurance policy that covers traditional braces also covers Motto to the same extent. Please note that Aspen Dental practices do not accept Medicaid. Your local Aspen Dental office can provide additional details on its in-network insurance plans. Finally, those who have no insurance can take advantage of our Aspen Dental Savings Plan, which includes one low annual fee to help you save on Motto, as well. Your local Aspen Dental office can provide additional details on its in-network insurance plans.

If your dental plan includes orthodontic benefits, you may qualify for coverage for Motto clear aligners through your insurance. Aspen Dental typically oversees insurance coordination directly, ensuring that you are billed for any remaining balance after applying applicable discounts and insurance benefits. Consult with your local Aspen Dental office to understand the specifics of your insurance coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs. You can also check coverage here.