The Ultimate Guide to Smart Moves® Clear Aligners in Birmingham, AL

September 12, 2026
|
Posted By: Aaron Cook, DMD

Smart Moves clear aligners in Birmingham, AL, are similar to Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®. These systems rely on clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. 

In this guide, I explore the following: 

  • How Smart Moves Clear Aligners Work
  • The Smart Moves Process: Step-by-Step
  • Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Braces?
  • Beyond Aesthetics: The Overlooked Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment
  • Tips to Ensure Successful Orthodontic Treatment
  • Other Orthodontic Options to Consider
  • How to Arrange Your Orthodontic Consultation

How Smart Moves Clear Aligners Work

Smart Moves is a series of clear aligners worn over the teeth. You change these aligners according to the schedule provided by my dental office. As you work through your aligners, you’ll notice your teeth moving into straighter and more desirable positions. Periodically, you’ll visit my dental office for monitoring to ensure your teeth are lining up on schedule. 

At the end of treatment, I fit you with a custom retainer to protect your new smile lineup. The retainer helps prevent orthodontic relapse. It’s important to wear your retainer as directed.  

The Smart Moves Process: Step-by-Step

  1. Your Consultation: First, you visit my dental office for a consultation that includes a discussion of your smile goals and a comprehensive exam to assess your candidacy. This is a fantastic time to ask questions or share your concerns.
  2. Impressions of Your Teeth:  If you move forward with treatment, I take impressions of your teeth so the lab can create your clear aligners. (It’s important to note that some patients require pretreatments beforehand, such as extractions for severe overcrowding or general maintenance, such as cavity treatment.)
  3. Starting Treatment: After your aligners arrive at Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, you come in to pick them up. At this time, we’ll show you the proper way to insert your aligners and answer any questions you may have. 
  4. The Retention Phase: Treatment can last for several months or longer than two years, depending on your goals and the extent of your orthodontic issues. After treatment, it’s important to wear the retainer I provide. This protects your orthodontic investment by keeping your teeth in their new straight positions. 

I want to note that Smart Moves are thinner than Invisalign for ultimate discretion and comfort. Typically, the Smart Moves system is also less expensive than Invisalign and ClearCorrect. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Braces?

Most patients who take care of their teeth are good candidates for clear braces in Birmingham, AL. However, I will provide a careful examination to be sure. 

It may be that I have to address specific issues to bring you into candidacy. 

Beyond Aesthetics: The Overlooked Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment

Most people want straight teeth for the aesthetic value, but there are other benefits you may not have considered: 

  • Easier Brushing and Flossing: When teeth are straight, brushing and flossing are easier because there are fewer overlapping or tight spaces that trap plaque and bacteria.
  • Less Tooth Wear and Tear: When your smile is misaligned, certain teeth are subjected to greater chewing pressure, leading to premature wear and tear. 
  • Jaw Joint Support: An aligned bite supports your jaw joints. 

Tips to Ensure Successful Orthodontic Treatment

  • Wear your aligners as directed, removing them only to eat, drink beverages other than water, and to clean your teeth. Shoot for 22 hours daily.
  • Store your aligners in their case. Never leave them in the sun or on a food tray or sink basin. 
  • Rinse or clean your aligners with room-temperature water and mild soap. 
  • Keep your teeth clean to avoid complications, such as tooth decay or infections.
  • Wear your retainer. 

Other Orthodontic Options to Consider

At Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, I’m pleased to offer a wide range of options for my patients, including: 

  • Inman Aligners
  • Smart Moves
  • Invisalign
  • ClearCorrect

During your consultation, I can explain the subtle differences between the systems, the varying price points, and how they can benefit your oral health and aesthetics. 

How to Arrange Your Orthodontic Consultation

As a dentist in Birmingham, AL, I’m always thrilled to help my patients achieve their smile goals. To learn more or arrange a consultation, call my dental team today at (205) 894-3101 or book online. 

Remember to talk to my team about our Healthy Smiles Plan and how to apply for CareCredit if you would like to finance your orthodontic treatment.