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Straighter teeth, no brackets

Clear Aligners at Kitto Family Dental

Clear aligners gently move teeth with nearly invisible, removable trays. Teens and adults welcome. We start with an honest exam, so you know whether aligners fit your goals before you commit.

Book a consultationCall (805) 922-4109
Smiling family of four hugging outdoors
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Straighter teeth, without metal braces.

Clear aligners are custom, clear plastic trays that straighten teeth a little at a time. You wear each set for about one to two weeks, most of the day, then move to the next. At Kitto Family Dental in Santa Maria, we provide clear aligner treatment in our office. We treat both teens and adults. Typical treatment takes about 6 to 12 months, and an exam tells us whether aligners are the right fit for you.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

Nearly invisible

Clear trays are hard for others to notice.

Pop them out to eat

Take them out to eat, brush, and floss.

No wires, no brackets

Smooth plastic instead of wires and brackets.

Brush and floss like normal

Brushing and flossing work as usual.

See the game plan first

We show you how your teeth will move before you start.

Healthier gums

Straighter teeth can be easier to keep clean. See gum health.

Who clear aligners can help.

  • Teens and adults with crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Teeth that have shifted since braces years ago
  • Some bite problems, depending on the exam

Aligners aren’t right for every case. Some bite problems need braces or other orthodontic care. If aligners aren’t the best fit, we’ll tell you and explain your other options.

The Kitto clear aligner process.

  1. Consultation and exam

    We check your teeth, gums, and bite and talk about your goals. New patient? See your first visit.

  2. Scans and a treatment plan

    We take impressions or scans and plan how your teeth will move, with an estimate of time and cost.

  3. Your aligners

    You wear each set of trays for about one to two weeks, around 20 to 22 hours a day.

  4. Check-ins

    Short visits every several weeks let us confirm your teeth are moving as planned.

  5. Retainers

    When treatment ends, a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new position.

Caring for your aligners.

  • Take aligners out to eat and drink anything but water.
  • Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in.
  • Rinse and gently clean your trays each day.
  • Keep your trays in their case when they aren’t in your mouth.
  • Keep up your regular cleanings during treatment.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why straighten crowded teeth?

Crowded or overlapping teeth can be harder to clean, which can raise the risk of cavities and gum problems. Straightening can make daily care easier, and many people simply feel more confident smiling.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about clear aligners?

How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Typical treatment takes about 6 to 12 months, depending on how much your teeth need to move. Your treatment plan includes an estimated timeline.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people feel pressure or mild soreness for a day or two when they start a new set of trays. It usually fades quickly.
Can people tell I am wearing aligners?
Aligners are clear and fit closely to your teeth, so most people won’t notice them.
Can I eat with my aligners in?
No. Take them out to eat and drink anything but water, then brush before putting them back in.
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
Many teens and adults with crowding or spacing are. Some bite problems need other treatment. We’ll tell you honestly after your exam.
Do I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Teeth can drift back over time, so a retainer helps keep your new smile in place.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Some plans with orthodontic benefits cover part of the cost. We check your benefits and give you an estimate first. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available. Membership plan discounts don’t apply to aligners.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideHow Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?Twice a year fits most people. Here’s who needs more, or less.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideWhen Should My Child See the Dentist?Why a first visit by age one helps, and how to make it easy.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Curious if aligners fit you?

Book a consultation. We’ll look first, explain your options, and give you an estimate before you decide.

Book a consultationCall (805) 922-4109
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