What is Motto?
Discover how Motto aligners work and why they’re different from Invisalign, braces, and at-home options.
Motto is a clear aligner treatment solution offered exclusively through Aspen Dental. Launched in 2020, we provide patients with a modern alternative to traditional metal braces for correcting mild to moderate teeth-straightening issues. What makes Motto different from the competition is our hybrid approach. We combine the convenience of at-home aligner treatments with professional in-office dental supervision throughout your entire process.
Click to find out if you're a great fit for Motto.
How Do Motto Aligners Work?
Motto clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, crafted from durable, nearly invisible materials that also protect against teeth grinding.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
A thorough dental exam to check for any underlying issues that might need treatment before beginning aligner therapy
Digital scans of your teeth to create a precise 3D model of your current dental structure
Dental X-rays to evaluate the position of roots and bone structure
Photos of your teeth and facial profile to aid in treatment planning
Click here to learn more about how Motto works
Custom Treatment Planning
After your initial consultation, your dentist will develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
Your customized treatment will be determined using various factors such as:
The specific movements required for each tooth
The optimal sequence of these movements
The estimated treatment time
Any potential challenges unique to your case
Your dentist will present this plan during a follow-up appointment, explaining the process and answering any questions you may have about your smile journey.
Click here to learn more about our clear aligner experts
Custom Aligner Creation
Once you approve your treatment plan, we manufacture your Motto aligners using advanced CAD/CAM technology, which ensures a comfortable fit while maximizing treatment effectiveness. The manufacturing process typically takes no more than 2 weeks. Each set of aligners is precisely engineered to apply gentle, consistent pressure to specific teeth, gradually shifting them into their desired positions.
Treatment Process and Check-ups
When your aligners are ready, you'll return to the Aspen Dental office to receive your first set and get detailed instructions.
Make sure to follow each of the instructions carefully to ensure the best results with your Motto treatment:
Wear each set of aligners for 1 week (or as prescribed by your dentist)
Keep aligners in place for 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and oral hygiene
Maintain regular check-up appointments (typically every 6-8 weeks) with your Motto care team to monitor progress and receive new sets of aligners
Unlike aligners that come in the mail, straightening with Motto includes periodic in-person check-ups, allowing your treatment supervisors to adjust your treatment plan if needed and verify your teeth are moving as expected.
Refinements and Completion
As you near the end of your treatment, your dentist will decide whether any refinements are needed to achieve your dream smile. If minor adjustments are required, additional aligners may be prescribed.
Once your treatment is complete, you'll receive retainers to maintain your new smile. Like all teeth straightening treatments, wearing retainers is crucial for preserving the long-term results of your Motto straightening.
The Motto Difference
See how Motto is a great fit for you and your smile compared to traditional braces and other alternatives.
Motto vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Clear aligners are excellent for many patients:
Appearance
Motto’s next generation technology makes sure your aligners are virtually invisible when worn—and stain resistant, making them a popular choice for adults and teens concerned about the aesthetic impact of highly visible metal braces.
Comfort
Motto Aligners are made with smooth high-grade plastic material, typically causing less irritation to cheeks and gums than metal components used by traditional braces. Without protruding brackets or wires, Motto patients generally report more comfortable daily wear.
Treatment Time
While individual cases vary, Motto’s average treatment time for mild to moderate cases is around 5.4 months.1
1Average patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary.
Food Restrictions
Motto Aligners are removable for eating, eliminating most food restrictions associated with traditional braces. Brace wearers must avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage their orthodontic hardware.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is more straightforward with Motto aligners since they can be removed for brushing and flossing. Traditional braces require special techniques and tools to clean around brackets and wires effectively.
Treatment Scope
Traditional braces can often be used to correct severe orthodontic issues, including significant bite problems and major tooth rotations. Motto Aligners are most effective for mild to moderate alignment issues.
Motto vs. Invisalign
Treatment Approach
Motto and Invisalign both offer in-person care with dental professionals, unlike direct-to-consumer aligner options.
Cost Structure
Motto clear aligners cost ½ the price of Invisalign treatment, compared to Invisalign pricing of $6,000 when prescribed by an orthodontist. Invisalign treatment generally costs between $3,000 and $8,000.
Click here to learn more about Motto pricing
Attachment Usage
Both brands may use small tooth-colored attachments to facilitate specific tooth movements. Invisalign typically employs these more frequently than Motto for complex cases. Motto trays adapt well to the teeth due to their material, so very few attachments are needed during treatment to straighten your teeth.
Motto vs. Direct-to-Consumer Aligners
Professional Oversight
Direct-to-consumer brands typically offer remote monitoring only, with limited or no in-person professional evaluation. Motto comes with in-person dental supervision throughout treatment to ensure optimal results.
Initial Assessment
Many direct-to-consumer options rely on at-home impression kits or optional retail scanning locations without a full dental exam. Your Motto treatment starts with a comprehensive in-office dental exam to take care of any outstanding dental issues before straightening, so the results you want are the results you get.
Treatment Monitoring
With Motto, patients have regular in-person check-ups at Aspen Dental offices to ensure treatment progresses correctly. Direct-to-consumer models typically use virtual check-ins with photos submitted by patients.
Safety Net
If complications arise during treatment, Motto patients have immediate access to professional dental care through their Aspen Dental provider. Direct-to-consumer options may have more limited resources for addressing unexpected issues.
Benefits of Using Motto Aligners
Motto offers several advantages that make them an attractive option for patients seeking teeth straightening.
Convenience of Aspen Dental Network
By choosing to straighten with Motto, you’ve got access to all the benefits of the Aspen Dental network:
With over 900 Aspen Dental locations across 43 states, most patients have accessible treatment options nearby.
Extended hours at many Aspen Dental locations, including evenings and weekends, accommodate busy schedules.
Aspen Dental's established infrastructure streamlines insurance processing and financing options.
Comprehensive dental services at the same location allow for addressing other oral health needs alongside orthodontic treatment.This integrated approach simplifies the treatment process for patients who value convenience and comprehensive care in one location.
Digital Treatment Planning and Visualization
Using advanced digital technology, Motto provides patients with a visual preview of their expected results before beginning treatment. This visualization serves several purposes:
Helps set realistic expectations about what can be achieved
Increases patient motivation by showing the end goal
Provides a reference point to measure progress throughout treatment
This technology-driven approach helps patients feel more engaged and informed about their straightening journey.
How Much Do Motto Aligners Cost?
Insurance Coverage for Motto Aligners
Many dental insurance plans include clear aligner treatments like Motto®. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm the specifics of your coverage. At Aspen Dental, we're here to guide you through your insurance options so you can get the smile you deserve and love. Please note, we do not accept Medicaid. To view our accepted insurance plans, click here.
Financing Options
To make treatment more accessible, Aspen Dental offers several financing options for Motto Aligners:
CareCredit: A healthcare-specific credit card that can be used for dental treatments, often with promotional interest-free periods
Third-party financing: Additional financing options through partners that offer longer payment terms
Where to Get Motto Aligners?
Motto Aligners are exclusively available through Aspen Dental practices, one of the largest networks of dental offices in the United States. This exclusive distribution approach ensures that all Motto patients receive consistent care under the supervision of dental professionals.
Finding an Aspen Dental Location
With over 900 Aspen Dental locations across 43 states, accessing Motto is convenient for most patients. To find the nearest Aspen Dental office that offers Motto treatment:
Visit the official Aspen Dental website and use their location finder
Enter your zip code or allow location services to identify nearby Aspen Dental offices
Call the location to confirm they offer Motto Aligners and schedule a consultation
Scheduling a Consultation
The first step toward Motto treatment is scheduling an initial consultation. Aspen Dental makes this process straightforward:
Online scheduling: Available through the Aspen Dental website 24/7
Phone scheduling: Call your local Aspen Dental office directly
Walk-in appointments: Some locations may accommodate walk-ins for initial consultations, though scheduled appointments are recommended
Many Aspen Dental locations offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate busy schedules. The initial consultation typically takes 60-90 minutes to allow time for a thorough examination and discussion of treatment options.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
During your initial Motto consultation at Aspen Dental, you can expect the following:
A comprehensive dental exam including x-rays and photos to evaluate your overall oral health
Digital scanning or impressions to capture the current position of your teeth
Discussion about your smile goals and concerns
Determination of whether you're a suitable candidate for Motto Aligners
A preliminary treatment timeline if you're eligible
Review of cost estimates and payment options
Answers to any questions you have about the treatment process
Some Aspen Dental locations offer same-day treatment planning, while others may schedule a follow-up appointment to review your customized treatment plan.
Are Motto Aligners effective for all teeth straightening issues?
Motto Aligners are most effective for mild to moderate orthodontic issues (crowding, spacing, minor bite problems). They may not be suitable for severe malocclusions, significant rotations, or complex bite corrections. During your consultation, your Aspen Dental provider will assess whether your specific issues can be addressed with Motto. Some cases may require traditional braces or more intensive orthodontic interventions—in which the doctor will set all expectations. For suitable cases, Motto has demonstrated comparable effectiveness to other professional, transparent aligner systems. In-person supervision throughout treatment helps ensure that any limitations are identified early.
What makes Motto different from at-home aligners?
Motto provides in-person dental supervision throughout the entire treatment process. Your treatment begins with a comprehensive in-office examination, not an at-home impression kit. Regular check-ups (every 6-10 weeks) ensure treatment progresses correctly. Dental professionals can make immediate adjustments if teeth aren't tracking correctly. X-rays and comprehensive diagnostics inform your treatment plan, identifying potential issues before treatment. If complications arise, you have direct access to dental professionals who can address them promptly. Treatment costs more than direct-to-consumer options but includes professional oversight for more excellent safety and efficacy. Aspen Dental can coordinate with your insurance when applicable, potentially offsetting cost differences.
What are the most common side effects or issues with Motto Aligners?
Temporary discomfort or pressure, especially when starting a new aligner set. Slight speech changes (like a minor lisp) that typically resolve within a few days. Temporary increased salivation as your mouth adjusts to the aligners. Minor irritation to cheeks, tongue, or gums in the first week of treatment. Difficulty removing or inserting aligners (typically improves with practice). Attachments (tooth-colored bumps that help aligners grip teeth) may feel rough initially. Slight shifts or relapses if aligners aren't worn consistently for the recommended 20-22 hours daily. Most side effects are temporary and resolve as you adjust to treatment.
What happens if my teeth don't straighten as planned with Motto?
Your regular check-up appointments allow for the early detection of any tracking issues. If teeth aren't straightening as expected, your dentist may recommend wearing the current aligner set longer. For minor tracking issues, "chewies" (small, soft cylinders) may be provided to help seat aligners better. Mid-course corrections can be made by adjusting your treatment plan and creating new aligners. Refinement aligners are typically included in your treatment cost for final adjustments. In some cases, small attachments may be added to facilitate intricate tooth movements. Alternative treatment options will be discussed for issues that cannot be resolved with aligners. Professional oversight throughout treatment helps minimize the risk of significant problems.
Are Motto Aligners effective?
Yes, Motto Aligners are effective for mild to moderate orthodontic issues when used under professional supervision. They combine the proven technology of clear aligners with in-person dental oversight from Aspen Dental professionals. Treatment success depends significantly on patient compliance with wearing aligners 22 hours daily. The in-office monitoring helps catch and address any issues that might arise during treatment.
How long does Motto treatment take?
Motto's average case time is 5.4 months, some more advanced cases can take longer. Individual biology affects tooth movement speed, causing variation in treatment times. Consistent wear (20-22 hours daily) is essential for staying on schedule. Regular check-ups at Aspen Dental (every 6-8 weeks) help ensure treatment progresses as planned. Your dentist will provide a personalized timeline estimate during your consultation.
Does insurance cover Motto Aligners?
Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits partially cover Motto Aligners. Aspen Dental staff can verify your insurance benefits before you commit to treatment. Some plans have age limitations and only cover orthodontics for patients under 19. Insurance typically applies lifetime orthodontic maximums rather than annual limits. FSA and HSA accounts can often be used to pay for Motto treatment with pre-tax dollars. Aspen Dental can help coordinate insurance claims and maximize your benefit utilization. We do not accept medicaid.
Taking the Next Step with Motto Aligners
Straightening your teeth with Motto Aligners is a significant investment in oral health and self-confidence. The system offers a balanced approach that combines professional dental supervision with the convenience and aesthetics of clear aligners, all at a price point designed to be more accessible than some premium alternatives.
For those considering Motto treatment, the most essential first step is scheduling a consultation at your local Aspen Dental office. This initial assessment will determine whether you're a suitable candidate for precise aligner therapy and provide personalized information about your treatment needs, timeline, and costs.
Remember that successful teeth straightening treatment with any system requires commitment—particularly to wearing your aligners as directed and maintaining regular check-up appointments. With proper compliance and professional guidance, Motto Aligners can help you achieve your desired straighter smile.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Take the first step toward a more confident smile by scheduling your Motto consultation at Aspen Dental today. Their dental professionals can answer your questions, evaluate your unique needs, and help you determine if Motto Aligners are the right solution for your orthodontic goals.
Visit AspenDental.com/mottoaligners or click here to book your Motto consultation and discover if clear aligner therapy is right for you.