How AlignLoom works

What AlignLoom does

AlignLoom helps you take the first few steps with less stress. If you are comparing metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners, we give you general educational information in plain language and help you get matched with licensed orthodontists in your area.

This is important: AlignLoom is not a dentist or orthodontist office. We do not examine teeth, diagnose bite issues, take scans, make impressions, or provide treatment. The information on our site is general and educational only. This is not medical or dental advice. Only a licensed orthodontist can tell you what may fit your needs after an in-person exam.

If you want a simple place to start, you can get matched for free. If you are still comparing options first, our treatments overview can help you understand the basics.

How the matching process works

Here is the simple version:

1. You tell us basic contact details and what you are looking for. For example, whether the care is for you or your child, and whether you want to learn about braces or clear aligners.
2. We use that information to help match you with licensed orthodontists near you. We do not need your medical history or health records for this step.
3. You choose whether to contact a matched office. There is no pressure to start treatment.
4. The orthodontist does the real evaluation. At the office, they can examine your teeth and bite, explain options, and discuss a treatment plan.
5. You decide what happens next. Before starting anything, ask for the plan, timeline, and price in writing.

A good next step is to compare the main treatment types before your visit. Our guide on braces vs. clear aligners can help you prepare better questions.

Because many families using AlignLoom speak more than one language, we try to keep things easy to follow. Short steps. Clear terms. No sales pressure.

You stay in control the whole time

Some people worry that using a matching service means they lose control. With AlignLoom, you stay in charge.

• You choose who to contact from the matches you receive.
• You choose whether to schedule a consultation.
• You choose whether to move forward with treatment.
• You confirm the plan and final price directly with the orthodontist in writing before starting.
• You can verify the orthodontist's license yourself with your state's licensing board.

This matters because orthodontic care is personal. One office may recommend one path, and another may explain a different option. It is okay to ask questions. It is okay to compare. It is okay to pause.

If you want help knowing what to ask, see how to choose an orthodontist.

What it costs you

AlignLoom is free for families and adults to use. You do not pay us to get matched.

If you decide to begin treatment with an orthodontist, the treatment cost is paid to that office, not to AlignLoom. Prices vary a lot by case, area, and insurance. The numbers below are typical US ranges, not quotes or guarantees:

• Metal braces: about $3,000-$7,000
• Ceramic braces: about $4,000-$8,000
• Clear aligners: about $3,000-$8,000
• Retainers: about $100-$500 per set

Insurance can help, but coverage is different from plan to plan. Many dental plans that include orthodontic benefits have a lifetime maximum, often around $1,000-$3,000. Some plans cover children only. Some cover adults too. Some have waiting periods.

For a closer look at price ranges, visit costs. For help understanding benefits, read orthodontic insurance explained.

The safest approach is simple: ask the orthodontist's office for a written breakdown of fees, what insurance may cover, what financing may be available, and what happens if treatment changes.

What AlignLoom does not do

We think honesty builds trust, so here is the clear version.

AlignLoom does not:

• diagnose orthodontic problems
• tell you which treatment is medically right for you
• provide in-person exams or dental care
• take X-rays, scans, or impressions
• promise lower prices, faster treatment, or better results
• guarantee that every office will recommend the same plan

We also do not ask you to send medical records to use the matching service. The first step is basic contact information and general intent only.

Our goal is to make the early part easier: understand your options, find licensed orthodontists nearby, and help you ask better questions before you commit.