If you’re considering clear aligners but don’t want to make dental impressions at home, an in-person scan can be a convenient alternative.

Instead of using an impression kit, you can visit a professional scan location where a trained provider uses a digital intraoral scanner to capture detailed images of your teeth. The resulting 3D scan can then be used to create a personalized clear aligner treatment plan.

Smileie offers an in-person scan option through partnered third-party scan locations across the U.S., giving customers another way to get started with clear aligner treatment.

Learn more about Smileie In-Person Scans

What Is an In-Person Scan for Clear Aligners?

An in-person scan is a digital scan of your teeth performed using an intraoral scanner.

Unlike traditional dental impressions that use putty and trays, an intraoral scanner captures digital images of your teeth and gums to create a 3D model of your mouth.

For people who don’t want to make their own dental impressions, an in-person dental scan can be a convenient alternative.

The scan is performed by a third-party partner provider, and the resulting digital information can then be used by the Smileie dental team to evaluate your smile and develop a personalized treatment plan.

How Does a Smileie In-Person Scan Work?

Getting started with Smileie through an in-person scan is simple.

1. Choose the In-Person Scan Option

Start by selecting the in-person scan option through Smileie.

You can check available partner scan locations and learn more about the process through the Smileie scan page.

2. Visit a Partner Scan Location

Smileie works with third-party scan providers, so your scan is completed at a partner location rather than at a Smileie-owned dental office.

For example, one available partner scan location is:

3400 S Gessner Ste. 109
Houston, Texas 77063

Because partner locations can change, always check the current availability before scheduling your appointment.

3. Get Your Teeth Digitally Scanned

During your appointment, the provider uses an intraoral scanner to capture digital images of your upper and lower teeth.

There is no impression putty or impression tray involved.

The scanner creates a digital 3D representation of your teeth that can be used for treatment planning.

4. Your Scan Is Reviewed

After the scan is completed, the digital information is provided for dental evaluation.

Smileie’s dental team reviews your information to determine whether clear aligner treatment may be appropriate for your individual smile.

If you’re a suitable candidate, a personalized 3D treatment plan can be created.

5. Review Your 3D Treatment Plan

Your 3D treatment plan shows how your teeth are expected to move throughout treatment.

You can review the proposed treatment before your custom aligners are manufactured.

This allows you to understand your expected treatment progression before moving forward.

6. Your Custom Aligners Are Manufactured

Once your treatment plan is approved, your custom clear aligners are manufactured according to your individual treatment plan.

Your aligners are then shipped directly to you so you can begin your treatment from home.

How Much Does an In-Person Dental Scan Cost?

The cost of an in-person dental scan can vary depending on the scan provider, location, and whether the scan is included as part of a clear aligner treatment package.

If you’re considering an in-person scan with Smileie, check the current Smileie In-Person Scan options for the latest information.

When comparing scan options, it’s also important to understand what is included beyond the scan itself.

A scan is only one part of the clear aligner process. Depending on the treatment option, you may also need:

• Dental evaluation
• 3D treatment planning
• Custom aligners
• Treatment monitoring
• Retainers after treatment

Always review the treatment details and pricing before purchasing.

Why Choose an In-Person Scan?

An in-person scan may be a good option if you prefer professional assistance rather than making dental impressions yourself.

No Impression Putty

You don’t need to mix impression material or position an impression tray in your mouth.

The digital scan is performed using an intraoral scanner.

Professional Assistance

If you’re worried about making an accurate impression at home, an in-person scan allows a trained provider to perform the scanning process for you.

Digital 3D Scan

Instead of sending physical impressions, the scan produces digital information that can be used for treatment planning.

Convenient Treatment From Home

After your scan, evaluation, and treatment-plan approval, your clear aligners can be shipped directly to your home.

This combines the convenience of professional scanning with the flexibility of at-home clear aligner treatment.

In-Person Scan vs. At-Home Impression Kit

Both options can help you get started with clear aligner treatment, but they work differently.

Neither option is automatically better for everyone.

The right choice depends on your preferences, location, and comfort level.

If you don’t want to make impressions yourself, an in-person scan may be the more convenient choice.

If you prefer completing everything from home, an at-home impression kit may be a better fit.

Where Can I Get an In-Person Scan for Smileie?

Smileie works with partnered third-party scan providers in different locations across the United States.

Available locations may change, so we recommend checking the Smileie scan page for current availability.

If you don’t have a Smileie partner scan location nearby, you may also be able to visit a local dentist or dental clinic that offers 3D intraoral scanning.

Ask the provider whether they can provide the scan files, such as STL files, that can be used for clear aligner treatment planning.

This can give you another option if a dedicated partner location isn’t convenient for you.

Can I Get an In-Person Scan Near Me?

Availability depends on your location.

The easiest way to check is to visit the Smileie In-Person Scan page and review the available partner locations.

If there isn’t a convenient partner location in your area, you can also ask a local dental office whether they offer an intraoral scan and can provide the resulting digital files.

Check Smileie In-Person Scan Locations

What Happens After an In-Person Scan?

Your scan is the first step in the digital treatment process.

The typical process looks like this:

In-Person Scan → Dental Evaluation → 3D Treatment Plan → Plan Approval → Custom Aligners → Treatment

Your scan provides the digital information needed for your treatment evaluation.

If you’re approved for treatment and your plan is accepted, your custom aligners can then be manufactured based on your personalized treatment plan.

Is an In-Person Scan Better Than Dental Impressions?

It depends on your personal preference.

An in-person scan may be a better choice if you:

• Don’t want to make impressions yourself
• Prefer professional assistance
• Want a digital scanning experience
• Have difficulty making dental impressions
• Have a convenient scan location nearby

An at-home impression kit may be better if you:

• Prefer completing the process from home
• Don’t have a convenient scan location
• Prefer not to travel
• Feel comfortable following impression instructions

The most important thing is that the dental information provided is suitable for evaluating your smile and developing your treatment plan.

Who Should Consider an In-Person Scan?

An in-person scan can be especially useful for people who are uncomfortable with traditional dental impressions.

For example, you may prefer an in-person scan if:

• You have never made dental impressions before.
• You are concerned about positioning an impression tray correctly.
• You don’t want to work with impression putty.
• You prefer having a professional perform the scan.
• You want a digital 3D scan of your teeth.
• You have access to a convenient partner scan location.

If you are unsure which option is right for you, you can review both the in-person scan and at-home impression options before starting your treatment.

Start Your Clear Aligner Journey With an In-Person Scan

If you don’t want to make dental impressions at home, an in-person scan for clear aligners can be a convenient alternative.

Smileie works with third-party partner scan locations to help customers get their teeth digitally scanned. Once your scan is completed, the information can be used for dental evaluation and personalized treatment planning.

You can then review your treatment plan before your custom clear aligners are manufactured.

Ready to get started?

Explore Smileie’s In-Person Scan Option and find a convenient way to begin your clear aligner journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About In-Person Scans

1. What is an in-person scan for clear aligners?

An in-person scan is a digital scan of your teeth performed with an intraoral scanner at a professional scan location. The resulting digital model can be used for clear aligner treatment planning.

2. Does Smileie perform the in-person scan?

Smileie works with third-party partner scan providers. The scan is performed at the partner location, while the resulting digital information can be used by Smileie’s dental team for treatment planning.

3. Do I need dental impressions if I choose an in-person scan?

No. An in-person digital scan is an alternative to making traditional dental impressions at home.

4. Is an in-person scan more accurate than an impression?

Digital intraoral scanning and traditional impressions are different methods of capturing information about your teeth. The suitability of either method depends on the quality of the information captured and whether it meets the requirements for treatment planning.

5. What if there is no Smileie scan location near me?

You may be able to visit a local dentist or dental clinic that offers 3D intraoral scanning. Ask whether they can provide the digital scan files for use in your clear aligner treatment planning.

Medically Reviewed By: Smileie Dental Team
Last Updated: August 2026