You’ve most likely at least heard of clear aligners, but what you might not realize is that aligner trays are one of the best ways to correct your smile as an adult. Tilghman Orthodontics offers Smiles Correct clear aligners to straighten your teeth without the brackets and wires of traditional metal braces – all so you can keep your treatment a secret from friends, co-workers, and peers and get the smile you’ll love with a treatment plan you can feel confident about.
Here’s everything adults need to know about Smiles Correct clear aligners to make the most of your orthodontic treatment.
What Are Smiles Correct Clear Aligners?
Before there were clear aligners, orthodontists primarily used metal braces to align patients’ teeth. While metal braces are still an excellent solution for many orthodontic concerns, clear aligners offer adult patients a unique set of benefits, including making treatment nearly invisible.
That’s because Smiles Correct clear aligners are a modern orthodontic solution that works without the use of brackets or wires. Instead, this treatment plan uses custom-made, transparent trays that slide over your teeth and gradually shift them into Dr. Tilghman’s planned positioning. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before switching to the next in the series.
We can correct a wide range of alignment and bite problems using Smiles Correct. Some of the most common conditions we target include:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites and open bites
The Benefits of Smiles Correct for Adults
It’s a common misconception that clear aligners are only meant for our youngest patients. In reality, Smiles Correct aligners are best suited for teenagers and adults looking to straighten their teeth more comfortably and discreetly.
Here’s what our adult patients love about Smiles Correct:
Practically Invisible
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a great choice for older students, working professionals, and those concerned with their appearance in social situations.
Comfortable Fit
Smiles Correct aligner trays are very simple appliances compared to braces and are generally considered more comfortable. The smooth plastic material is personalized to fit the unique contours of your teeth, which leads to less irritation and a more natural feel.
Removable Convenience
Unlike metal braces, your clear aligner trays are removable, so you can take them out to eat and drink, as well as for brushing and flossing. That means no dietary restrictions or new oral hygiene routines.
Fewer Office Visits
Because your aligner trays are digitally designed to fit your smile, you can look forward to fewer appointments than you might with braces. Fewer office visits mean less time sitting in an exam chair and more time enjoying your brand-new smile.
Myths About Clear Aligner Treatment
Many adults hesitate to start clear aligner treatment due to common misconceptions. Our Tilghman Orthodontics team wants to dispel some of these myths!
Myth: “Clear Aligners Take Longer Than Braces”
Because clear aligners use digital treatment planning to improve accuracy, many Smiles Correct cases can be completed in as little as 6-18 months, depending on treatment complexity and your compliance. Traditional braces typically take 18-24 months or longer, making clear aligners the go-to for more efficient treatment times.
Myth: “Clear Aligners Are High Maintenance”
Smiles Correct clear aligners are actually incredibly easy to clean and maintain with these simple steps:
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water daily.
- Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Use retainer cleaner for deep cleaning.
Myth: “You Can’t Eat Normally With Clear Aligners”
Unlike braces, where hard or sticky foods can damage the appliance, Smiles Correct aligners are fully removable—meaning you can enjoy all your favorite foods. Just be sure to:
- Remove your aligners before all meals and beverages (except water).
- Be diligent about brushing your teeth before putting aligners back in to prevent staining and cavities.
Myth: “People Will Notice I’m Wearing Them”
The clear, BPA-free plastic material is designed to be practically invisible when worn. Most people won’t even notice you have them in! That being said, we do recommend rinsing after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine while wearing them to prevent staining your aligner trays.
Three Tips for Clear Aligner Treatment
Finally, let’s give you some wise words about how to be successful in your treatment. Some of these are widely known, and others are a little more niche—but all will enrich your experience with clear aligners.
- Wear Them for 20-22 Hours a Day: For treatment to stay on track, you need to wear your aligners all day and night, except for strictly necessary removal. Inconsistent wear can slow progress and extend treatment time.
- Be Mindful of Eating or Drinking: Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and food particles trapped inside can lead to staining and bad breath. Remove your aligner trays when eating or drinking anything other than water, and keep your aligner case with you to avoid wrapping them in napkins, where they can easily be misplaced or thrown away.
- Use Chewies for a Snug Fit: Aligner “chewies” are small, soft cylinders that help seat aligners properly, ensuring they fit snugly against the teeth. Bite on chewies for a few minutes when switching to a new set of aligners to help them settle in place.
Looking Forward to Your Happiest Smile Yet
If you’ve been considering clear aligners as an adult, we want to encourage you to take your next steps toward treatment! Tilghman Orthodontics is so thrilled to welcome new patients into our Salisbury and Berlin offices. We’re happy to offer free consultations to answer any initial questions you may have. Come see us soon!