Many adults in Clemson and Seneca are considering clear aligners to help their teeth. Clear aligners are one way we help adults at Upstate Orthodontics. Aligners fit into busy schedules, look nice, and usually feel more comfortable than braces. Dr. McInnis works with Invisalign, Spark, and uSmile aligners to keep adults grinning.
Why More Adults Choose Clear Aligners
Here are some reasons why our grown-up patients like clear aligners.
A Subtle Look
Metal braces work well, but they can stand out. Aligners are designed to blend in with your teeth, so you don’t have brackets or wires on display. You might prefer that less obvious look if you have an active social life or a job where you meet people face-to-face.
Lifestyle Flexibility
Metal braces stay on your teeth around the clock. Aligners are removable. You can take them out to eat or for short periods if you need a break. This can be nice if you want the freedom to enjoy meals without brackets or wires. You still have to keep them in for most of the day, but you do get a bit of wiggle room.
Comfort
Aligners don’t use brackets or wires. Instead, you wear a smooth plastic tray that usually fits snugly over your teeth. It can lower the chance of sore spots on your cheeks or lips. You might still feel some tightness when you switch to a new tray. That feeling typically passes in a day or two.
Confidence at Any Age
Orthodontic care can help you feel more confident in personal and professional settings. A straighter smile can boost your self-esteem, too. Taking steps to correct your teeth can also feel like an act of self-care. You’re showing that your oral health matters, no matter how old you are.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners aren’t braces. Sounds great, right? But how do they work exactly?
Custom-Made for Your Teeth
Dr. McInnis begins by taking a digital scan of your teeth. Then, he’ll use those images to plan the step-by-step process to move your teeth into better alignment. You’ll receive a series of trays, each shaped a little differently. You change trays every week or two, following the schedule your orthodontist gives you.
Daily Wear
Our Upstate Orthodontics team will tell you to keep your aligners in for 20 to 22 hours each day. You only remove them when you eat, drink anything besides water, or brush and floss your teeth. If you forget to wear your aligners long enough, your teeth may shift back to where they used to be. That’s no fun! And it can cause serious delays in your treatment process. Meaning—yep, you guessed it—your treatment takes longer than it should.
Regular Check-Ins
These quick appointments at our Clemson and Seneca offices help the doctor check your progress. Our team might give you more trays, make small adjustments, or answer questions. This schedule is often more flexible than what you’d have with braces because you’re not dealing with wires or brackets that need tightening. Patients use dental monitoring, which allows Dr. McInnis to monitor their treatment progress closely through scans virtually. Remote monitoring helps them move through their treatment easily and conveniently, with less in office visits. We usually see our aligner patients who are on Dental Monitoring every 4 months or as needed.
Common Questions from Adults
Let’s look at a few questions we hear a lot about clear aligners for adults.
“Am I Too Old for Orthodontic Care?”
There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Your teeth can move at any age. That might not sound like good news. But the upside is that you’re never too old to enjoy the perks of a straighter smile. Some adults are in their 50s or 60s when they try aligners for the first time.
“Will I Have to Change My Diet?”
Not really. You remove aligners when you eat so you can still have your favorite foods. Braces can limit your choices because you shouldn’t chew sticky or hard foods that damage wires. With aligners, that concern goes away. You just need to brush before putting your trays back in.
“How Long Does Treatment Take?”
Every mouth is different, so there’s no single answer. Some people finish in as little as six months if they only need minor changes. Others might take a year or two. You can get a better estimate by visiting Dr. McInnis for an exam.
“Will My Insurance Cover It?”
Many South Carolina dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. You’ll want to check the details. Even if your plan doesn’t offer coverage, you can often work out a payment plan. At Upstate Orthodontics, our team can explain your options and help you determine what works for you.
“Do I Have to Wear a Retainer After Treatment?”
Yes. Once your teeth are in their new positions, you need a retainer to help keep them there. As Dr. McInnis recommends, retainers are often worn full-time at first, then reduced to nighttime for lifetime wear. If you skip wearing your retainer, your teeth could move back over time.
Caring for Your Aligners
What’s the best way to keep your clear aligners from Upstate Orthodontics in good working order?
- Rinse Often
- After you take your trays out to eat, give them a quick rinse before putting them back. This helps clear away saliva and any bits of food.
- Brush Them Gently
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your trays morning and night. Toothpaste can sometimes scratch the plastic, so ask our team for recommended cleaning methods.
- Soak for Deep Cleaning
- Once a day, soak your trays in a special cleaning solution or in lukewarm water with a cleaning tablet. Follow the instructions on the package. Don’t use hot water, because it can warp the plastic.
- Avoid Staining Foods
- Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your aligners. Take them out before you drink these beverages. Rinse or brush your teeth before putting your trays back in so you don’t trap that color on your teeth or trays.
- Store Them Safely
- Keep your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them. You don’t want to lose them or leave them lying around where they could get dirty.
Why Choose Upstate Orthodontics in Clemson and Seneca
Need to know more about clear aligners for adults with Dr. McInnis? Upstate Orthodontics has two offices for your convenience. Whether you’re in Clemson or Seneca, you’ll find a caring staff and a modern facility. We also stay updated on the latest techniques so you can feel confident in our approach. We’ll discuss your goals, look at your teeth, and offer an honest recommendation. If aligners make sense for your needs, we’ll walk you through every step. Go here to schedule your free consultation.
