Invisalign & SureSmile Marlton: Your Complete Aligner Guide

Published on Jan 22, 2026 | 4 minute read

Smiling woman holding a clear dental aligner.

Clear aligners have made orthodontic care simpler for busy adults and teens. At our office, we offer Invisalign and SureSmile—two leading systems that pair digital planning with a series of removable trays. If you’re considering aligners, here’s everything you need to know about candidacy, day-to-day life, timelines, and how to keep your treatment on track.

How Clear Aligners Move Teeth

Each set of trays applies gentle, targeted pressure to shift teeth a tiny amount. You’ll wear one set for about 1–2 weeks before switching to the next. Attachments—small, tooth-colored bumps—may be placed to help specific movements. Gradual, planned steps add up to a precise final result.

Who’s A Good Candidate?

Aligners can correct crowding, spacing, rotations, and many bite issues (overbite, crossbite, open bite). Complex cases may include carefully planned elastics or refinements. We’ll review your scans and goals to confirm which system and approach suit you best.

Daily Routine: What To Expect

  • Wear Time: Aim for 20–22 hours a day; remove only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing/flossing.
  • Comfort: Mild pressure is normal for a day or two with each new set; it fades quickly.
  • Speech: A brief adjustment period is typical; most people adapt within a day.
  • Hygiene: Because trays are removable, brushing and flossing are straightforward—great for gum health.

Appointments And Monitoring

You’ll visit periodically for progress checks and to pick up your next series of trays. These visits are quick and help us keep everything moving on schedule. If refinements are needed, we plan them into your sequence so your final result hits the mark.

Invisalign vs. SureSmile: What’s The Difference?

Both systems use medical-grade plastic and digital planning. Differences concern software, tray design, and some movement strategies. The most important factor is the doctor-directed plan behind the trays—your tooth movements are mapped to your anatomy and goals, not just software defaults.

Eating, Drinking, And Social Life

Remove trays for meals and hot drinks. Sip water with trays in to stay hydrated and reduce dry mouth. Out to dinner? Bring your case so trays aren’t wrapped in napkins (and accidentally thrown away). Rinse trays before reinserting; brush when you’re back home.

Keeping Trays Clear And Fresh

Rinse with cool water after removal. Brush gently with a soft brush—no toothpaste, which can scratch plastic. Use aligner-cleaning crystals or mild unscented soap as needed. Avoid heat (hot water, dashboard sun) that can warp fit.

Pro Tips For Staying On Track

  • Set phone reminders for tray changes and wear time.
  • Keep a mini kit: case, travel brush, floss picks, and small mouthwash.
  • Seat trays fully with chewies to ensure accurate movements.
  • If a tray cracks, call us—don’t skip ahead without guidance.
  • Use retainers faithfully after treatment to lock in results.

Retainers: The Finish Line

After your final aligner, retainers hold your new positions while bone and ligaments stabilize. Most patients wear retainers nightly long-term. Think of them as a simple, low-effort insurance policy for your new smile.

FAQs Patients Ask

Will people notice? Trays are clear and low-profile. Most friends won’t see them unless you point them out.
Can I whiten during treatment? Often yes—many patients whiten between aligner changes when appropriate.
Do aligners fix jaw pain? They can improve bite relationships that contribute to strain, but jaw discomfort may need additional strategies; we can coordinate care.

Your Next Step

Curious whether Invisalign or SureSmile is right for you? Call Marlton Modern Dentistry at 856-702-0777 to Schedule a Consultation in Marlton, NJ. We’ll scan your smile and outline a clear plan—from first tray to final retainer.

Start Your Dental Journey With Us

Whether you're due for a routine checkup or considering a smile transformation, we're here to help. Dr. Rockwell and our friendly team provide personalized care for patients of all ages in a comfortable setting with TVs, headphones, and warm blankets for your comfort. Contact us today to schedule your visit.