Orthodontics in Olney, MD

ClearCorrect works by moving teeth incrementally through a series of custom-fitted clear plastic trays. Each tray in the sequence is shaped slightly differently from the last, applying a controlled amount of pressure to shift specific teeth in a planned direction. You wear each tray for about one to two weeks, then advance to the next one. The cumulative movement over the full series is what produces the final alignment result.

The trays are removable, which matters for eating, brushing, and flossing. You take them out at mealtimes and put them back in afterward. The system only works if the trays are worn consistently, typically 20 to 22 hours a day. Patients who treat them like a retainer they can skip whenever it’s inconvenient tend to see slower progress and may need additional trays at the end of treatment.

At our practice, we use an intraoral scanner to create the digital records that drive the ClearCorrect treatment plan. There’s no traditional impression material involved. The scanner captures a precise three-dimensional image of your teeth, which is sent directly to the ClearCorrect lab to fabricate your trays. That accuracy matters because each tray in the series is built on the one before it, and small errors early in the process compound over time.

Once your trays arrive, we walk you through how to insert and remove them, how to clean them, and what to expect during the first week or two as your teeth adjust to the pressure. Check-in appointments are scheduled periodically throughout treatment so Dr. Johnson can confirm that the movement is tracking as planned and address any issues before they affect the outcome.

Clear aligners work well for a broad range of cases, including crowding, spacing, mild to moderate bite issues, and teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. They’re used successfully in both adults and teens, though the factors that make someone a good candidate have more to do with the specifics of their bite and their ability to commit to wearing the trays consistently than with age alone.

Teenagers are often excellent candidates, and ClearCorrect’s system includes compliance indicators that make it easier for parents to track whether the trays are being worn consistently. Adults who had braces years ago and have experienced some relapse are also common candidates. Teeth naturally shift over time, and clear aligners can correct that movement without the visibility of metal braces.

There are cases where aligner therapy isn’t the right fit. Severe skeletal discrepancies or complex bite corrections may require a different approach, and Dr. Johnson will recommend the treatment that offers the best long-term outcome. If a referral to an orthodontic specialist is appropriate, she’ll help guide you through that process.

If decay or gum disease is present, those issues should be treated before orthodontic movement begins. For patients who need both restorative and orthodontic care, Dr. Johnson can coordinate treatment through our restorative dentistry services.