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Our Services

Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear aligners gradually guide teeth into place using a series of nearly invisible, removable trays. No metal, no food restrictions, and fewer office visits. Just steady progress you can see.

What’s included

How we can help

Every visit is unhurried and clearly explained. Here’s what this area of care covers, in more detail.

Also on this pageWhat to expectCommon questions

Fig. 6

Clear aligners

a. Aligner tray b. The arch it fits over

This drawing comes apart: rest the pointer on it and the loose part seats.

Aligner consultations

A straightforward conversation about your goals, whether aligners are right for you, and what treatment would involve.

This is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation about what you would like to change about your smile. Dr. Marquez examines your teeth and bite, takes digital x‑rays and intraoral photos, and shows you everything on the chairside screen so you can see what she sees. Together you will talk through whether clear aligners are a good fit for you, and what your other options look like. Every mouth is different, and she will walk you through yours in plain language.

Aligner consultations

A straightforward conversation about your goals, whether aligners are right for you, and what treatment would involve.

This is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation about what you would like to change about your smile. Dr. Marquez examines your teeth and bite, takes digital x‑rays and intraoral photos, and shows you everything on the chairside screen so you can see what she sees. Together you will talk through whether clear aligners are a good fit for you, and what your other options look like. Every mouth is different, and she will walk you through yours in plain language.

Discreet treatment

Nearly invisible trays you can remove to eat, brush, and floss normally.

Clear aligners are thin, nearly invisible trays that fit snugly over your teeth and move them a little at a time. Because the trays are removable, you can eat what you like and brush and floss the way you always have. Most people around you will never notice you are wearing them, which makes aligners a popular choice for working adults and teens alike.

Discreet treatment

Nearly invisible trays you can remove to eat, brush, and floss normally.

Clear aligners are thin, nearly invisible trays that fit snugly over your teeth and move them a little at a time. Because the trays are removable, you can eat what you like and brush and floss the way you always have. Most people around you will never notice you are wearing them, which makes aligners a popular choice for working adults and teens alike.

Digital treatment planning

Modern imaging maps your treatment from first tray to finished smile.

Before your first tray is ever made, digital imaging lets Dr. Marquez map out how your teeth should move at each stage of treatment. You can see a preview of the planned progression on the chairside screen, so you understand what each set of trays is working toward. Every plan is built around your teeth and your goals, and Dr. Marquez will walk you through it step by step before anything begins.

Digital treatment planning

Modern imaging maps your treatment from first tray to finished smile.

Before your first tray is ever made, digital imaging lets Dr. Marquez map out how your teeth should move at each stage of treatment. You can see a preview of the planned progression on the chairside screen, so you understand what each set of trays is working toward. Every plan is built around your teeth and your goals, and Dr. Marquez will walk you through it step by step before anything begins.

Retainers

Custom retainers that keep your new smile right where it belongs.

Teeth naturally want to drift back toward their old positions after any orthodontic treatment. A custom retainer holds your new smile in place, so the time and effort you invested stay protected. We will show you exactly how to wear and care for it, and we can check its fit at your regular visits.

Retainers

Custom retainers that keep your new smile right where it belongs.

Teeth naturally want to drift back toward their old positions after any orthodontic treatment. A custom retainer holds your new smile in place, so the time and effort you invested stay protected. We will show you exactly how to wear and care for it, and we can check its fit at your regular visits.

Not sure what you need? You don’t need a diagnosis to give us a call: (843) 884-8315

Request an Appointment

A treatment room at Rivertowne Family Dentistry, with dental x-rays shown on the screen beside the chair
Digital x-rays and photos go up on the screen beside you.

Your visit

What to expect

No two mouths are the same, so no two plans are either. But every visit here follows the same rhythm:

  1. First

    A relaxed conversation

    You and Dr. Marquez sit down and talk about what you would like to change and what matters most to you. No pressure and no rush, just honest answers to your questions.

  2. Then

    Photos and imaging

    We take digital x‑rays and intraoral photos, then show them to you on the chairside screen. You see exactly what we see, so nothing feels like a mystery.

  3. Last

    Your personal plan

    Dr. Marquez explains whether clear aligners are a good fit for your situation and what treatment would generally involve. She will also walk you through your other options, so you can decide what feels right.

Common questions

Answers, in plain language

If your question isn’t here, call (843) 884-8315 and a real person will help.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Most people feel gentle pressure for a day or two after starting a new tray. That pressure is simply a sign your teeth are moving, and it usually fades quickly. Many patients tell us it was much milder than they expected. Dr. Marquez will let you know what to expect for your particular case.

How long does treatment usually take?

It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Some cases finish in a matter of months, while others take a year or longer. At your consultation, Dr. Marquez will look at your teeth and give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.

How many hours a day do I need to wear the trays?

Most plans call for wearing your aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day. You take them out to eat, to drink anything besides water, and to brush and floss. Consistent wear is the single biggest thing you can do to keep treatment on schedule.

Am I too old for clear aligners?

Probably not. Healthy teeth can move at almost any age, and we see adults of all ages choose aligner therapy. Candidacy depends far more on your bite and the health of your teeth and gums than on your birthday. A consultation is the easiest way to find out where you stand.

What if I lose or break a tray?

It happens more often than you would think, so please do not feel embarrassed. Just call us at (843) 884-8315 and we will help you sort out the next step. Depending on where you are in treatment, you may move to your next tray a little early or wear your previous one while a replacement is made.

Keep exploring

Explore more of what we do

Most families find everything they need under our one roof. Here’s the rest of our care.

  • Fig. 1

    Preventive & Family Dentistry

    Cleanings, exams, and everyday care that keep every smile in the family healthy, from first tooth to golden years.

    Exams & cleanings · Digital x‑rays & photos · Children’s dentistry · Gum health & periodontal care · Sealants & fluoride · Oral cancer screenings

  • Fig. 3

    Restorative Dentistry

    From small fillings to full-smile repairs, we restore comfort, function, and confidence with modern materials.

    Tooth-colored fillings · Crowns & bridges · Implant restorations · Dentures & partials · Root canal therapy · Extractions

All services

Ready to schedule a visit?

(843) 884-8315

Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

We’d love to welcome your family to ours. Call the office or send us an appointment request and we’ll find a time that works.