Alden Richards, known for his perfect, bedimpled smile, recently revealed that he is undergoing smile alignment treatment.
The Kapuso actor shared this during his launch as the newest ambassador of Specialign Clear Braces on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Terraza Martinez in Bonifacio Global City.
The actor explained that his decision to go through teeth alignment using clear braces was not just for cosmetic reasons, but also to address other dental-related concerns.
Since starting the treatment over three months ago, Alden has already noticed significant improvements in his oral health.
Alden said: "It helped me with a lot of things, especially, I grind my teeth when I sleep. And then I needed alignment in my lower chamber.
"So yun nga, parang I never really thought I needed braces until such time that there are certain discoveries within my, my condition sa ngipin ko."
ALDEN RICHARDS: CLEAR BRACES VS METAL BRACES
For Alden, choosing between clear braces and metal braces was an easy decision.
As an actor, his teeth and smile are always in the spotlight, so he opted for clear braces from the start, knowing that metal braces would not only affect his appearance but also his daily life.
"For me kasi, this is just based on my knowledge with the way metal braces work.
"I think after it has been planted into your teeth, there are certain sessions that you have to go back to the orthodontist for it... or you to adjust it every now and then."
Alden continued: "The thing about Specialign—which is I'm also wearing my SpecialAlign right now, di niyo naman po nakikita, di ba? Hindi siya visible.
"I've been using it for the past couple of months already and then it's been very beneficial.
"I only did one fitting. Kumbaga, sinukat lang yung ngipin ko ng one time and then after that, wala na akong balik.
"Now that really fits my lifestyle because I'm always on the go."
Alden reiterated: "I think convenience and yung compatibility niya with the things that I'm doing in my everyday life... binawasan niya yung isipin ko about dental care, especially my teeth aligners.
"So hassle-free, hassle-free yung nagiging journey ko so far with Specialign."
Dr. Joanna Lyn Paragas-Burden of Novodental agreed with Alden’s choice, noting the added convenience and comfort that clear braces offer compared to traditional metal braces.
Dr. Joanna said: "So with clear aligners, you can easily remove it. You can brush, you can floss properly without any difficulties.
"I've had a couple of patients, like try to imagine, bride patients, di ba? Very meticulous some bride patients, 'Doc, I don't want braces. I'm going to have a prenup [shoot].'
"If they have braces, what do we do? We remove all the brackets and then they get their pictorial but then we put them right back on.
"But with clear aligners, it's very discreet. They'll be able to do their, their prenup... after wedding without any, any hassle."
Clear braces are a great option for people who can’t easily visit the dental clinic for regular adjustments.
"Others would be, let's say doctor patients, people who are always very busy. They don't want to come back to the clinic monthly.
"People who are, who work overseas. I have a couple of patients who are those. So they don't really need to come back monthly for those visits and still have that smile that they deserve."
BREAKING MISCONCEPTIONS
Aside from the convenience it brings, Dr. Joanna also emphasized how easy it is to start your clear braces journey.
Contrary to what many might think, the process is quick and hassle-free. After an initial consultation, it only takes about seven days to receive your first set of clear braces.
According to Dr. Joanna, Specialign clear braces uses top-of-the-line technology to map out a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the perfect approach to teeth alignment.
"So as soon as your dentist tells you you're ready for aligners, you can get your first batch of aligners for, within seven days. So immediately, you can start your treatment."
Alden brought up a common misconception about clear braces: that they’re only for celebrities or public figures.
"That’s not true. Actually, there’s a common misconception that anything related to teeth alignment—like braces and clear aligners—is very expensive and just for celebrities and public figures.
"But no, everyone, especially adults who have concerns with their smiles and teeth, can afford it. It’s approachable, it’s affordable, and it’s for everyone."
ALDEN RICHARDS: NEW ENDORSEMENT
When asked about accepting endorsements and ambassadorships, Alden revealed: "In the past years having different products under my belt, I've been very much cautious on choosing who to partner with.
"Siyempre, di naman pwede na kuha lang tayo nang kuha ng brands, and we don't believe in the vision.
"But right now, with this Specialign, of course, this is, like what I've said a while ago, elevating and giving solutions to the smiles of the Filipinos every day.
Aside from the talent fee, what made him agree to endorse Specialign Clear Braces?
"This is something new and something very competitive that we can bring to the market, especially in the orthodontic aspect of our daily lives.
"So, that's the reason why I said yes."
Meanwhile, Dr. Steve Mark Gan, the company's chairman and CEO, highlighted that all Specialign users, orthodontists, and general dentists undergo full training to deliver accurate and exceptional results.
He added: "And we're also very proud to say that it's now nationwide.
"So, we are doing our best to reach out to our dentist partners and make sure that, of course, they can give the best smiles through Specialign orthodontic treatment to their patients."
READ MORE: