Procedures

Orthodontic Procedures in Amarillo, TX

From a child’s first orthodontic evaluation to adult treatment with clear aligners, Full Smile Orthodontics provides the full scope of orthodontic care for every stage of life — right here in Amarillo.

Schedule a Free Consultation Call Us: (806) 436-7846

Orthodontic treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Every patient who walks through our door brings a different set of teeth, a different bite, a different age, and a different set of goals — and the right treatment plan reflects all of those variables. A seven-year-old being evaluated for early intervention has different needs than a teenager in full braces or an adult pursuing clear aligners for the first time. The full spectrum of what orthodontics can accomplish is far broader than most patients realize when they first come in.

At Full Smile Orthodontics, Dr. Astuto is a board-certified orthodontist who has dedicated additional years of specialized training and examination beyond dental school to the clinical discipline of diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth, improper bites, and jaw discrepancies. Board certification reflects a commitment to the highest standards of orthodontic practice — and it is the standard every patient at our practice benefits from.

We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic services for children, teenagers, and adults throughout Amarillo and the surrounding area. Whether your concern is cosmetic — achieving a straighter, more confident smile — or functional, addressing a bite problem that is affecting your comfort or oral health, our team has the expertise and the treatment options to help. Learn more about our practice and Dr. Astuto.

Not Sure Where to Start?

A free consultation with Dr. Astuto is the first step. We evaluate your case thoroughly, explain your options clearly, and give you an honest recommendation — no pressure, no commitment required.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Call Us: (806) 436-7846

Our Orthodontic Services

Braces

Traditional braces remain one of the most effective and clinically versatile orthodontic treatments available — and modern braces are a long way from what patients remember from a generation ago. Today’s metal and ceramic brackets are smaller, lower-profile, and more comfortable than their predecessors, and the technology behind the wires and treatment mechanics has advanced significantly.

Braces work by applying continuous, precisely controlled force to the teeth through brackets bonded to the tooth surface and archwires running through them. That continuous force allows Dr. Astuto to manage even complex tooth movements — rotations, vertical adjustments, root position — with a high degree of precision and predictability.

Full Smile Orthodontics offers both metal braces and ceramic braces. Metal braces are the most durable and cost-effective fixed appliance option, ideal for patients whose priority is clinical performance and value. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend with the enamel, offering the same clinical capability with a significantly more discreet appearance — a popular choice for adults and older teenagers who want fixed treatment with reduced visibility.

Braces are appropriate for patients of all ages and for cases across the full complexity spectrum — from moderate crowding and spacing to complex bite corrections and cases involving impacted or severely displaced teeth. If your case requires the precision and versatility of a fixed appliance, braces are almost certainly part of the conversation.

Learn more about braces at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is the leading clear aligner system in orthodontics and one of the most significant developments in the field in the past three decades. It replaces the brackets and wires of traditional braces with a series of custom-fabricated, removable, clear plastic trays — each one slightly different from the last — that move the teeth gradually and precisely toward their target positions.

Each set of trays is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next in the sequence. The trays are removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing — eliminating the dietary restrictions and hygiene challenges associated with fixed appliances. For patients who prioritize discretion, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility during treatment, Invisalign is a compelling option.

Treatment planning for Invisalign begins with digital intraoral scanning — no impressions required — and sophisticated software that maps out the full sequence of tooth movement from the starting position to the final result. Patients can often view a digital simulation of their projected outcome before committing to treatment.

Invisalign is effective for a wide range of cases, including mild to moderate crowding and spacing, many bite corrections, and a growing range of more complex presentations as aligner technology has continued to advance. Dr. Astuto evaluates every prospective aligner patient thoroughly to confirm that the case is well-suited to aligner treatment and that the projected outcome is reliable.

Learn more about Invisalign at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Bite Correction

When people think about orthodontic treatment, they most often think about straight teeth. But the alignment of the bite — how the upper and lower teeth come together — is equally important to the outcome, and in many cases it is the primary driver of the treatment plan.

A malocclusion — an improper bite — takes several common forms, each with its own clinical implications and treatment approach.

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap too far vertically over the lower front teeth. A significant deep overbite can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, contribute to wear on the front teeth, and place stress on the jaw joints.

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth — a reversal of the normal relationship. Underbites can cause uneven wear, difficulty chewing, and in some cases speech difficulties.

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. Crossbites can cause the jaw to shift to one side to accommodate the misalignment, creating asymmetric stress on the jaw joints and contributing to facial asymmetry over time.

An open bite occurs when the front teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are closed. Open bites are often associated with oral habits — thumb sucking, tongue thrusting — and can affect both function and appearance.

Bite problems left uncorrected do not simply stay the same — they typically worsen over time, causing progressive wear, jaw discomfort, and increasingly complex treatment needs. Addressing a bite issue at the right time — particularly in growing patients where jaw development can be influenced — produces significantly better outcomes than addressing it after growth is complete. Dr. Astuto develops individualized bite correction plans using braces, clear aligners, and additional orthodontic appliances as appropriate for each case.

Learn more about bite correction at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw — the maxilla — by applying gentle, controlled pressure to the two halves of the palate, which in children and teenagers are not yet fully fused and can be separated and allowed to fill in with new bone as they widen.

Expansion addresses a narrow upper arch that would otherwise result in crowding of the permanent teeth, crossbite, and in some cases breathing and airway concerns associated with a high, narrow palate. By creating additional arch width early — during the window when the palate is still responsive to expansion — Dr. Astuto can often create the space needed for the permanent teeth to erupt more favorably and reduce the scope of later orthodontic treatment.

A palatal expander is typically placed in younger patients — most commonly between the ages of seven and fourteen — during active jaw growth. The expander is fixed in the mouth and activated by the parent or patient using a small key on a prescribed schedule, typically once daily. The expansion process takes several weeks, followed by a consolidation period during which new bone fills in the widened suture before the expander is removed.

Many patients and parents are surprised to find that expansion — though it sounds significant — is well-tolerated and routine. The temporary spacing that often appears between the front teeth during expansion is normal and resolves as the treatment continues.

Learn more about palatal expanders at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Guided Eruption of Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that has failed to erupt into its normal position in the dental arch — it remains fully or partially beneath the bone or gum tissue, unable to emerge on its own. The upper canines — the pointed teeth on either side of the upper arch — are the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth, though impaction can affect any tooth in the mouth.

An impacted tooth that is left untreated does not simply stay harmlessly in place. It can resorb the roots of adjacent teeth, contribute to cyst formation, cause shifting of neighboring teeth, and ultimately require extraction if not addressed in a timely way. Identifying impacted teeth early — through the X-rays taken as part of routine orthodontic and dental examinations — creates the best opportunity for treatment before complications develop.

Guided eruption of an impacted tooth involves a coordinated process between Dr. Astuto and an oral surgeon or periodontist. The surgical provider exposes the impacted tooth by creating a small window in the overlying bone and gum tissue and attaches a small bracket and chain to the tooth. Dr. Astuto then applies gentle, controlled traction through the braces to gradually guide the impacted tooth along the path it needs to follow to reach its correct position in the arch.

The process takes time — typically several months of gradual traction — but the result is a tooth that erupts into normal function, preserving the integrity of the arch and the adjacent teeth. For patients with impacted canines specifically, guided eruption is the treatment of choice and produces excellent long-term results when undertaken at the appropriate stage.

Learn more about guided eruption of impacted teeth at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is not a childhood experience — it is appropriate and highly effective at any age, and a significant and growing proportion of orthodontic patients are adults. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adults account for approximately one in four orthodontic patients in the United States today.

Adults pursue orthodontic treatment for a range of reasons. Some are addressing crowding, spacing, or bite issues that were never treated in childhood. Some have experienced relapse — teeth that shifted after previous treatment due to inconsistent retainer wear. Others are pursuing treatment as part of a broader restorative or cosmetic plan — preparing teeth for implants, veneers, or other dental work that requires proper alignment and spacing to perform optimally.

Adult orthodontic treatment presents some considerations that differ from pediatric and adolescent treatment. Jaw growth is complete in adults, which means purely skeletal bite corrections that are achievable through appliance therapy in growing patients may require a surgical approach in adults. Treatment timelines can be somewhat longer due to the absence of the tissue remodeling advantage that growing bone provides. And adults often have existing dental work — crowns, bridges, implants, fillings — that affects treatment planning.

None of these factors make adult orthodontic treatment less worthwhile — they simply mean the planning is more nuanced. Dr. Astuto is experienced in treating adult patients across the full range of complexity and develops treatment plans that account for each patient’s dental history and long-term goals.

Learn more about orthodontic treatment for adults at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Orthodontic Treatment for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an orthodontic screening by age seven. This recommendation surprises many parents — seven feels young for orthodontic treatment, and in most cases, active treatment does not begin at that age. The value of the age-seven evaluation is not that it triggers immediate intervention — it is that it establishes a baseline and identifies the children who would benefit from early treatment before problems that are simple to address now become complex and expensive to address later.

By age seven, the first permanent molars have typically erupted and the bite relationship can be meaningfully assessed. Issues that can be identified at this stage include developing crossbites, emerging crowding, jaw width discrepancies, early signs of impacted teeth, and bite problems that are most effectively treated while jaw growth is still occurring.

Early treatment — called Phase I or interceptive orthodontic treatment — is not appropriate for every child. When it is indicated, it typically involves appliances such as palatal expanders, partial braces, or other functional appliances designed to address specific developing problems during the growth window when the jaw and dental arches are most responsive. Phase I treatment does not necessarily eliminate the need for a second phase of treatment in adolescence, but it simplifies it, reduces its scope, and in some cases prevents problems that would have been far more difficult to address after growth was complete.

For children who do not require early treatment, monitoring appointments allow Dr. Astuto to track dental development and identify the optimal time to begin full orthodontic treatment — typically between ages eleven and fourteen as the permanent dentition is nearing completion.

Learn more about orthodontic treatment for children at Full Smile Orthodontics.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Care for the Whole Family in Amarillo

From your child’s first evaluation to adult treatment for yourself, Full Smile Orthodontics provides every level of orthodontic care under one roof — with board-certified expertise behind every treatment plan.

Get Started With a Free Consultation Call Us: (806) 436-7846

How We Approach Treatment Planning at Full Smile Orthodontics

The difference between good orthodontic treatment and great orthodontic treatment is what happens before the first appliance is ever placed. Every treatment plan at Full Smile Orthodontics begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation — the process of gathering the complete clinical picture needed to understand not just what the teeth look like now, but what movements are needed, what the bite relationship is, what the jaw anatomy looks like in three dimensions, and what the best path is to achieving the result each patient is after.

That evaluation includes clinical examination, digital X-rays including panoramic and cephalometric images, digital intraoral scanning, photographs, and a detailed review of the patient’s dental and medical history. It is from this complete set of records that Dr. Astuto develops a treatment plan — one that is specific to that patient’s anatomy, age, and goals, not a generic protocol applied uniformly.

We take the time at the consultation to explain what we find, what we recommend, and why. Patients and families who understand their treatment plan — why a particular appliance was chosen, what each phase is intended to accomplish, what the timeline looks like — are more engaged in their treatment, more compliant with their appliances, and more satisfied with their outcomes. Transparency in treatment planning is something we take seriously.

Visit our get started page to learn about what your first visit involves and how to schedule your consultation.

Life After Orthodontic Treatment — Retention

Every orthodontic treatment — regardless of appliance type or duration — is followed by a retention phase. Retention is not optional, and it is not temporary in the way many patients initially assume. The teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions after active treatment is complete — a phenomenon called relapse — and retainers are what prevent that from happening.

Retainers come in two primary forms. Removable retainers — either clear Essix-style retainers or traditional Hawley retainers — are worn according to a prescribed schedule, typically full-time initially and transitioning to nighttime-only wear after a period of stabilization. Fixed retainers — thin wires bonded to the back surfaces of the front teeth — provide continuous passive retention without requiring the patient to remember to wear anything.

Many patients benefit from a combination of both — a fixed retainer on the lower front teeth, where relapse tendency is highest, and a removable retainer for the upper arch. Dr. Astuto develops an individualized retention plan for each patient based on the movements accomplished during treatment and the specific relapse risk of each case.

The most important thing to understand about retention is this: the results of orthodontic treatment last as long as the retainer protocol is followed. Patients who wear their retainers as directed maintain their results indefinitely. Patients who discontinue retainer wear risk losing some or all of what their treatment achieved. We support our patients through the retention phase with the same attention and follow-up we bring to active treatment.

Ready to Find Out Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Dr. Astuto and the Full Smile Orthodontics team are here to give you a thorough evaluation and a clear, honest recommendation. Free consultations for new patients in Amarillo, TX.

Schedule Your Free Consultation About Dr. Astuto and Our Practice Call Us: (806) 436-7846

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Orthodontic Services

What is the difference between a board-certified orthodontist and a general dentist who offers orthodontics?

A board-certified orthodontist has completed dental school plus an additional two to three years of full-time, accredited residency training specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Board certification requires passing a rigorous examination administered by the American Board of Orthodontics — a voluntary credential that reflects a commitment to excellence beyond the minimum requirements of licensure. General dentists who offer orthodontic services — including aligner treatment — have not completed this specialized training. For complex cases and for the highest standard of care across all case types, treatment by a board-certified orthodontist matters.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age seven. This does not mean treatment begins at seven — for most children, it does not. It means that a baseline evaluation is established, developing concerns can be identified early, and the optimal timing for any future treatment can be planned in advance. Learn more about orthodontic treatment for children and what the age-seven evaluation involves.

How do I know if I need braces or Invisalign?

The right appliance depends on the specifics of your case — the type and severity of the tooth movements and bite correction needed — as well as your lifestyle, priorities, and compliance profile. Both options are effective for the right cases. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Astuto is the only reliable way to determine which is the better fit for you specifically. Schedule a free consultation and we will give you an honest, personalized recommendation.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment duration depends primarily on the complexity of the case. Most standard cases fall in the range of twelve to twenty-four months. Simpler cases — mild crowding or spacing — may be completed in less time. More complex cases involving significant bite correction, impacted teeth, or skeletal discrepancies may take longer. We provide a personalized timeline estimate at the consultation after evaluating your specific case. Early treatment cases for children are typically shorter in duration and are followed by a monitoring period before any second phase of treatment begins.

Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit — typically a lifetime maximum that applies toward any orthodontic treatment. Coverage levels and limitations vary significantly by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your consultation to understand your orthodontic benefits. Our team is happy to assist with insurance questions and to discuss flexible payment plan options that make treatment financially accessible for our patients. Visit our get started page for more information on financing.

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No referral is required to schedule a consultation at Full Smile Orthodontics. You are welcome to contact our office directly and schedule a free consultation at any time. Many patients self-refer after noticing concerns with their own or their child’s teeth. Others are referred by their general dentist or pediatric dentist. Either path is welcome — what matters is that you come in so we can evaluate your case and give you the information you need.

What happens after orthodontic treatment is complete?

Active treatment is followed by the retention phase — during which retainers are worn to maintain the corrected positions of the teeth and prevent relapse. Retention is a permanent commitment. Retainer wear schedules vary by case but typically involve full-time wear initially followed by nighttime-only wear long-term. Dr. Astuto develops an individualized retention plan for each patient and provides the ongoing support needed to protect the results of treatment.

Do you treat patients from outside Amarillo?

Yes. Full Smile Orthodontics serves patients from Amarillo and the surrounding communities throughout the Texas Panhandle. If you are located outside Amarillo and are interested in receiving care at our practice, we welcome you to schedule a consultation and our team will work with you on scheduling that accommodates your travel situation.

Expert Orthodontic Care for Every Stage of Life — Right Here in Amarillo

Whether your child needs early intervention, your teenager is ready for full treatment, or you are an adult who has been thinking about orthodontic treatment for years, Full Smile Orthodontics has the expertise, the technology, and the treatment options to help your whole family achieve the smiles they deserve.

Dr. Astuto’s board certification, combined with a practice built around honest communication and personalized treatment planning, means every patient receives care that is genuinely designed for their specific situation — not a generic plan applied broadly.

Learn more about our practice and our team or take the first step today by scheduling your free consultation. We look forward to meeting you.

Your Smile Starts Here — Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Full Smile Orthodontics provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults in Amarillo, TX. Board-certified expertise. Personalized treatment. Exceptional results.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Learn About Our Practice Call Us: (806) 436-7846