Invisalign® in Dalhart, TX
Straighten Your Teeth—No Brackets & Wires Necessary!
If you want straighter teeth or seek treatment for a bad bite, Invisalign can be your ticket to a beautifully healthy smile without requiring brackets or wires. Dr. Astuto is a board-certified orthodontist who offers Invisalign treatment to kids, teens, and adults in Dalhart, TX. Contact Full Smile Orthodontics today to find out how Invisalign can give you and your family straighter teeth while improving your dental health and confidence.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an advanced clear aligner system. It works by using clear plastic trays and align technology to place mild-to-moderate pressure on teeth to move them into their correct positions. Every plastic aligner is custom-made, and every 2 weeks, you will wear a new set of aligners with small adjustments made to gradually move your teeth.
Proper tooth alignment is essential to having a healthy, functioning smile. If teeth are crooked or overcrowded, it can be difficult to clean them, increasing the risk of cavities or infection. Misalignment can also lead to bite problems, which make it difficult to eat or speak. Invisalign can correct tooth misalignment and other issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Cross bite
- Gap teeth
- Open bite
The Invisalign system is popular among all ages because it's a discreet way to achieve a straighter smile and there are no brackets or wires to clean around. During your first visit, we will see if clear aligner treatment is right for you and customize your treatment plan to fit your orthodontic needs.
Benefits of Invisalign
- Aligners are virtually invisible—most people can't tell you're wearing them
- No diet restrictions—simply remove your aligners to eat and drink
- No cleaning around brackets or wires
- Aligners are custom-fitted for your comfort
- Straight teeth promote a healthy mouth and a confident smile
How Is Invisalign Different From Braces?
Invisalign and braces are both orthodontic treatments that address a number of issues like crooked teeth or a bad bite. However, there are many differences between the way they work. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to facilitate tooth movement. They are great for correcting more complex issues, such as tooth rotation or treating impacted teeth, but many patients dislike the way brackets look and feel.
The Invisalign clear aligner system uses a series of plastic trays to move teeth. Unlike braces, which are bonded to teeth, Invisalign trays are completely removable. You can simply take out your trays to eat, brush, and play sports. Without bulky brackets or poking wires, Invisalign is more comfortable to wear and most people can’t tell you’re wearing aligners at all because the trays are virtually invisible. Invisalign treatment can also be faster than braces, with some patients completing treatment in as soon as 6 months. Meanwhile, the shortest average time for braces is about 1 year.
What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment
During your first visit, Dr. Astuto will examine your teeth, discuss how you’d like to improve your smile, and explain your orthodontic treatment options. If Invisalign is right for you, we will take 3D digital scans of your teeth and send the images to a lab to fabricate your custom trays. When your trays are ready, you will return for another appointment and we will make sure they feel comfortable in your mouth.
We will show you how to care for your Invisalign trays and answer any questions you have about treatment. Your aligners will feel snug at first, but will feel more comfortable as you wear them. You will receive a new set of aligners every 2 weeks, each with slight adjustments made that continue applying pressure to your teeth. Aim to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day, only taking them out to eat, drink, brush, or play sports.
As you wear your aligners throughout the day and night, your teeth will become straighter and your bite will improve. You will notice changes in your smile in as little as a few weeks and could complete treatment in as little as 6 months.
If you accidentally break or lose an aligner, contact our office for assistance from a member of our team. We may instruct you to wear the previous set of aligners until your next aligners are ready, or we may order new aligners. Anytime your aligners are out of your mouth, we recommend keeping them safe in an aligner case. There are many cases and accessories to choose from designed specifically for Invisalign.
Invisalign in Dalhart, TX
Full Smile Orthodontics provides exceptional care to patients while creating beautiful and healthy smiles for life. Dr. Astuto offers many orthodontic treatment options and looks forward to seeing how Invisalign can improve your or your child's smile and confidence. Contact our office in Dalhart, TX, today to schedule a consultation.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Invisalign cost?
At Full Smile Orthodontics, we provide you with a cost estimate for treatment at the first visit and outline your payment and financing options. The cost of Invisalign varies, depending on the issues you're looking to correct, the total treatment time, and if you require replacement aligners. Find out how much your Invisalign would cost in Dalhart, TX, by scheduling a consultation appointment at our office.
Can anyone use Invisalign?
Invisalign is an option for adults, teens, and children as young as 6 who are entering Phase 1 orthodontic treatment. There is no one right age for Invisalign, only the right age for you. If you want a straighter smile but don't want traditional metal braces, then Invisalign is likely an excellent option. There are some instances where Invisalign would not be recommended. If you have teeth that require rotation beyond 20 degrees, large gaps between teeth, impacted teeth, or TMJ disorders, traditional braces are often recommended instead of clear aligners.
How quickly will I see results from Invisalign?
Some patients notice a difference in their teeth in as little as 6 weeks, although the speed of results will depend on the patient and how often you wear your aligners. Aim to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and play sports. Aligning your teeth and bite is a gradual process, so remain patient throughout treatment and remember that the time you spend wearing and caring for your aligners now will benefit your smile for life.
How do I clean my Invisalign trays?
Clean your Invisalign trays using a toothbrush and toothpaste, or using a soaking solution as recommended by your orthodontist. Clean your aligners twice daily at the same time that you brush your teeth. You should also rinse your aligners with water every time you take them out to wash away bacteria and prevent buildup. Do not use hot water, as this can warp the plastic.
Creating Beautiful Smiles Is Our Passion
We look forward to helping you and your family achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. To begin your orthodontic journey, contact Full Smile Orthodontics today for a consultation.