Invisalign^® in Hereford, TX

Invisalign can straighten your teeth using removable aligners that are virtually invisible—no brackets or wires necessary! At Full Smile Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign to children, teenagers, and adults looking to correct orthodontic issues and straighten teeth without the look or feel of traditional braces. Contact us in Hereford, TX, for a consultation with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Astuto, to see how Invisalign can improve the appearance of your smile and your dental health.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign clear aligners work by placing mild-to-moderate pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into their proper positions. The aligners are virtually invisible and completely removable, so you can take out your trays to eat or drink, then place them back in your mouth to continue straightening your teeth. Every few weeks, you'll wear new aligners with small adjustments made and with the help of advanced align technology, you may be able to complete treatment in as little as 6 months.

The Invisalign system achieves the same results as traditional metal braces, but without the need for brackets and wires. Similar to braces, Invisalign can straighten teeth and correct many orthodontic issues, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Cross bite
• Gap teeth
• Open bite

Invisalign is great for teens and adults looking to improve their smile discreetly and with more flexibility during treatment. Many children entering Phase 1 orthodontic treatment can also wear plastic aligners to guide their developing teeth into proper alignment. It's easier for many patients to maintain good brushing habits with Invisalign because you take them out to brush and do not have to clean around brackets.

Benefits of Invisalign

• Avoid the look of braces with aligners that are virtually invisible
• No uncomfortable brackets or wires
• Trays are removable, which means no dietary restrictions and easier brushing
• Achieve a straight and healthy smile you can feel confident about
• You'll know the timeline of your treatment in advance and the results you can expect

How Is Invisalign Different From Braces?

Invisalign and braces are both orthodontic treatments that can correct bite problems, align teeth, and improve dental health. However, they use different methods to achieve the desired results. Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, while Invisalign uses an advanced clear aligner system to facilitate tooth movement.

The treatment times for clear aligners can be faster than braces. Some patients complete their Invisalign treatment in as fast as 6 months, while the shortest time for braces is often around a year. Patients who wear Invisalign enjoy having the flexibility to play sports and instruments without oral appliances and the freedom to enjoy their favorite foods and brush their teeth without worrying about brackets.

What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment

First, you will meet with Dr. Astuto for a consultation. We will take 3D digital scans of your teeth to identify the orthodontic issues you would like to correct and discuss your treatment options. If Invisalign is right for you, we will send these scans to a lab to create your first set of aligners.

You will wear the first aligners for about 1 week. Every 2 weeks after that, you will wear a new set of aligners, each with small adjustments made that continue to move your teeth as they adjust to the new trays. Aim to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day and only take them out to eat or drink, brush your teeth, and play sports or wind instruments.

You won't need to come into our office every time you get a new aligner, but expect checkup visits throughout your treatment so we can monitor your progress. If you ever lose or break one of your aligners, contact our office as soon as you can. We may instruct you to wear the previous aligners or start your next aligners early.

Invisalign in Hereford, TX

Full Smile Orthodontics provides exceptional orthodontic care to patients of all ages in the Texas Panhandle. If you live in Hereford, TX, and want to see how Invisalign can improve your smile using virtually invisible aligners, contact our practice today. Dr. Astuto is a board-certified orthodontist and will walk you through all of your options, then create a custom treatment plan for your needs.