Invisalign^®

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. This treatment is great for kids, teens, and adults who desire straighter, healthier teeth. If you or your child want a straighter smile, contact Full Smile Dental to learn about Invisalign in Dumas, Canyon, Amarillo, Farwell, and Dalhart, TX.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a set of clear retainers that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. These retainers serve as an alternative to traditional braces with metal brackets and wires while providing the same beautifully straight results. You can receive your custom Invisalign retainers from a dentist or orthodontist trained to provide Invisalign treatment, such as the team at Full Smile Dental. There are many issues that Invisalign can treat, including:

• Overcrowded teeth
• Crooked or generally misaligned teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Gap teeth
• Treatment for baby and permanent teeth

How Does Invisalign Work?

The virtually clear retainers use align technology to move teeth into their proper positions. Your dentist will use a high-tech handheld scanner to create digital impressions of your teeth and design a custom treatment plan. When you get your first set of clear retainers, your dentist will ensure they fit properly and feel comfortable.

Every 2 weeks, we will provide you with new retainers, each with slight adjustments to continuously correct your teeth. You will wear them for 20–22 hours a day. Your aligners will be created in a lab and when they are ready, you will return to your dentist to ensure they fit properly. You can expect to check in with your dentist in-person every 6–8 weeks to monitor your progress.

Advantages of Invisalign for Teens and Adults

Invisalign offers numerous benefits for patients of all ages, including:

• You will see results in as fast as 6 months
• The retainers are virtually invisible
• Avoid the look and feel of brackets and wires
• No food restrictions
• Easier to maintain good oral hygiene without having to clean around brackets
• No sticky molds necessary when taking impressions
• Increased overall comfort
• Predictable results —you'll know how your or your child's teeth will look after treatment

What to Expect With Invisalign

We make sure every retainer is custom-fitted to feel comfortable in your mouth. Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you will be able to live your life uninterrupted by brackets, wires, or food restrictions. Most people will not be able to tell you're wearing retainers because they are designed to be virtually invisible. There are less emergency situations and you can expect less overall chair time at your dentist's office.

How Long Will I Have to Wear Invisalign?

You should wear your retainers for 20–22 hours per day for the most optimal results. Take your aligners out only to brush your teeth, eat, or when playing sports. Treatment times vary depending on the severity of the issues you are looking to correct. Many patients see results from treatment in as little as 6 months.

Caring for Your Invisalign Clear Aligners

Every night, rinse your aligners and brush them gently with your toothbrush. Do this in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth twice per day. There are also licensed cleaning products to help keep your aligners in tip-top shape and feeling fresh. When you are not wearing your retainers, like during meals or sports, you should keep them safe in a case. There are custom cases available to match your style and make it easy to keep your retainers nearby.

Invisalign or Braces?

Invisalign and braces are both effective orthodontic treatments designed to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall dental health. Your dentist will work with you to determine the right type of treatment for your smile.

For generally straighter teeth and bite correction without the look and feel of braces, Invisalign is the ideal solution. The retainers are easier to clean and look virtually invisible, so you can avoid the clunkiness of brackets. Braces, however, are more suitable for correcting complex orthodontic issues. This could include treating an impacted canine tooth, correcting a more severe overbite or jaw misalignment, and lowering or raising the position of teeth to fit within the dental arch.

Frequently Asked Questions: Invisalign

Can I Take Out My Invisalign While Playing Sports?

You should remove your aligners when playing sports and switch to a protective mouth guard. Keep your aligners in a case and put them back in afterward.

How Will Invisalign Treatment Affect My Life?

Your life will be uninterrupted with Invisalign. Wear your retainers 20–22 hours every day to get the results you want. You will continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal.

Will I Have to Wear a Retainer Once My Treatment Is Complete?

Just like braces, you should wear a retainer after treatment to maintain results. This prevents your teeth from shifting out of position.

What Is the Cost of Invisalign?

The cost will vary depending on how long you require treatment, if you need replacement aligners at any point, and the complexity of your dental needs. We will provide a cost estimate during the consultation.