Invisalign straightens crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Our orthodontist performs this discreet teeth-straightening treatment to perfect your smile and overall oral health. Invisalign clear aligners correct bite issues, close gaps, and deliver a straighter, healthier smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

At ABQ Dental Care, our board certified orthodontist uses digital smile scanning and 3D treatment mapping to design a custom Invisalign treatment plan that moves your teeth with precise, controlled force at each stage. Each set of aligners is custom-made and typically worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and swapped every one to two weeks, with most cases completing in 6 to 18 months depending on complexity. If you are ready to straighten your smile discreetly, our friendly team is here to walk you through your options and answer any questions you have.

invisalign in Alburquerque

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign clear aligners are a series of customized, transparent, and removable thin plastic trays designed to guide teeth into a desired position. They are made of high-quality, clear plastic material and provide a discreet and comfortable wear solution for mild to moderate dental misalignments. Unlike bracket braces or metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be easily removed for eating and cleaning.

5 Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign treatment offers the following key benefits:

1. Discreet Appearance

The aligners are custom-made from thin, clear plastic, which makes them virtually invisible.

2. Total Removability

You can easily remove these clear plastic aligners when eating, drinking, or during special occasions so there are no dietary restrictions and no need to avoid favorite foods.

3. Superior Comfort

Invisalign clear aligners have no sharp metal brackets, reducing discomfort and irritation to the cheeks, gums, and tongue.

4. Effortless Oral Care

Maintain excellent oral hygiene with ease by simply removing the aligners for brushing and flossing. This makes it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy every day.

5. Fewer Dental Appointments

Invisalign treatment requires fewer in-house office visits. You simply switch to a new set at home, saving both time and money spent on appointments.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Rohan Toor, DDS

Dentist

DDS

Dr. Chris Kim, DDS

Dentist

DDS

Malocclusion affects approximately 53% of the American population..


Source: ConsumerAffairs

The Invisalign Treatment Process

A patient journey with Invisalign clear aligners involves simple steps as follows:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

Our board certified orthodontist will consult with you to review your oral health and desired smile goals, confirm that Invisalign is the best option for your current state, take panoramic digital x-rays, and perform a thorough in-depth examination. This is also the step where we will explain all factors that will impact your treatment timeline and provide a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

2. Digital Scanning and Imaging

Advanced cutting-edge tools, such as Cone Beam CT scans, CAD/CAM equipment, and intraoral cameras, create a detailed, computer-generated 3D digital model of your teeth and jaw. This removes the need for outdated, uncomfortable mold putty and gives our team a precise view of your current alignment issue and jawbone structure.

3. Treatment Planning and Virtual Preview

Using your 3D scan, our orthodontist digitally plans each tooth movement and can see the projected final smile before treatment begins. You also see a virtual preview of your smile makeover, so you can double-check the final smile result and make an informed decision before proceeding.

4. Custom Aligner Fabrication

A specialized lab using computer-generated, high-quality materials fabricates your custom-made clear plastic aligner trays in-house, with each tray representing a slightly straighter tooth position. Each set is designed for a perfect fit and is made to sit evenly and flush across your teeth.

5. Wearing the Aligners

You put on the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day on a full-time basis. Consistently wearing your tray is one of the best ways to ensure consistent tooth movement and avoid relapse. Only remove them when you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.

6. Replacing the Aligners

Change your tray every one to two weeks at follow-up, according to your detailed treatment schedule. With every new set you switch to, the aligners will distribute gentle pressure and gradually shift your teeth for their continuous movement.

7. Progress Checks

A quick look-in visit is scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks at the clinic. Our orthodontist will double-check your progress, will ensure the aligners are working properly, and will consider whether any adjustments are needed before providing the next set.

8. Final Result and Retention

After completing the entire series of trays and achieving alignment, the active phase is completed. You will then be given a retainer, typically worn at night, to maintain your final smile and prevent relapse. Rest assured, retainers are a simple task that are easy to follow long-term.

Is Invisalign Right For You?

Invisalign is ideal for teenagers and adults with fully developed teeth who need mild to moderate alignment corrections. These include small gaps, slight crowding, and minor overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Complex bite issues may require traditional braces instead. Good oral health is essential before starting treatment, so any cavities or gum disease must be addressed first. Invisalign clear aligners work best for those committed to wearing them 20 to 22 hours per day. Our orthodontist will assess your oral structure to confirm your eligibility.

invisalign clear aligners in Alburquerque

What Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Treat?

Invisalign clear aligners effectively address the following specific dental conditions:

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth overlap because the jaw lacks enough space. People are sometimes born with genetics that lead to more crowded jaws, or early loss of baby teeth can cause teeth to form due to poor bone development. Aligners gently push crowded teeth apart and guide them into a straight, aligned position, making chewing more comfortable and hygiene much easier.

Spacing (Diastema)

Spacing refers to the gap between teeth, which can sometimes be caused by multiple missing teeth, an oversized jaw, or in small cases simply genetics. Misaligned teeth can leave a space that can spread food debris and bacteria, which can lead to enamel wear, erosion, or infection over time. Invisalign aligners move the separated teeth closer together to close these gaps.

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth excessively, which can draw the lower jaw back and cause trouble speaking clearly or difficulty eating. Excessive enamel erosion and uneven enamel wear can also form due to an untreated overbite. Invisalign clear aligners gently shift the upper or lower arches to improve functional alignment and restore a better path forward.

Underbite

An underbite is a condition where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. In other words, the lower jaw so sits ahead of the upper, which can expose the bottom teeth to enamel wear and can bring on headaches, bruxism, or even sleep apnea in some cases. Invisalign applies pressure to balance both arches, thereby creating a more functional alignment.

Crossbite

A crossbite means that some upper teeth bite down inside the lower rather than outside, which can spread uneven pressure across the jaw so that some teeth wear faster. Invisalign corrects this by helping the upper and lower teeth sit evenly and align properly, resolving the alignment issue without the need for bracket braces.

Overjet

An overjet is similar to an overbite but refers to the horizontal protrusion of the upper teeth. People who have had pacifier-sucking or thumb-sucking habits during childhood may develop an overjet. Invisalign clear aligners treat many overjet cases by gradually shifting the teeth back in toward a better position.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the top and bottom teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can affect chewing, cause mouth breathing, trouble speaking, or lead to further enamel erosion. Invisalign aligners are designed to treat in open bite cases by bringing the arches closer together over time.

Advanced Technologies We Use For Clear Aligners Treatment

Modern dental technologies used in Invisalign treatment make the process incredibly accurate, comfortable, and predictable for patients starting their smile journey. Our team takes pride in using cutting-edge, computer-generated technology to deliver a high-quality result.

Our board certified orthodontists use these innovative tools for Invisalign treatment:

3D Intraoral Scanners

These handheld devices take thousands of precise images inside your mouth to create a detailed, three-dimensional model of your teeth. This removes the need for outdated, uncomfortable mold putty and can easily capture your current state for a more accurate price estimate.

Computer-Aided Treatment Planning

Specialized CAD/CAM equipment and software use 3D scans to map the exact path each tooth needs to take from its current position to its projected final smile position. This computer-generated digital blueprint guides the entire treatment process and allows our orthodontist to tailor the plan to your case before a single tray is made.

3D Printing Technology

This advanced manufacturing method creates the physical models used to form your clear plastic aligner trays in-house. This technology ensures each tray is perfectly shaped for a perfect fit and can be completed in a surprisingly short amount of time.

Digital Monitoring Tools

Invisalign uses tools or apps that let our orthodontist check your progress using photos you send from home. This saves you time and money by reducing the number of follow-up visits needed, which can be especially helpful for patients with a busy schedule.

Smart Aligner Materials

The clear plastic itself is a high-quality, advanced, multi-layer material designed to apply constant, gentle pressure to the teeth. These materials offer improved comfort and enhanced tooth-moving efficiency compared to older rubber bands or bracket-based methods.

Cone Beam CT (CBCT) Imaging

Our orthodontists use this detailed imaging to get a full, in-depth view of your jawbone, bone development, nerves, and tooth roots. This ensures the treatment plan is approved for safe tooth movement and supports healthy functional alignment throughout the entire series.

Cost of Invisalign Aligners

The cost of Invisalign aligners is estimated to range from $3,000 to $8,500. A portion of these costs may be covered by your dental insurance plan. Depending on your coverage, insurance may cover a portion of $2,500 to $5,500 toward Invisalign costs.

At ABQ Dental Care, we review all costs transparently and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and other cost-effective payment options. Don’t let your budget discourage you. We will work to find a payment option that fits your budget so you can begin treatment with peace of mind knowing the money spent is a valuable savings investment in your well-being.

Looking for Invisalign Near Me in Albuquerque?

At ABQ Dental Care, our highly skilled, board certified orthodontists combine advanced dental technologies and 3D imaging with personalized care and a detailed treatment plan to deliver precise, lasting results. We address any dental concerns before treatment begins, will ensure proper follow-up care, and are committed to keeping you comfortable and well-informed at every step of your treatment journey. If you are looking for Invisalign near you in Albuquerque, call us today to achieve a straighter, healthier, more functional alignment and the desired smile you have always wanted.

FAQs About Invisalign

Subtle changes can be noticed within the first 4 to 6 weeks, with more visible improvements appearing after several months. Full treatment can range from 3 months for minor corrections to 2 years for more complex cases.

Yes, a slight lisp or difficulty with certain sounds is common when you first start wearing Invisalign. This is temporary and typically resolves within a week as your tongue adjusts.

No, hot beverages can warp the plastic and affect the fit, while dark liquids can stain the trays. Only plain, cool water should be consumed while wearing Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign are typically changed every 1 to 2 weeks following your orthodontist’s schedule. Each new set applies slightly different pressure to gradually move your teeth into the correct position.

Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and mild clear soap, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Avoid abrasive toothpaste or hot water, as these can damage the trays.

Contact your dentist immediately for guidance and wear your previous tray in the meantime. Do not move to the next set without instruction, as this can disrupt your treatment progress.

No, Invisalign must be worn 20 to 22 hours daily regardless of your schedule. Skipping wear can cause teeth to shift back and significantly delay your results.