Many patients desire a straighter smile but aren’t willing to deal with the hassle and appearance of braces. Dr. Steve Ollason offers Invisalign®, a straightening system that allows patients to enjoy discreet treatment using clear aligners. So, why should you choose our top-rated dental practice in Albuquerque, NM, to achieve a more attractive smile?

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Hablamos Español

Para ayudar a nuestros pacientes en su idioma preferido, nuestro equipo también habla español.

The Unbeatable Advantages of Invisalign

A TRUSTED ORTHODONTIC SOLUTION IN ALBUQUERQUE

Discreet Treatment

Made of clear plastic, aligners are virtually invisible and far less conspicuous than traditional braces. As such, Invisalign caters to the social concerns of many of our teen and adult patients and is easy to fit into any lifestyle.

Improved Comfort

Unlike braces, clear aligners have a smooth design. The edges and sides of the aligners are rounded and refined for improved comfort. This feature is especially beneficial for more active patients who partake in activities that carry a higher risk of injury.

Reduced Time Commitment

While treating misalignment with traditional braces often requires two to three years, many patients complete their Invisalign series in about half that time. Additionally, Invisalign patients typically attend fewer office visits.

Removable Trays

Clear aligners are easily removable, making it easy for patients to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing with braces is challenging due to trying to navigate around brackets and wires. With Invisalign, it feels like a breeze.

No Dietary Restrictions

Patients with braces often have to avoid chewy or sticky foods to prevent damaging their brackets and wires. Since aligners are removed before eating, patients can enjoy all their favorite foods with zero restrictions.

Boosted Confidence

Do you have a tendency to hide your teeth when you smile or laugh? Aligners can give you the boost you need to feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. Because aligners are practically invisible, no one will be able to notice them.

An Invisalign Preferred Provider

Invisalign is a clear alignment system that allows patients to enjoy discreet treatment using nearly invisible trays. Dr. Steve Ollason is an Invisalign Preferred Provider who can help you achieve the straight smile you desire.

What Concerns Can Invisalign Correct?

While Invisalign can provide some valuable advantages over traditional treatments such as braces, it is not the right solution for everyone. Dr. Ollason will review your specific case and needs with you during your first visit at our Albuquerque dental practice. Invisalign can treat the following concerns:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open Bite
  • Gapped Teeth
  • Crooked Teeth

The Dangers of Misaligned Teeth

Though your primary concern may be the cosmetic drawbacks of crooked teeth, misalignment can cause a variety of serious oral health concerns, including:

Decay

When teeth are crooked, it’s harder to clean all surfaces of each tooth. Plaque can build up more easily, leading to decay.

Worn Teeth

Bite misalignment can wear your teeth down over time, damaging teeth and making it harder to chew.

Tooth Loss

In serious cases, bite misalignment and decay can lead to tooth loss, a problem that is expensive to correct. Additional problems you may encounter with crooked teeth include chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders, and difficulty with speech.

Ready to Love Your Smile?

Request Your Consultation Today

If you’re wondering if Invisalign is the right orthodontic solution for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ollason at New Mexico Smile Center so he can evaluate your teeth and answer any questions you have. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile that makes you feel more confident and improves your oral health. If you have questions, fill out our online form and a member of our dental team will be in touch. You can also learn more about orthodontics by calling our Albuquerque, NM, office at: (505) 275-1663

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Understanding Candidacy for Clear Aligners

WHAT OUR ALBUQUERQUE DENTIST WILL CONSIDER

Mild to Moderate Cases

Invisalign is best suited to correcting mild to moderate cases of misalignment. If you have a significant case of misalignment, we may recommend traditional braces as an alternative.

Good Overall Health

Any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues must be addressed before using aligners. Dr. Ollason can evaluate and treat your teeth in preparation for Invisalign.

Commitment to the Process

Aligners are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Patients must be diligent about keeping up with their treatment to experience the best results and avoid adding extra time to their treatment.

No Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or clenching can wear down aligners over time. If you regularly deal with bruxism, we may recommend another orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth.

The Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Process

Consultation

During your initial consultation at our Albuquerque office, Dr. Ollason will examine your teeth and learn about your cosmetic goals. If we determine you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we will begin the process by taking digital impressions using our advanced iTero digital scanning system. Digital impressions are very quick and easy compared to traditional dental putty impressions.

Fabrication

The impressions are sent to an off-site Invisalign lab, where dental technicians will craft your custom set of aligner trays. The number of trays depends on the extent of treatment needed. Once the aligners are ready, you’ll return to our office to ensure they fit correctly and receive detailed treatment instructions.

Treatment

The aligners are to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, only to be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing. Patients must take extra care to keep track of their aligners and keep them clean. Each set of trays is worn for about one to two weeks. You’ll visit our office every six to eight weeks for a maintenance check-up to ensure your teeth are aligning correctly.

Results

Your new smile is complete. A typical Invisalign treatment timeline can range from about 12 to 18 months. At your last appointment, Dr. Ollason will explain aftercare instructions to maintain your new smile. Patients must wear their last set of aligners or retainers to sleep every night to ensure their teeth remain in the proper position.

Achieve Faster Results With Invisalign Express

Patients with mild cases of misalignment may qualify for Invisalign Express, which delivers straighter teeth in six months or less. Invisalign Express uses fewer aligners than regular Invisalign and is an excellent option for minimally rotated teeth. Patients who previously had orthodontic treatment but had their teeth shift out of place by not wearing retainers are also great candidates for this method. Dr. Ollason can help determine whether Invisalign Express or the regular treatment will be best for you.

A Versatile Treatment FOR ALL AGES

Though we may tend to think of orthodontics as a treatment for children and teens, adults can benefit from it, too. Many adults feel self-conscious about their misalignment, but don’t want to wear braces due to their conspicuous nature. Clear aligners can help adults straighten their teeth discreetly and in a shorter timeframe.

Our dentist Dr. Steve Ollason, serving the residents of Albuquerque and beyond, can explain the different Invisalign treatment plans to you and help you decide which option will be best to correct your misalignment and fit into your lifestyle.

If you or your child have mild to moderate misalignment and you’re considering Invisalign, we invite you to fill out our contact form or call our office, New Mexico Smile Center, in Albuquerque, NM: (505) 275-1663

Caring For Your Aligners

Though your Invisalign aligners from our Albuquerque office are designed to be disposed of every couple of weeks, they should still be cleaned daily because they can harbor bacteria. There are some simple things you can do to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and in good condition:

  • Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and liquid soap
  • Avoid cleaning your aligners with abrasive cleansers and very hot water
  • Rinse your aligners with water after brushing
  • Store your aligners in a protective case when not in use

You should clean your aligners every night around the same time you brush your teeth. You can also clean them as needed when they appear visibly dirty.

Failure to clean your aligners properly and as needed can result in discolored aligners, warped aligners, bad breath, and prolonged exposure to bacteria.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

We Offer Financing Options

Here at New Mexico Smile Center, Invisalign starts at $3,500. We can provide an accurate estimate after your consultation. Like other solutions in orthodontics, Invisalign is usually covered by insurance. Patients without insurance can take advantage of our free Dental Benefits Program, which offers treatment discounts.

We also offer financing through CareCredit®, a third-party company that splits costs into monthly payment plans. This allows patients the opportunity to pay off treatment on a timeline that works for them. Whatever your needs may be, our team is committed to making your dream smile more attainable.

Why Choose a Dentist over an orthodontist?

Though many people think they need an orthodontist when it comes to straightening teeth, orthodontists aren’t the only professionals capable of providing patients with Invisalign. Dr. Ollason in Albuquerque, NM, has undergone special training to become an Invisalign provider so he can create and complete your treatment plan just as an orthodontist could.

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Albuquerque

Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. Using a series of custom aligners, Invisalign gradually moves teeth into proper alignment while allowing you to remove the trays for eating and brushing. Many patients choose Invisalign as part of a broader cosmetic dentistry or smile makeover plan to improve both the appearance and function of their smile.

Invisalign in Albuquerque FAQs

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that gradually straightens teeth using a series of custom-made removable trays.

How does Invisalign work?

Each set of aligners gently shifts your teeth into position over time. You typically switch to a new aligner every one to two weeks.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case, but many patients complete Invisalign treatment within 12 to 18 months.

Is Invisalign comfortable?

Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic and are designed to be comfortable while applying gentle pressure to move teeth.

Can I remove Invisalign aligners?

Yes, aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene.

Is Invisalign noticeable?

Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet, making them far less noticeable than traditional metal braces.