Sparkman Orthodontics offers Invisalign clear aligners at our Amarillo office at 7701 S.W. 45th Ave. Treatment is planned and supervised by our orthodontists, Dr. Kyle Sparkman, Dr. Lindsey Lyons and Dr. Corbin Clifton, each of whom holds a D.D.S. and an M.S. Invisalign uses a series of removable, nearly invisible trays to straighten teeth, and for many teens and adults it works as well as braces without brackets or wires.
We also offer Spark Clear Aligners, so you can compare two aligner systems in one visit. This page explains what Invisalign can fix, what treatment looks like at our office, what it costs and how to decide whether it fits you.
What Can Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign has been refined over many years and now treats many of the problems that once required braces. Common reasons patients choose it include:
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Crowding, where there is not enough room for the teeth to line up
- Gaps and spacing
- Many bite problems and misaligned jaws
These are not only cosmetic concerns. Teeth that do not line up can cause discomfort when eating, chewing and speaking, and crowded teeth are harder to keep clean. The doctor will tell you at your exam whether aligners can reach your goals or whether braces would do the job better. Read more about common orthodontic issues.
Who Is a Good Fit for Invisalign?
Adults. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. The main requirement is healthy gums, because gum disease has to be controlled before teeth are moved. Many adults like that aligners keep their natural smile visible at work. See clear aligners for adults.
Teens. Invisalign for teens includes a compliance indicator, small marks toward the back of the aligner that fade with consistent wear. If the mark is still visible after two weeks, it is a sign the aligners are spending too much time in the case. Learn more about clear aligners for teens.
Children. Aligners can work for kids once all of their teeth, including the second molars, have fully come in. Before that point, an early exam helps decide whether anything needs to happen now.
The best candidates are people who will wear the aligners as directed. Aligners only move teeth while they are in your mouth.
What Does Invisalign Treatment Involve in Amarillo?
Treatment starts with a free consultation and a comprehensive exam. If Invisalign is the right choice, we take a digital impression with our iTero scanner, a handheld wand that captures your teeth in a few minutes with no goopy molds. The scan becomes a 3D model, and we can show you a projection of how your teeth are expected to move.
Your doctor then plans each stage of tooth movement and orders your aligners. From there, the routine is simple:
- Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush and floss.
- Switch to a new set about every two weeks. Each set is slightly different from the last.
- Visit the office about every five to six weeks so the doctor can confirm treatment is on track.
- Between visits, use DentalMonitoring to send progress scans from your smartphone, which cuts down on extra trips.
Expect some pressure or minor aches when you switch to a new set, because your teeth are starting to move. Speech can feel a little different at first, and the more you talk with the aligners in, the faster that passes.
How Does Invisalign Compare With Spark and Braces?
All three options can produce excellent results. The right one depends on your bite, your habits and your preferences.
| Invisalign | Spark Clear Aligners | Braces | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear trays | Clear trays designed to stay clear | Metal, clear or Damon® brackets |
| Removable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Material | SmartTrack thermoplastic | TruGEN™ | Brackets and archwire |
| Food rules | None; remove to eat | None; remove to eat | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Depends on | Wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day | Wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day | Keeping brackets clean and intact |
For a closer look at both aligner systems, see types of clear aligners, or compare types of braces.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Amarillo?
Every case is priced individually. As a guide, our average fee for orthodontic treatment lasting 12 to 36 months is about $3,800 to $6,500. Where your Invisalign fee falls depends on how complex your case is and how long it will take, and it is confirmed before treatment begins.
To make treatment fit your budget, we offer:
- No-interest financing through our office
- Payment by cash, check, CareCredit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
- Insurance verification before your first visit, and claim filing once treatment starts
Most insurance policies include a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is separate from regular dental coverage, so it is worth asking us to check. Try our payment calculator or read our financial information.
How Do You Take Care of Your Aligners?
Aligner care adds only a minute or two to your day. After you brush and floss, brush the aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep them fresh and clear. Brush your teeth after eating before you put the aligners back in, so food is not trapped against your teeth.
Take aligners out before chewing gum, since gum sticks to the plastic. We discourage smoking with aligners in because smoke discolors them. If you lose an aligner, call us right away; we can replace it or move you to your next set so your teeth do not shift back.
What Happens When Invisalign Treatment Ends?
When your teeth reach their planned positions, you move into retainers. We instruct all orthodontic patients to wear retainers at night indefinitely. That habit keeps your bite healthy and holds the result in place.
Invisalign Questions We Hear Often
How long does Invisalign take?
Treatment time depends on how much your teeth need to move. Clear aligner treatment is often between 6 and 18 months and can be shorter than braces.
Can I eat whatever I want?
Yes, as long as you take your aligners out first. Clean your teeth before putting them back in.
Do you offer Invisalign outside Amarillo?
Yes. We also see patients at our Canyon, Pampa and Clovis, NM offices. Our Amarillo office page has directions and contact details.
Start With a Free Invisalign Consultation
The quickest way to know whether Invisalign will work for you is an exam. Schedule a free consultation at our Amarillo office, and the doctor will examine your teeth, explain whether aligners suit your bite and talk you through the timeline.