Clear aligners covering a lower arch of teeth

Invisalign

Crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and affect your oral health, but you may not like the idea of metal braces.

At Haltom Orthodontics in Albuquerque, NM, we offer Invisalign® as a comfortable, discreet alternative to braces.

So what makes Invisalign such a great option?

Simple, Discreet Treatment

Virtually Invisible

Invisalign trays are made from clear, BPA-free plastic that is virtually invisible to casual observers. Your friends and family may not even notice you are wearing them.

More Comfortable Than Braces

Our orthodontists, Drs. Tucker and Darren Haltom, customize your Invisalign trays to fit comfortably into your smile. Unlike metal braces, there are no wires or brackets to irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.

Convenient to Use

Since the Invisalign trays are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth normally. In addition, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods, no matter how sticky or crunchy.

Take a look at how Invisalign trays gently guide your teeth into their proper positions...

Worried that you won't qualify?

Invisalign Has Helped Millions of Patients Improve Their Smiles

Invisalign statistic According to Invisalign

If our orthodontists feel that Invisalign is not right for you, we have various other treatment options available at our practice including discreet lingual braces.

Is your condition treatable with Invisalign?

Most Commonly Used for Mild to Complex Cases

Drs. Haltom and Haltom typically recommend Invisalign treatment for patients who have mild to moderate misalignment. If you have severe malocclusion, Haltom Orthodontics may recommend traditional orthodontic therapy, which allows us to better manage your case and achieve the desired results.

But are you a good candidate?

Factors to Consider If You Are Interested in Invisalign

If your case is treatable with Invisalign, there are other factors to take into account before committing to treatment. In general, Invisalign can work for you if:

You Value Discretion

Many teens and adults choose Invisalign over traditional braces because of its discreet look. If you don't want others to notice your braces, this nearly invisible tray system may be right for you.

You Are Responsible

In order for Invisalign treatment to work as planned, you will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day. If you are prone to forget wearing your aligners, fixed braces may be a better way to secure your desired results.

You Are of Age

In general, Invisalign is recommended for teens and adults. Because the smiles of younger patients are evolving and growing so quickly, it is safer to wait until all permanent teeth have erupted - usually around age 12 or 13.

But aren't there online retailers who offer invisible aligners, too?

Visiting an Orthodontist vs. Purchasing Aligners Online

While online retailers promote a lower cost and added convenience, nothing can compare to having an orthodontist personally coordinate your Invisalign treatment.

Our highly trained doctors will carefully evaluate your smile during your consultation to determine whether treatment is right for you. They will then customize and plan your treatment completely according to your needs. During your in-office visits, we can also evaluate your progress and alter your treatment if necessary. We also have accelerated treatment options available, which online retailers do not.

In short, visiting an orthodontist is the best way to ensure you get the correct treatment, reach the results you want within the expected timeframe, and avoid needing future orthodontic treatment.

Take a closer look at the Invisalign system...

So what can you expect from Invisalign treatment?

Straightening Your Smile Takes about 12 to 18 Months with Invisalign

Consultation

First, one of our orthodontists will evaluate your smile and take impressions to send to an Invisalign laboratory.

Planning

The technicians at Invisalign will map out your treatment ahead of time so that you can make an educated decision.

Fabrication

If you decide to undergo treatment, the Invisalign team will create customized aligners. This process typically takes two to four weeks.

Treatment Starts

As soon as they are ready, you can begin wearing your aligners. You will need to wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day. About every two weeks, you can switch to the next tray in the series.

Check-Ups

You will need to visit one of our three convenient locations about every four to six weeks so your doctor can assess your progress.

Final Results

Most of our patients achieve their desired results within about 12 to 18 months.

Maintaining Your Invisalign Results

Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, Dr. Darren or Tucker Haltom can determine whether you will need to wear your last set of aligners or if you require a custom retainer. In most cases, patients only have to wear their retainers overnight.

Many of our patients wear their aligners or retainers for the rest of their lives to ensure their teeth stay in position. It is important to keep them safe and clean.

Take a look at what we can achieve with Invisalign...

Transformative Results

Before treatment — **Before** — Uneven teeth and an overbite detracted from this patient's smile.

After treatment — **After** — Invisalign was used to shift the teeth into alignment and create a noticeably straighter smile.