If you’ve always wanted straighter teeth, but you’ve been a bit hesitant because of the financial investment, your interest may be piqued by mail-order aligners. After all, they are the same as Invisalign, but at a lower price point, right? While that’s what their marketing efforts make it seem like, that’s far from the truth. In fact, choosing an Invisalign alternative can be dangerous for several reasons, including:
Danger #1: Skipping the Initial Consultation
While every Invisalign treatment begins with an in-depth consultation, mail-order aligner companies completely skip this step. As a result, patients with active decay, gum disease, damaged restorations, and other serious oral health problems are deemed candidates for orthodontic treatment. This may seem harmless, but it can lead to disastrous consequences, including tooth loss.
Danger #2: Relying on DIY Impressions
Another way mail-order aligner companies cut costs (and corners) is by asking the patients to take their own impressions. While this may sound easy, it’s difficult to get right. As a result, many of the treatment plans are created from inaccurate impressions, leading to complications down the line.
Danger #3: No Supervision From a Dental Professional
Perhaps the most shocking, mail-order clear aligner treatments aren’t supervised by licensed dental professionals. So, there’s really no guarantee that the final result will be a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s one of the many reasons organizations like the American Dental Association have voiced their distaste for these Invisalign alternatives.
Danger #4: There’s Nowhere to Turn If Something Goes Wrong
Sadly, when something inevitably goes wrong – whether it’s a tooth moving in the wrong direction or one that has fallen out completely – there is nowhere to turn. No one to call. No one to help get you back on track. As a result, many patients end up needing Invisalign or traditional braces anyway, resulting in more time and money invested in the treatment process.
In short, even though mail-order clear aligners are often cheaper, they still aren’t worth your valuable money (or time!). If you are interested in pursuing a straighter smile, the best thing to do is start with the professionals.
About The Practice
With three exceptional orthodontists leading our team at Serenity Orthodontics, your smile is truly in the best hands. From scheduling the initial consultation to creating your final retainer, their goal is to help you have the positive experience you deserve on your journey to an even healthier and more beautiful smile. So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us via our website or by calling one of our conveniently located offices in your area.