In commercials and on social media, mail-order clear aligner companies focus on their lower upfront price in order to draw prospective patients in. In fact, you may have even come across some of their advertisements and contemplated using their products! However, the age-old saying “cheaper isn’t always better” absolutely applies here, especially since they cut corners to cut costs. So, before you sign on the dotted line, keep reading to learn three serious dangers of using mail-order clear aligners.
Danger #1: No Comprehensive Exam Before Starting Treatment
In short, clear aligners aren’t suitable for everyone. For example, if you have gum disease, then the infection can negatively impact both the treatment process as well as your results. That’s why it’s so important that a comprehensive exam is conducted beforehand. As you may have guessed, mail-order clear aligners skip this step. Instead, they take a few photos and ask for their patients to take DIY impressions, both of which allow serious dental problems to fly under the radar.
Danger #2: No Real Supervision During Your Treatment
With professional orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign, there are periodic check-in appointments. That way, your dental team can monitor your progress, answer any questions you have, and see if any adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan. With mail-order alternatives, however, all sorts of complications can arise, from your teeth moving slower than expected to a cavity or two developing. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere to turn for help, which can be both scary and stressful.
Danger #3: Worsened Misalignment and Serious Oral Health Issues
Arguably one of the most dangerous parts of mail-order clear aligner treatment is the negative impact it can have on the look, health, and function of your smile. In fact, countless previous patients have spoken out about their horror stories, including an inability to close their mouth and teeth that completely fell out. These are a few of the many reasons why professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists have been firm in their stance that patients shouldn’t gamble their money, time, or smile on these alternatives.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder’s 20+ year career in dentistry began at Creighton University. Since then, he’s completed countless hours of continuing education to stay up to date on the latest treatments, technology, and techniques. In fact, he is a certified Invisalign provider too! If you have any questions about clear aligner treatment – from what to expect with life with braces to what happens afterward – you’re welcome to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (509) 765-4351.