Have you seen the commercials or ads for mail-order clear aligners? Naturally, you may be wondering if they are the right teeth-straightening solution for you. After all, their marketing positions them as a safe and cost-effective alternative to tried-and-true treatments like Invisalign. Unfortunately, there are some serious dangers of mail-order clear aligners that patients aren’t aware of until it’s too late. To learn what they are, keep reading.
Danger #1: No Comprehensive Exam Beforehand
In short, clear aligner treatment isn’t for everyone. For example, if you have a cavity, gum disease, or another serious oral health concern, that needs to be addressed first. Additionally, more severe cases of malocclusion may require traditional braces. Since mail-order clear aligner companies bypass an initial exam, they administer treatment to patients who aren’t a good fit, wreaking havoc on their oral health and smile in the process.
Danger #2: No Supervision from a Licensed Dental Professional
With Invisalign, patients have check-in visits every four to six weeks. This allows their dentist to monitor how their teeth are moving, answer questions, and make changes to the treatment plan as needed. Of course, the same cannot be said for mail-order clear aligner companies. Instead, patients have nowhere to turn if their teeth aren’t moving properly or, worse, if their teeth are loose or falling out. As you can imagine, this can make the journey to a straighter smile significantly more stressful.
Danger #3: There Isn’t Any Support from Professional Organizations
Professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists play a crucial role in testing and approving products and treatments. That way, the public knows what is and isn’t safe when it comes to caring for their smile. As you may have guessed, these organizations have voiced their opposition to mail-order clear aligners due to factors like the countless complaints and lawsuits from patients who have experienced worsened misalignment, broken teeth, and the like.
Danger #4: Wasting Your Time and Money
With its horrible reputation, there’s a good chance that getting mail-order clear aligners will waste your time and money. Since many patients are unable to get a refund and end up having to get Invisalign to correct the damage, they end up investing way more than they would’ve if they started with professional treatment. Don’t let that happen to you!
The commercials and ads for mail-order clear aligners can be quite convincing. However, the dangers they come with aren’t worth it, especially when it comes to something as important as your smile. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, then the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist!
About the Author
With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Jack Markusen has helped countless patients safely and reliably achieve the smiles of their dreams. To this day, he pursues continuing education and advanced training with professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. So, if you have a question about cosmetic dentistry or you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, he’s the professional to ask! To schedule an appointment, simply visit his website or call (843) 916-0990.