In today’s society of instant gratification and quick results, many people are looking for a fast, convenient way to get straighter teeth without needing to visit their orthodontist. To answer this need, a new product called mail-in aligners has recently become very popular. While the simplicity and easiness of this method is appealing for many people, studies and experts report that it is widely ineffective and even potentially dangerous. In fact, professional organizations have publicly warned against them—and for good reason. Here are five significant dangers you should know about if you’re considering using mail-in clear aligners.
1.) Your Oral Health Isn’t Examined Before Treatment
Mail-in braces require you to take an impression of your own teeth and mail it back to them, where it is supposedly reviewed by a dental professional before being used to create your aligners. However, these molds don’t catch issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause serious problems during your treatment. An orthodontist has years of specialized training to help determine how to best straighten your teeth safely and effectively.
2.) There’s No Supervision as Your Teeth Are Straightened
If you had a question about your mail-in aligners, who would you talk to? How would you know if your treatment was staying on track? With professional orthodontics like Invisalign, your orthodontist will check up on your progress periodically to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. If you have questions or concerns during your treatment, they’ll be much more prepared to help than a customer service line for mail-in aligners.
3.) Your Treatment Isn’t Tailored or Adjusted to You
Another downside of not having regular checkups with an orthodontist is that your treatment plan can’t be adjusted along the way. If something unexpected happens or your teeth don’t move according to plan, there’s no one available to change your treatment accordingly. If you visit an orthodontist instead, they’ll be able to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to make sure you’re on the right road towards a straighter smile.
4.) Mail-In Aligners Could End Up Costing You More
Many people opt for mail-in aligners believing that it will save them time and money. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth in many cases. Without the guidance of a professional orthodontist during your treatment, it’s all too easy for you to end up with teeth or bite problems that are worse than before you started. Not only will you have wasted time and money on an ineffective treatment, but you’ll need to spend even more correcting the problems these mail-in aligners have caused.
5.) You Could Accidentally Destroy Your Teeth
Orthodontic treatment requires a highly trained professional and precise guidance because it does more than just move your teeth. It permanently changes the shape of your jawbone and how your bite comes together. Carelessly moving your teeth into different positions could fracture their roots, cause gum recession, jawbone deterioration, and a host of other serious, painful, and expensive complications. Only treatment from a licensed orthodontist can straighten your smile while avoiding these issues.
Don’t gamble on the health of your smile by trying to improve it without a professional. If you’re looking for a fast, affordable, and convenient way to straighten your teeth, talk to your orthodontist about Invisalign instead!
About the Practice
Dr. Nathan Coughlin of OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics is a board-certified orthodontist and Diplomate of Orthodontics who is proud to serve the smiles of McKinney and the surrounding communities. He offers a variety of treatments, including traditional braces, clear and ceramic braces, and Invisalign, to help anyone get the straighter, healthier smile they deserve. In addition, he uses Acceledent technology, accepts numerous dental insurances, and offers financing options to make your orthodontic treatment as fast and affordable as possible. To schedule your consultation, don’t hesitate to contact him via his website or at (469) 526-4040.