Everyone is always looking for new and inventive ways to save time and money. Some folks whose teeth are less than perfect have even decided to try to get their ideal smile by ordering mail-order tooth aligners. Instead of going to a dentist to get traditional braces or another orthodontic treatment like ClearCorrect, they take matters into their own hands. Mail-order aligners cost less than a professional treatment, and they don’t require regular dental visits. But as your dentist in Norwalk explains, using them is a very bad idea.
How Mail-Order Aligners Work
There are a few different companies through which you can order tooth aligners. With one company, the process begins when you use an at-home impression kit or get a 3D scan of your teeth performed at one of the company’s remote locations. That information goes to the DIY aligner company, which evaluates your candidacy for the treatment and then sends you a series of custom-made tooth aligners. In theory, if you wear the aligners according to the company’s instructions, your teeth will soon make their way into their proper positions.
The Risks of Mail-Order Aligners
Mail-order aligners might seem like a sweet deal, especially since they may cost around just $2,000 for a complete set. However, saving a bit of money isn’t worth putting your smile’s well-being on the line. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), which has roughly 19,000 members, says that 13 percent of those members have seen patients who are suffering serious consequences from DIY aligners.
Using mail-order aligners is unwise for several reasons:
- Mail-order aligner companies don’t perform a personal examination of your teeth and gums. There may be problems there that a 3D scan or impression simply can’t reveal.
- The mail-order aligners may not fit as well as they should. If they are too tight, they can cause severe damage to the gums.
- Mail-order aligners may apply too much pressure to the teeth, leading to permanent damage. Tooth loss is a very rea possibility.
- Your dentist has a personal interest in your oral health, whereas mail-order aligner companies don’t form a real relationship with you. Therefore, you may find yourself without a trusted and easily accessible guide to help you if something goes wrong with your DIY treatment.
You Can Afford Professional Treatment
If you want a beautiful smile, please don’t resort to DIY orthodontic treatments. At Sommers Family Dentistry, we offer adult braces in Norwalk along with the compassionate, expert care you need to straighten your teeth in a safe and effective way. It is true that using our services costs more than going the mail-order route, but your smile’s health is worth it!
We’ll work with you to help you afford your treatment. Many insurance companies are willing to help pay for orthodontic treatments. We also offer CareCredit, which is low to no-interest financing that can break the cost of your clear braces into manageable monthly payments.
Don’t become a victim of mail-order aligners. Instead, rely on your dentist to get your teeth where they belong.
About the Dentist
Dr. Adam P. Sommers, one of the two talented dentists in our practice, is trained to provide ClearCorrect, an invisible braces system that gradually repositions teeth. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Sommers can help you achieve the straight, healthy smile of your dreams, please contact us at 419-668-3606.
