In our fast-paced world, people often look for easy ways to straighten teeth without seeing an orthodontist. That’s where mail-in aligners come in. They seem simple, but studies and experts warn they might not work well and can be risky. Professional groups have even said to avoid them. Here are five important risks to think about before trying mail-in clear aligners.
1.) Your Oral Health Isn’t Examined Before Treatment
With mail-in braces, you take your own teeth impression and send it off for aligners to be made, supposedly checked by a dental professional. Yet, these molds might overlook problems like decay and gum disease, which can be risky during treatment. Orthodontists, trained specifically for this, guarantee safe and successful teeth straightening.
2.) There’s No Supervision as Your Teeth Are Straightened
When using mail-in aligners, who can you reach out to if you have questions? How can you make sure your treatment stays on course? With professional orthodontic services like Invisalign, your orthodontist oversees your progress, handling questions or concerns more efficiently than a customer service line for mail-in aligners.
3.) Your Treatment Isn’t Tailored or Adjusted to You
Without regular checkups with an orthodontist, your treatment plan can’t be adjusted as necessary. If problems occur or your teeth don’t align as planned, there’s no one to modify your treatment. By consulting an orthodontist, they can assess your progress and make any needed changes to ensure you’re on the right path to achieving a straighter smile.
4.) Mail-In Aligners Could End Up Costing You More
Opting for mail-in aligners is a choice made by many for perceived time and cost savings, but the actual outcome often disappoints. Without the guidance of a professional orthodontist, there’s a potential risk of exacerbating existing teeth or bite issues. Ineffective treatment may result in both wasted time and money, potentially requiring additional correction for problems caused by the use of mail-in aligners.
5.) You Could Accidentally Destroy Your Teeth
Orthodontic treatment requires precise skill because it not only moves teeth but also permanently changes the shape of the jawbone and alignment of the bite. Incorrect adjustments can result in serious and expensive complications like root fractures, gum recession, and decay in the jawbone. Only treatment supervised by a licensed orthodontist guarantees a straighter smile while avoiding these risks.
Avoid jeopardizing your smile’s health with DIY improvements. Instead, for a swift, cost-effective, and convenient teeth-straightening solution, consult your orthodontist about what other options are available to achieve a smile that you will love!
About the Practice
At Dalton Hunt Dentistry, patients receive top-notch care tailored to their needs. With a commitment to serving a diverse clientele, they offer various treatments such as traditional braces, clear and ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Their goal is to help everyone achieve a straighter, healthier smile they can be proud of. They make orthodontic treatment efficient and affordable, ensuring you’re on your path to a beautiful grin in no time. To schedule a consultation with the Dalton Hunt Dentistry team or learn more about clear aligners, contact them at (919) 787-8243 or visit their website.