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If you’re considering straightening your smile with clear aligners, which are often considered more comfortable and discreet than traditional braces, you might feel tempted to save money by ordering them through the mail rather than consulting your dentist.
However, there are risks associated with purchasing these transparent trays online that are less likely to occur with professional treatment. Continue reading to learn about 3 convincing reasons to contact your provider in Chicago for Invisalign rather than purchase mail-order options!
Concern #1: No Examination
Clear aligners typically must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting places, which can potentially add weeks or months to your total treatment timeline. That gives plaque and bacteria trapped between your teeth and gums and the plastic material plenty of time to thrive, increasing the likelihood of developing oral issues, such as cavities or periodontal problems, during the course of your treatment, which will need to be addressed by a professional.
Meanwhile, your dentist examines your mouth to determine whether Invisalign is right for you. This includes addressing any pre-existing concerns, such as damaged enamel or swollen gums, so that your mouth is as healthy as it is beautiful when you’re done wearing the trays.
Concern #2: Ill-Fitting Trays
Clear aligners use a series of custom-fitted trays that are each slightly adjusted to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. Generally speaking, the better the trays fit, the more functional and effective your service will be.
Unfortunately, mail-order aligners rely on at-home impressions that utilize a putty-like material or mold, which requires that you sit perfectly still for several minutes so it can harden around your teeth. The slightest change in pressure can lead to errors in the process, resulting in poorly fitting aligners.
But your dentist is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as digital, mess-free impressions, which are usually considered more accurate and comfortable.
Concern #3: Lack of Oversight
Your dentist requires that you attend periodic follow-up visits every four to eight weeks throughout your Invisalign treatment to ensure that you’re tracking with your anticipated timeline. Sometimes, teeth don’t move as quickly as intended, or patients might not adhere to the wear-time guidelines, resulting in relapse. Your dentist monitors your progress so they can make any adjustments to your series of trays as needed to account for the unexpected.
But mail-order aligners don’t always require dental visits, and with poorly fitting trays, you might end up making matters worse rather than better.
Thankfully, many dentists offer options, such as in-house memberships or flexible payment plans, to help make options like Invisalign more affordable!
Meet the Author
Dr. Noah Rosen enjoys helping families in Chicago improve their lives by helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida, and has since completed the New Doctor Continuum at Heartland Dental University, and is an active member of Spear Education’s study group and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics’ Continuum to stay abreast of the latest treatments and technology. Today, he offers a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (773) 248-6140.