3 Potential Problems with Mail Order Teeth Aligners

Society’s preference for straight smiles can make some people feel embarrassed about their smiles and wanting a change. Getting beautifully aligned teeth can sometimes seem like too significant an investment; in both money and time. This hesitancy is where mail-order aligners have gained popularity! But the promise of less money isn’t worth the risk that these aligners pose.

Mail-Order Teeth Aligners

The appeal of mail-order aligners is their claim to offer straighter smiles without trips to the orthodontist’s office at a fraction of the cost! With this method, you go to a local location or use an at-home kit to create an impression of your teeth. Next, alignment trays are mailed to you based on the molds, and you wear them for a certain amount of time until you’ve achieved a straight smile.

This treatment is similar to Invisalign in that it also uses clear aligners based on a mold of the teeth. However, Invisalign is performed by a licensed orthodontist and adjusted according to your treatment plan. If you are interested in mail-order aligners, ask your orthodontist about Invisalign first.

3 Problems with Mail-Order Teeth Aligners

1. Traditional braces are tightened, modified, or replaced if necessary. Mail order trays stay the same throughout your treatment and won’t always reflect the actual steps your teeth need to go through to align correctly. With mail-order aligners, it will be up to you to monitor your teeth and assess what is and is not normal during orthodontic treatment.  
2. Patients are not examined or monitored by a licensed orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment is about much more than wearing a molded tray. When an orthodontist examines a patient, we take X-Rays, perform a thorough assessment, and get an overall view of your needs.
3. It may still cost you more in the long run. If you end up with ineffective orthodontic treatment, you may suffer from serious damage. This damage includes gum recession, tooth loss, gingivitis, and restoration procedures, which can be uncomfortable and pricey.  

As with most other things in life, you tend to get what you pay for. Mail-order teeth aligners are less expensive in the short run, but they come with some serious risks. Orthodontic braces are considered a healthcare procedure and should be handled by healthcare professionals.

To make an appointment to talk about Invisalign in Northgate or to receive an orthodontic evaluation, please call Lockett Orthodontics here in Colorado Springs, Colorado.