Many people in Los Gatos who want straighter smiles choose Invisalign because it’s considered a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. But if you’re concerned about the cost of professional treatment through your dentist, you might consider purchasing transparent trays online instead.
This may seem like a way to save money, but mail-order aligners carry risks you might not have considered that could end up costing you more. Continue reading to learn more about 3 potential issues you can avoid by undergoing professional service with a qualified provider!
Concern #1: No Preliminary Exam
If you’re only considering costs, you might feel tempted to order clear aligners online or through the mail rather than consult your dentist. But many these options don’t always require a preliminary examination before getting started, which can be problematic. While many patients do well with Invisalign, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way to meet everyone’s unique needs.
For instance, you might have a bite misalignment or other orthodontic concerns that require a more involved treatment, like traditional braces. You might also have hidden cavities or gum disease that could worsen over time if you don’t address them before regularly wearing the trays. You might further damage your dental health, which requires additional procedures and expenses that could have been avoided if you had started with your dentist.
Concern #2: Inaccurate Impressions
Not only do mail-order aligners skip a professional assessment, but they also rely on less accurate methods of making impressions, which can lead to ill-fitting trays. For instance, many options use putty placed in applicators that you bite into to create a mold of your teeth. But even a small change in bite pressure can cause errors.
Unfortunately, ill-fitting trays can be incredibly uncomfortable and could also worsen your dental alignment rather than improve it. Meanwhile, many dentists use mess-free digital impressions for more comfortable, accurate results.
Concern #3: Lack of Professional Oversight
Like with Invisalign, many mail-order options design your entire series of trays ahead of time. But unlike professional services, they don’t have routine follow-up visits to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
For example, if a tooth doesn’t shift as quickly as expected, your dentist can adjust your Invisalign trays to accommodate the change. But if you bought your aligners online, no one can help ensure you stay on track or complete your treatment on time.
If you’re considering mail-order aligners because of cost concerns, check whether your dental insurance covers this service or if your dentist offers other financial options, like flexible payment plans, to lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Meet the Author
Dr. Cristina Herrera is a skilled provider with 20+ years of experience helping improve patients’ lives by enhancing their smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma, then completed a general practice residency at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. Today, she works diligently to offer a full menu of services, including Invisalign, using state-of-the-art technology to meet your unique needs under one roof. If you want a straighter smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (408) 378-8773.