12 N Main St #101,
(860) 236-4249
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional orthodontics for straightening smiles. But if you’re worried you can’t afford these transparent trays, you might feel tempted to opt for online or mail-order aligners, instead.
Although this might seem like a simple and effective way to save money, you might end up harming your smile and having to pay for more complex, costly repairs later. Continue reading to learn more about 3 potential risks of mail-order trays to understand why you should consult your dentist instead!
Concern #1: Less Accurate Impressions
Unlike braces, which consist of metal brackets and wires attached to your enamel for the duration of your treatment, these clear trays are customized to fit snugly over your arches to shift your teeth. Mail-order aligners often send special kits containing materials for making impressions, but these leave plenty of room for error. If they don’t fit well, your trays can become incredibly uncomfortable to wear, and might even worsen your dental misalignments rather than correct them.
Meanwhile, your dentist has access to state-of-the-art technology, including digital scans and imaging and high-tech intraoral cameras, that allow for much more accurate impressions for enhanced accuracy and wearability.
Concern #2: No Pre-Treatment Examination
Not only can your dentist provide more accurate trays, but they’ll also examine your teeth and gums before getting started to help avoid potential problems. This is because it’s possible to have oral issues, like cavities or periodontal disease, and not know it. Issues can evolve in hidden places, like below your gumline, between your teeth, or behind your molars, which are only worsened the longer they remain untreated. This can be especially true if they’re covered by plastic aligners all day and night.
Thankfully, your dentist will examine your mouth and address any pre-existing concerns before proceeding with Invisalign, ensuring your smile is as healthy as it is beautiful after treatment.
Concern #3: Lack of Professional Oversight
Typically, clear aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting places, giving germs on their surfaces plenty of time to form plaque on your teeth and gums. Not only that, but some stubborn teeth don’t move at the anticipated rate and require slight adjustments to the dimensions and number of trays needed to shift them.
Mail-order aligners don’t often include access to dentists throughout the duration of your service, meaning there’s no one to help ensure that you remain on track and can complete your treatment within the anticipated timeline.
Fortunately, you can avoid potential problems from mail-order aligners by scheduling an Invisalign consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at West Hartford Dental Group benefit from a team of dentists who are passionate about helping families build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Our experts collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver more accurate, comfortable results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling one of their conveniently located offices near you!