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03/15/2020
Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner
In today’s world, we’ve grown accustomed to getting everything we need faster, cheaper, and easier than ever before. While this is certainly convenient, it’s had some unintended side effects, even for orthodontics! Most notably, it’s led to an increase in the number of direct-to-consumer treatments available, such as mail-order aligners. You may be wondering if there are really benefits of an orthodontist vs Smile Direct Club.
These companies go all out on flashy advertising that promises you can straighten your smile from the comfort of home for less money! We understand why this is tempting for a lot of consumers. However, most orthodontists and dentists won’t recommend them, and we’re here to tell you why! Keep reading below to learn more about what mail-order aligners like Smile Direct Club are, and how Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics can more safely and effectively give you the smile you want and deserve.
Mail-order aligner companies market themselves as an alternative to orthodontic treatment that takes place in an office under the supervision of an orthodontist. The first step is supplying customers with an in-home impression kit for clear aligners. Once the impression has been taken and mailed back in, a dentist or technician will review it and determine if the patient is a good candidate for their aligners. If they are approved for the process, aligners will be made from the impression you sent in. These will then be delivered to you at home with instructions on how to wear them.
Anyone considering using aligners from Smile Direct Club or other companies should be aware that it’s extremely easy to get approved. While that may sound like a good thing, the truth is that many people are okayed for aligner treatment even if different treatment methods offered by an orthodontist would be a better option for their smile.
This kind of DIY treatment comes with a number of potential risks, many of which can lead to unsatisfactory results–or worse! There are several important components of the orthodontic process missing with mail-order aligners, some of which we’ve outlined below.
Orthodontics is about more than straightening the teeth. An experienced orthodontist is trained to identify and treat a variety of oral issues, ranging from simple to complex. This attention to your specific needs is a major benefit treatment from an orthodontist vs. Smile Direct Club. The first step in that process is a consultation that includes an orthodontic examination. At Leaver & Garner Orthodontics, our treatment coordinator will take digital photographs of your teeth, along with a panoramic and cephalometric x-ray if necessary. These images allow us to see your teeth, jaws, and facial soft tissue. One of our doctors will also perform a thorough examination. Together, this detailed information gives us what we need to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
In contrast to this, mail-order aligner companies must rely on nothing more than the basic information that is provided to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to many oral health issues being missed. Cavities, gum disease, and other related problems can’t be seen from just a few photos or impressions. Since your teeth and gums should always be healthy before you attempt to move your teeth, this can be a real problem. When you work directly with an orthodontist’s office, it eliminates this unnecessary risk. Treatment plans are built around your unique needs, including any dental work that may be needed.
Clear aligner therapy can be an excellent choice for many patients, but it isn’t for everyone. In particular, cases that are complex or severe may require more precise tooth control than aligners can provide. For these patients, traditional metal or clear braces may be a better option.
Our team is made up of experienced orthodontists and support staff who always consider a patient’s needs, lifestyle, and goals when creating an individualized treatment plan for them. This happens in conjunction with the results of their initial consultation. Without access to the patient for an in-person examination or x-rays, mail-order aligner companies like Smile Direct Club may not be able to accurately determine if someone is a good fit for aligners or not.
Regular check-ups are an essential part of the treatment process for every orthodontic patient. These visits take place roughly every 4-8 weeks, and our doctors use this time to make adjustments if necessary, observe how the teeth are moving, and check that everything is going
There is no meaningful supervision with mail-order aligner companies. For all intents and purposes, patients are left in charge of their own orthodontic experience, which can lead to unexpected consequences. For example, aligners may fit poorly, causing irritation and pain. An improper fit may also move the teeth too quickly or more slowly than expected. As we noted above, cavities or gum disease can develop or worsen without you even knowing. With no orthodontist involved, problems like this may go unnoticed and thus untreated, eventually causing damage to your oral health and bite.
The fact is that a healthy, stunning smile requires an investment of time and money. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the old saying “you get what you pay for” rings very true. While mail-order aligners may seem like an inexpensive and easy way to straighten your smile, they can end up costing more in the long run when you consider the potential risks. That’s because these companies are simply unable to provide patients with the same level of supervised care that a trained orthodontist can.
In reality, quality care from a qualified orthodontist is actually able to compete with the cost and treatment times, with the added benefit of expert oversite. Here at Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, we offer a variety of affordable treatment options for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. To help make treatment affordable we have an office payment plan with 0% financing, along with a courtesy discount. Additionally, we accept most orthodontic insurances and can even file the insurance on your behalf!
Our office takes advantage of the latest in orthodontic technology and techniques to give you the most optimal results in the shortest amount of time possible.
You only get one smile, and it’s too important to trust to anything less than an expert! While mail-order aligner companies claim to have qualified dentists and technicians overseeing the approval process for their aligners, there’s no substitute for working with an orthodontist who has education, training, and expertise in moving teeth successfully. Our orthodontists have years of experience creating beautiful, healthy smiles in our community, so you can always trust in us to provide the highest quality orthodontic care!
Would you undergo any type of medical treatment without an initial evaluation or ongoing supervision from a medical professional? Of course not! We believe your smile deserves the same consideration. At Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics, we strive to provide you with a rewarding, stress-free orthodontic experience from your first appointment to your last. If you’re ready to learn more about how you can safely achieve a beautiful smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE consultation!
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