Does Online Orthodontic Treatment Make Sense?
As the world becomes more fast-paced and digital technology advances, people looking to straighten their teeth are turning to a new phenomenon: online orthodontic treatment. Wait, really? I can get straight teeth online? Not so fast! While the idea of getting braces online may sound appealing, there are important factors to consider.
What Is Online Orthodontic Treatment?
There are several companies offering what is being called “mail-order braces” or “online orthodontic treatment.” The idea sounds rather tempting. You can shop online for clear aligners and have them shipped to you so you can go through the treatment process yourself. You even complete a mold on your own and send it in the mail to have your aligners created. The promise of these companies is you can get straight teeth cheaply and without having to ever enter an orthodontic office. If this sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.
The Dangers of Mail-Order Braces
While one of the main selling points for these online braces companies is never having to see an orthodontist, this is one of the many things that makes this idea risky. Everything is done digitally or through the mail, without proper supervision from a certified orthodontist. This creates a massive potential for things to go wrong.
The process of getting an accurate mold of your teeth should always be done by a professional. This mold will be used to create your entire treatment, so any mistakes will result in long-term repercussions. Not only could this DIY mold give you less-than-desirable results for your teeth, it could even move your teeth in a way that results in long-term oral health complications.
The Importance of Regular Orthodontist Visits
It’s also important to be able to check in with your orthodontist on a regular basis during treatment. Any type of plan, medical or otherwise, may need to be modified to produce the best end result. That’s why your orthodontist will carefully monitor your progress, look out for any problems, and quickly remedy whatever the issue is and get you back on track for success. If you’re left on your own, certain problems may not get noticed until they become painful or severe enough to prompt you to seek out your nearest medical professional.
Over-Promise and Under-Deliver
Another problem with online braces is they tend to over-promise on the results. Some people get aligner trays that won’t really fix all of the issues with their teeth. They may end up with a good-looking smile, but they could still have significant problems that never get dealt with, such as an underbite or overbite, or issues that lie beneath the gums. More trustworthy clear aligner systems, like Invisalign, are available with subtle attachments to take on more severe orthodontic corrections that digital rivals simply can’t handle.
To learn more about the advantages of choosing face-to-face orthodontic treatment, contact Dabney Orthodontics today and schedule your free consultation. We look forward to seeing how we can improve your smile!