Do you want to get your crooked teeth straightened out? As you look online for what options you have available, you might see mail-in aligners as an Invisalign alternative. They often promise convenient, effective results. However, as great as they may seem, they can be trouble for your smile and oral health in the long run. Here are three reasons you should stick to the real deal from your trusted dentist.
1.) You Won’t Get a Consultation Before Starting
Clear aligners are a reliable way to correct misalignment, but they are often best for mild to moderate cases. Severe orthodontic issues may not benefit from these trays, as there may not be enough room to allow for proper movement.
Before starting a treatment with your provider, they will ensure you can get the results you want, or they may recommend another form of treatment under their supervision. Mail-in versions don’t have this assurance, meaning you may waste time and money on something that may not work.
2.) Taking Your Own Impressions Can Be Tricky
Invisalign is made from precise scans of your teeth, so they fit just right and apply pressure in the correct spots. This helps make your journey with them predictable and smooth, and your dentist uses state-of-the-art technology, so it’s easy and accurate.
However, mail-in trays rely on a putty kit that you have to do yourself. It’s easy to misuse them and create inaccurate models. Wearing aligners that don’t fit can cause unexpected shifting. In fact, some patients have even experienced worsened results following their mail-in aligner treatment.
3.) You Won’t Have Progress Checks
Building off the point above, many people aren’t seen by a licensed dental professional when getting mail-in aligners. Their smile may move in the wrong places, and they might not notice it until it’s in worse shape than before. Thankfully, a treatment plan from your dentist includes routine checkups. They will see you every six to eight weeks to ensure each tooth is moving how it should to give you the results you want.
In the end, you might feel like you’re left in the dark with mail-in trays. Everything above can culminate in you feeling like you don’t have someone in your corner helping you throughout your journey toward a straighter smile. Thankfully, the opposite is true with Invisalign. You will be able to rely on your dentist and know someone is looking out for you and your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Fred Fox earned his dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is happy to offer Invisalign to the Jacksonville Beach community as a reliable metal-free alternative to braces. By staying at your side throughout your journey, you can trust that Dr. Fox has your best interests in mind. If you want to get the healthier bite you deserve, schedule an appointment or call his office at (904) 853-6888.