Clear aligners from a dentist are already convenient, but mail-ordered ones can seem even more so. These Invisalign alternatives promise an easier path to straight teeth without annoying dental visits! That said, you mustn’t be fooled; clear aligners by mail carry real dangers. You’re better off getting transparent trays from your local dental practice, not from a website or catalogue. If you need proof of that, here are four major dangers of mail-in clear aligners.
Lack of Customization
Worryingly enough, mail-in aligners lack any and all customization. They take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to orthodontics that can ruin your treatment results.
Don’t forget: Mail-in aligners aren’t molded to your specific smile. Their design is based on a generic template instead of the actual positions of your teeth. Furthermore, you don’t switch them out regularly; mail-order trays are used for the entire treatment. That means the alignment process may take longer than it should or (more likely) fail completely.
A Small Treatment Range
Not every risk of mail-in aligners comes from what they do. Indeed, one danger of these trays is their small treatment range, which has a limited scope.
The fact is that mail-in aligners can’t do everything dentist-provided ones do. After all, they aren’t designed to your smile specifically; they don’t account for every issue you have. The result is that mail-ordered trays may only address a few of your orthodontic problems without fixing others.
No Dental Supervision
You know how regular aligners have dental supervision? Well, mail-in types lack that entirely; they aren’t monitored by a licensed dentist or orthodontist.
Note that dental supervision is key to aligners’ success. When dentists monitors your trays, they make sure your teeth “straighten out” at a safe and efficient rate. These professionals also adjust your treatment as new circumstances arise, keeping your progress stable. Mail-in aligners don’t enjoy such supervision, though; they’re thus prone to moving teeth slower or faster than is safe.
An Unhealthier Smile
Mail-in aligners can leave your smile in a worse position than before. More specifically, they’re likely to worsen your oral health once they’ve taken effect.
Since they aren’t made (and placed) by dentists, mail-in aligners don’t often work well. They tend to move teeth too quickly, fit over a patient’s arches poorly, and more. As these issues occur, they can harm your smile and cause worse orthodontic conditions than what you had before. The latter effect would mean having to pay more money to fix your grin.
Given the downsides above, see your local dental practice for clear aligners. There’s no need to try unreliable trays you get through the mail.
About the Practice
Plexus Dental of Plano is based in Plano, TX. Led by Drs. Patel, Jayswal, and Han, our practice takes pride in offering care that transforms each patient’s smile. Whether it’s dental checkups or dental implants, we strive to provide comprehensive dentistry suited to your needs. You can thus rest assured: Our team will help your grin thrive for years to come! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (469)-241-0350.