If you watch television or use social media, you may have seen ads for mail-in dental aligners. They typically have 3 key steps:
- You purchase a dental impression kit, make an impression of your teeth and mail it in.
- The company scans your impressions and creates a treatment plan for you.
- You receive your aligners in the mail and start your treatment.
Sounds simple enough, right? But there are many needs that a mail-order treatment plan cannot provide. If you are planning to get clear aligners to straighten your teeth, here are a few reasons you should get Invisalign in North Central San Antonio from your dentist rather than using mail-in aligners.
A Comprehensive Exam and Monitoring During Treatment
Straightening your teeth is much more complicated than simply wearing dental trays. Before moving forward with orthodontia like Invisalign, your dentist would do a thorough exam of your teeth and overall oral health. This is not the case with mail-in aligners. Another factor to be aware of is the monitoring of your straightening process. What happens if your teeth shift in unexpected directions? Customer service representatives may be able to help you with replacing a missing dental tray, they can’t answer any questions about your progress or oral health issues that may be caused by your aligners. When you get your aligners from your dentist, there will be regular check-ins to ensure your treatment is progressing as it should.
No Adjustment for the Progress of Your Treatment
Mail-in aligners are usually all made at once. If your teeth shift faster or slower than expected, this could cause the appearance of your teeth to end up worse than before you started. Plus, there is no dental professional involved who can alter your treatment. If you get Invisalign through your dentist, you will have regular checkups that will ensure that everything is on track. If your dentist notices any changes in your progress, they can adjust your treatment as needed to make sure you get the best results.
Aligners May Not Be Right for You
If you get Invisalign through your dentist, they can help determine if you are a good candidate for this kind of treatment. Key factors include your age, the severity of your dental issues, and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in your treatment. Aligners can fix the following problems:
- Gaps
- Protruding teeth
- Mild overbites or underbites
- Overcrowding
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Imperfect positioning with mouth is closed
But if these issues are present alongside problems like gingivitis or gum disease, your dentist would want to treat them before correcting the esthetics of your teeth. With mail-in aligners, there is no exam or investigation of what has caused your dental imperfections. Using aligners without treating any underlying issues can be detrimental to your oral health.
In the last 12 months, there have been more than 1,600 complaints about mail-in aligners filed with the Better Business Bureau. If you want to straighten teeth in North Central San Antonio with a treatment you can trust, your best bet is to receive Invisalign from your dentist.
About the Author
Drs. Brian Eck and Reagan Smith offer their patients in San Antonio quality, comprehensive dental care. Services include everything from preventive and restorative care to TMJ and periodontal therapy. This team of doctors and their professional staff aim to provide a friendly and comfortable experience. If you are thinking about getting Invisalign, visit the website or contact the office at (210) 361-8905 for more information.
