With the entire world practically at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to get anything you could need or want to be delivered directly to your door. This convenience has even gained popularity in the world of orthodontics with direct-to-consumer, or mail order, aligners.
Mail-order aligners significantly lean on the promise of lower prices and the convenience of avoiding the trips to the orthodontist for checkups and adjustments. It only makes sense that you’re considering mail-order orthodontic treatment, but you might be surprised to know that most orthodontists and dentists don’t recommend them. Let’s take a look at some of the things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontics and how Glass Orthodontics can efficiently give you a smile you want!
Lower Cost and Quicker Results
Let’s get this assumption out of the way first. The old saying that you get what you pay for is never more true than when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. While mail-order options may seem quick and inexpensive, the potential risks could prove costly since you won’t get the supervised care that a trained orthodontist provides.
Utilizing all options specific to your dental situation while under specialized care is the only way to ensure the quickest and most beneficial method to a better smile, and most orthodontists can now compete with the prices that mail-order aligners boast. Here at Glass Orthodontics, we offer a variety of patient-specific payment plans and accept most orthodontic dental insurances to ensure treatment is always affordable.
Initial Clinical Exam
The best way to get where you’re going is to know where you’re coming from so you can calculate the best route to your destination. While this makes sense for a road trip, it also makes excellent sense for your orthodontic journey, as well. During your initial examination, your orthodontist looks closely at the tissue and bone supporting your teeth using digital photographs, full mouth x-rays, and possibly a digital scan which is so precise it can eliminate the need for goopy impressions. This detailed information ensures clear aligners are the proper route for your individual treatment plan and avoid complications later from cavities, gum disease, and other related problems not picked up in basic impressions or photos.
With mail-order aligners, the first step is receiving your in-home impression kit. Some options also ask you to include intraoral photos, but primarily, the information used to determine eligibility is very basic. Once the impression is mailed back, a dentist or technician will review it and decide if the patient is suitable for clear aligners. This is based on your current tooth alignment and does not factor in many vital components to the orthodontic process. Without considering all of the variables, you may end up with subpar results, which could cost you more time and money.
Customized Treatment Plans
Your teeth and gums should always be in good condition before any tooth movement is attempted to avoid unexpected problems. While clear aligners can be an excellent option for many patients, it isn’t for everyone. Some cases are more severe or require specific treatments, so you may save time and money by opting for traditional metal or clear braces.
At Glass Orthodontics, we always consider your individual needs and goals before creating your treatment plan. We want to be sure the treatment plan we offer will make the best use of your time and goals while utilizing our expertise in ortho care. We use the information gathered during your personal in-office consultation and combine it with the data from your imaging to determine what will fit your lifestyle with the most significant results.
Supervision During Treatment
During your treatment, your teeth will move slower or faster than anticipated, things can come up that require minor adjustments, or you may need to modify your current treatment plan. This is why having regular check-ins with your orthodontist is crucial during your aligner process.
When you opt for mail-order aligners, you get assigned a treatment timeline to follow. This timeline is based on your initial teeth impressions and what should happen over time but does not account for any deviations that may pop up unexpectedly. This hands-off calendar approach can cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Treatment for All Your Orthodontic Needs
Many orthodontic issues lie below the gum line and with the jaw itself, where goopy impressions and cell phone images can’t capture data. These issues can’t be treated with mail-order aligners and can actually be made worse using mail-order aligners. With this treatment method, processes like widening your jaw, aligning your bite, and correcting rotations can’t be accomplished.
It is more effective to know ahead of time what your specific orthodontic concerns are so you can have the best possible outcome. Dr. Glass will be able to assess your condition along the whole process, which allows for multiple treatment plans to be in effect at creating your perfect smile and can adjust along the way as needed.
For Efficient, Effective, and Affordable Treatment, Trust Glass Orthodontics
You wouldn’t go on a road trip without researching the best route to get you there that aligns with your needs and goal. Don’t start your orthodontic treatment without the same consideration.
Our expert team at Glass Orthodontics takes pride in making your experience a pleasant and personalized one from initial consultation to your most recent check-up. If you are wondering what the best route to your perfect smile is, schedule your FREE consultation today and let us help you navigate this journey with confidence.