If you’ve been in the market for orthodontic treatment, you may have heard about the braces-by-mail trend. A rash of startup companies that promise to provide effective orthodontic treatment using clear aligners have shown up online claiming that instead of going to your dentist for ClearCorrect, you can save money and buy your aligners directly by mail.
But are these DIY aligners really all they claim to be? Here’s are four reasons why by-mail orthodontics are a bad idea.
No Exams
Saving time and money on an orthodontic consultation sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? After all, you lead a busy life, and time is money. But skipping your consultation exam can be dangerous for your teeth. For example, say you had an undiagnosed cavity or gum disease. Moving your teeth without treating these types of issues could cause more damage or may result in costly repairs later. Thus, speaking to a dentist before you begin will help alert you to any problems so you can resolve them prior to starting your orthodontic treatment.
No Supervision
While it may not seem that important to have progress checks during your treatment with aligners, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Progress checks verify that your aligners fit correctly, that your teeth are shifting on schedule, and that there are no problems developing, such as movement in the wrong direction or unexpected crowding.
Worse Not Better
The goal of orthodontic treatment is to make your smile and bite better. Unfortunately, however, with by-mail trays, your alignment can easily go from bad to worse. In fact, the internet is rife with horror stories of patients who have even lost teeth due to DIY aligners, or who have had to undergo a second orthodontic treatment with a local dentist to correct the damage from them!
They’re Not for Everyone
Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for aligners, but those by-mail companies will never tell you that. Attempting to treat teeth that shouldn’t be moved with this method can cause your results to fail before they even have a chance or make your bite worse for even trying.
The Solution
While it’s understandable that you’d want to save a few bucks on your orthodontic treatment, when it comes to your oral health, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for ways to save money on aligners, speak to your dental insurance administrator and see if your plan covers orthodontics. To make your balance a bit more budget friendly, check with your dentist to see if they offer financing. Often, you can break your treatment up into reasonable low-or-no interest payments.
Remember, there are many things in life that are fine to handle on your own. Whether you’re unclogging your own sink, baking your own pie, or knitting a cozy blanket, DIY can save you time, money, and give you results you can be proud of. But your oral health is too valuable to treat on your own. If you’re looking for safe and effective orthodontic treatment, speak to your dentist about ClearCorrect today!
About Our Practice
At Beverly Farms Dental, we understand that your oral health is important, but so are your finances. That’s why we offer ClearCorrect aligners for orthodontic treatment. If you’re interested in straightening your smile but have been concerned that it will be too expensive, speak to our dental team about your financing options. Most patients find ClearCorrect to be an excellent value, and with safe, dentist-guided treatment, it’s one of the best ways to get a beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional braces.
To schedule an appointment for a ClearCorrect consultation, please visit our website or call us today at 978-927-3515.