You want to straighten your teeth. That much is certain. Clear aligner treatments like Invisalign certainly sound like a promising way to do so, but this is the 21st century. Can’t you simply go online and order a set of aligners instead of going through your dentist?
With mail order aligners, you certainly can, but there are some very good reasons why you probably shouldn’t! Keep reading to learn why this direct-to-consumer service isn’t as convenient as it seems.
There Are Many, Many Lawsuits
The first thing you should know is that many of the companies that offer these services have had lawsuits filed against them. For example, a certain company that has since been disbanded was in trouble for having patients sign a contract saying they couldn’t publicize negative reviews of their product. This isn’t a good look, but there are other reasons many professional organizations stand against mail order aligner businesses.
Treatment Without Licensed Professionals
One of the lawsuits filed had to do with the professionalism – and legality – of mail order aligner services. You see, these companies don’t employ licensed dental professionals, which essentially means your mail order treatment is provided and planned by individuals without proper medical training.
Straightening teeth isn’t as simple as it might seem. The FDA has classified clear aligners as a class II medical device, which is a class that requires prescription and administration by a licensed medical professional. Since mail order aligner services don’t have these credentials, the American Dental Association and other organizations are quite outspoken about their dubiously legal practices.
Ineffective Results
Ultimately, though, the most compelling reason to say “no” to mail order aligners is the poor results. Once they mail you your aligners, that’s it. There aren’t any check-ins to see how your teeth are responding to the treatment, which means there isn’t a way to adjust the process if they’re not moving properly. There’s also no guarantee that your aligners were fitted well in the first place. Unfortunately, many of those who received mail order aligners ended up with teeth that were more crooked than when they started.
Talk to Your Dentist About Invisalign
When you start an Invisalign treatment with your dentist, you’ll be monitored and assisted by a licensed professional who knows a thing or two about how teeth move and respond to orthodontics. It means physically going to your dentist’s office and visiting for periodic check-ins, but it’s worth it for a safe, smooth treatment and stunning results. Don’t risk your smile and oral health – talk to your dentist about Invisalign for straighter teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, and has advanced training in Invisalign. She’s straightened many patients’ teeth with these famous clear aligners, and with such impressive credentials, you can trust her with your smile! To contact Dr. Parmar’s office, call 972-972-4646.