While the DIY approach to life is admirable, there are simply times when it’s best to leave a task to the professionals, and orthodontic treatment is one of those times.
If you’ve investigated straightening your teeth, you’ve no doubt come across Invisalign clear aligner treatment. Maybe you’ve also come across companies touting mail-in clear aligners that allow patients to start treatment with little or no in-person dental supervision. Seems attractive, right? Keep in mind, though, that there can be significant risks to skipping comprehensive professional care.
Consider these 5 potential dangers of choosing mail-in clear aligners.
1. Undiagnosed Dental Problems
Before orthodontic treatment begins, your teeth and gums should be evaluated for problems such as cavities, gum disease, infections, and damaged teeth. Moving teeth when these conditions haven’t been addressed could potentially make existing problems worse.
An in-person dental examination allows a professional to identify oral health concerns that may not be obvious to you.
2. Your Bite Could Be Affected
Straightening teeth isn’t simply about making them look more attractive. Your upper and lower teeth need to come together properly when you bite and chew.
Without adequate professional monitoring, tooth movement could potentially create or worsen bite problems. Depending on your situation, you may experience changes in how your teeth contact each other, difficulty chewing, or other functional concerns.
Regular appointments allow an orthodontist to keep an eye on your bite throughout treatment and make adjustments when necessary.
3. You May Not Be a Good Candidate
Clear aligners can treat many orthodontic concerns, but they aren’t appropriate for every patient or every case. Significant crowding, certain bite problems, severely rotated teeth, and other complex conditions may require different treatment, like traditional braces.
A mail-in program may not provide the same level of comprehensive evaluation needed to determine whether aligners are appropriate for your specific needs.
4. Problems May Go Undetected
Professional orthodontic treatment requires periodic examinations to evaluate how your teeth and gums are responding. These appointments give your dental provider an opportunity to identify problems and modify your treatment plan if necessary.
With mail-in treatment, much of the process may occur remotely. If a tooth isn’t moving as expected or your gums become irritated, a problem could potentially go unnoticed longer without regular in-person evaluations.
5. You Could End Up Needing Additional Treatment
If your teeth don’t move according to plan, you may need additional aligners or other orthodontic treatment. In some cases, correcting an unfavorable result could require more extensive intervention.
What initially appears to be a less expensive treatment option could ultimately take longer or cost more if complications develop or additional professional treatment becomes necessary.
A straighter smile is important, but protecting your oral health should come first. Choosing treatment with appropriate professional oversight can help you pursue your orthodontic goals while reducing the risks associated with unsupervised tooth movement.
About the Practice
At Belmont Family Dentistry, you can receive Invisalign treatment from a real professional who will see your journey to a straighter, healthier smile all the way through, from your initial consultation to fitting you for a retainer. Also, you can finance through CareCredit to pay off treatment in installments! Schedule online or call our Portland office at (503) 234-1218.