Reasons to Avoid Mail-Order Aligners

We all want to have the smile we deserve. Sometimes, the process can seem overwhelming. Then you see an ad for mail-order aligners and think, “This is my solution!” While it may seem the best option initially, there are plenty of reasons to avoid mail-order aligners.

You can order a coffee or a meal, have your medication delivered to your front step, and even have your pet groomed and car washed, all without leaving your house. This convenience has even gained popularity in 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 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. 

Dr. Howard and his experienced team at Howard Orthodontics are detail-oriented and actively study current research and topics in orthodontics. They encourage every patient to participate actively in their treatment and pride themselves in providing the most efficient treatment that results in beautiful smiles. Let’s look at some of the things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontics and how Howard Orthodontics can efficiently and conveniently help you show off your smile!

Customized Treatment Plans

Your teeth and gums should always be in good condition before any tooth movement is attempted to avoid unexpected problems. While Invisalign can be an excellent option for many patients, it isn’t for everyone. Some cases, such as complex alignment or those with bridgework, may require specific treatments, so you may save time and money by opting for traditional metal or clear braces. Our doctor can advise you on which options work best for your smile goals. 

At Howard 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. 

Initial Clinical Exam

The best way to get where you’re going is to know where you’re coming from to calculate the best route to your destination. While this makes sense for a road trip, it also makes excellent sense for your orthodontic journey. During your initial examination, your orthodontist looks closely at the tissue and bone supporting your teeth using digital photographs, full mouth x-rays, and a digital scan that is so precise it will eliminate the need for goopy impressions. This detailed information ensures clear aligners, like Invisalign, 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 the information used to determine eligibility is generally 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 eligibility is based on your current tooth alignment and does not factor in many vital components of the orthodontic process. Without X-rays and a clinical exam, they cannot diagnose your bone health, periodontal status, or jaw function.  Without considering all the variables, you may end up with subpar results, costing you more time and money. 

At Howard Orthodontics, we believe that your first orthodontic visit is your most important one. Our expert and experienced orthodontist will take as much time as you need to answer your questions and decide what kind of treatment is best for you. Our team will then walk you through the process to explain everything from scheduling to expected discomfort levels, even finances like insurance coverage and payment options.

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 your specific orthodontic concerns ahead of time so you can have the best possible outcome. Dr. Howard will assess your condition throughout the whole process, allowing him to adjust your treatment plan as needed to create your perfect smile.

Professional 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. 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. 

Our doctor is an orthodontist, which means that after eight years of formal college and dental education, he spent an additional two years learning the skills needed to manage tooth movement and guide facial development. This specialization means he is best qualified to guide you on your journey to your perfect smile!

Lower Cost and Quicker Results

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, you can ensure the quickest and most beneficial method to a better smile. Most orthodontists can now compete with the prices that mail-order aligners boast. Here at Howard Orthodontics, we offer a variety of patient-specific payment plans and accept most dental insurances to ensure treatment is always affordable. Our goal is to give you outstanding value at a reasonable price. 

Don’t Risk a Mail-Order Mess, Trust Howard Orthodontics with your smile!

Leave the deliveries to your groceries and online gift shopping, and let our Howard Orthodontics team show you that you’re not just an order number here. Your smile is our top priority! Dr. Howard and his caring team understand the importance of a straight, beautiful smile, so you’ll find high-tech but affordable braces and Invisalign clear aligner treatment!

Our expert team at Howard Orthodontics in Willow Street, PA, takes pride in making your experience pleasant and personalized, from the initial consultation to your most recent check-up. If you wonder what the best route to your perfect smile is, schedule your FREE consultation today and let us help you confidently navigate this journey.