Do your teeth look crooked? You might want to fix them, but there are reliable ways to do just that. While browsing your options online, you may come across mail-in clear aligners marketed as an Invisalign alternative in Midlothian. They promise the results you dream of without leaving home. That said, the convenience can come at a cost to your oral health. Here are three reasons it’s best to steer clear of them.
There’s No Consultation
While clear aligner trays can effectively correct misalignment and malocclusion, they tend to work best for mild to moderate cases. More complex issues often call for a different approach to achieve the results you want.
This is why your dentist starts with an Invisalign consultation. They will make sure this treatment can give you the results you want and is the right fit for your smile. Mail-in aligners tend to skip this part, which means you could spend time and money on something that isn’t suited to you.
Your Impressions Are Done Yourself
For orthodontic trays to work as intended, they need a precise fit to apply gentle pressure in the right spots. This helps guide your teeth predictably and smoothly. Invisalign uses accurate digital impressions, as a handheld device is used to capture them.
Mail-in aligners, on the other hand, rely on a putty kit instead of this advanced technology. They can be tricky to use correctly and increase your odds of an inaccurate mold. This can then turn into unexpected tooth movement and potentially leave your smile in worse condition than before.
You Won’t Get Progress Checks
Building on the last point, mail-in aligner treatments aren’t typically overseen by a licensed dental professional. If your smile starts shifting in a different direction, you may not catch it until the damage is already done. You’ll then have to spend more time and money to correct the issue.
With Invisalign, your dentist is with you every step of the way. Progress checks every six to eight weeks ensure your treatment stays on track. Some teeth are naturally more stubborn to move, so if anything looks off, it can be addressed early before it becomes a bigger problem.
While mail-in aligners might seem appealing at first glance, remember these three points. Sticking with the real deal is often the better choice; that way, you have a reliable way to get the straighter smile you want.
About the Practice
Want a healthier bite? Our team at Marvel Dental & Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign to patients in Midlothian. Led by compassionate dentists, we use putty-free digital impressions to get your journey started comfortably. We’ll stay at your side throughout so you can avoid any delays to your results. If you want to learn if clear aligners are right for you, schedule an appointment or call our office at 682-772-3072.