Dental innovations are always quickly followed by imitations that are marketed as providing the same kind of “amazing” results at lower prices and greater convenience. As a result, it didn’t take long for Invisalign imitators to find their way onto the market. While online clubs – and even do-it-yourself methods – claim to save you time, effort, and money, what they neglect to offer is precision and safety.
1. Imitation products are not proven.
Sure, many things can be done online, including taking care of your health. But how can you substitute oral health care with computer treatment? Safety is an issue. If your bite is compromised, you will require more treatment to shift it into a painless, comfortable, and healthy position. And you will need to see a real and qualified Invisalign or orthodontic provider in person for that treatment, not a phantom dentist online.
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2. Online alignment methods are not customized.
You might argue that the online treatments offered are customized. You may have your pictures taken for your new smile at a kiosk or specially designated smile spot. These methods, however, are incredibly flawed. Even more problematic are smiles that are evaluated through photos sent via email or an online form. No Invisalign provider would ever agree that these impersonal steps are an accurate way to examine your bite and teeth. True Invisalign treatment involves the evaluation of your teeth, bite, and the health of your smile to make sure you’re a good candidate for the treatment before any straightening commences.
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3. Orthodontic shortcuts are imprecise.
Invisalign is a carefully plotted orthodontic treatment that is designed to carefully move your teeth into aligned positions over a period of time. This is a visual treatment as much as it is a physical one. Having the support and knowledge of a certified Invisalign provider is invaluable – and necessary. Accuracy can only be achieved through technology as well as in-person appointments that allow your Invisalign provider to correctly treat your alignment needs.
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4. You could harm your oral health.
Without the guidance of a trained, expert dental professional, you could easily do harm to your tooth enamel, the structure of your teeth, the solidity of your teeth in your mouth, and your bite. Where your teeth are positioned in your mouth is very important, and the location of your teeth will affect your speaking voice and your potential for developing oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or even sleep apnea. If you want to straighten your teeth the right way, see a certified Invisalign provider.
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5. Other options are available.
When you want straight teeth, there is no such thing as a shortcut. But there are methods of altering your smile faster than the time it takes to complete orthodontic treatment (even though Invisalign takes a fraction of the time as traditional metal braces). Porcelain veneers, for example, are a versatile cosmetic dentistry solution that can straighten your smile while at the same time make it whiter, correct flaws and chips, and perfect the shape, size, and color of your teeth.
Buying aligners online is a risky move. And, ultimately, could end up being a huge mistake that costs you more time and trouble and resources in the end. If you have questions about the right method of orthodontia for your needs, talk to Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell, a certified Invisalign provider at Red Bank Dentistry.
