These days, people have a lot of options when it comes to straightening their teeth. If you are looking for an alternative to braces, then you may be considering Invisalign aligners or mail order aligners. Mail order aligners run frequent enticing ads on social media promising a perfect smile at a fraction of the cost of Invisalign. Their goal is to attract customers by offering a DIY solution that’s budget friendly and simple. This article will contrast and compare Invisalign aligners versus mail order aligners, to help you decide which is right for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand name for clear aligners, using custom-made transparent plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The process involves in-person consultations with your orthodontist after which a digital scan and detailed 3D model of your teeth are created. The 3D model is used to create your aligners using patented technology and materials for precise treatment. Your treatment is then monitored by your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will ensure that your treatment is progressing properly.
What are Mail Order Aligners?
Mail order aligners are a DIY approach with minimal professional guidance and may use generic materials. The process begins with an online consultation, after which the company will send you an at-home impression kit. You will take molds of your own teeth and send them back to the company. The company will use these molds to fabricate your aligners, which are then sent to your home. Taking dental impressions at home may be challenging and may not be as accurate as professional ones and will not be as accurate as a 3D scan of your teeth. As a result, you may end up with aligners that don’t fit properly, making them less precise and less effective. These aligner systems also lack in-person professional supervision, leading to a higher risk of complications, such as minimal improvement in alignment, gum damage or unfavourable bite changes.
Invisalign VS. Mail Order Aligners
1. Quality
Invisalign aligners are made using their patented plastic material, which is designed specifically for use with orthodontic aligners, allowing for more predictable movement and more reliable results. Mail order aligners do not have access to this technology, using generic plastic that impacts and reduces the overall effectiveness of the results.
2. What’s Included in Each Treatment
When you are treated with Invisalign aligners, your orthodontist will oversee your treatment from start to finish. This includes monitoring your bite, the fit of your aligners and taking x-rays when necessary to monitor the health and straightness of your teeth.
While x-rays are a necessary part of the diagnosis and treatment planning of your orthodontic treatment, these will not be included with mail order aligners. You will need to see your dentist for x-rays at a separate out-of-pocket cost to you. Also, you will not have any professional checkups included with the cost of your mail order aligners, which is necessary to monitor your progress and the health of your gums and teeth.
3. Types of Conditions Treated
Invisalign aligners straighten teeth to remedy orthodontic issues such as tooth crowding, bite problems, spacing, and cosmetic concerns. They are suitable for treating mild to complex cases. Diagnosis and treatment planning performed by your orthodontist and the use of Invisalign attachments allow for efficient tooth movement and precise results.
In contrast, mail order aligners may be best suited for mild cases and do not offer attachments for tooth movement efficiency. Without direct supervision by an orthodontist, they can only treat cases where teeth do not require significant movements.
Which Orthodontic Solution is Best for You?
Here at Wonder West Orthodontics, we recommend the reputable Invisalign brand, which provides comfortable, esthetic and effective results. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) advises caution with mail order clear aligners due to limited diagnosis and lack of oversight by a treating doctor, emphasizing the importance of in-person examination and professional guidance. Contact our team today to learn what an orthodontist-recommended Invisalign solution can do for you.