These days, many people look for quick and inexpensive solutions for dental problems. This often leads them to consider online clear aligners or “online-only” dental products, but it’s important to think twice before going down that path. While these services may seem appealing to cost-conscious consumers, they simply don’t offer the same quality of care or results you would get from a professional dentist.
In this article, we’ll explain why it’s best to avoid online clear aligners and similar online dental products—and what you should consider instead. We’ll cover the key differences between online clear aligners and professional treatments like Invisalign®, as well as the benefits of having a dentist monitor your aligner progress to ensure safe, effective results.
You’ll also hear advice directly from our dentist about what to do if you’re considering Invisalign treatment. If you want the best results for your smile, keep reading.
Professional vs. Online Clear Aligners
Online clear aligners are marketed to cost-conscious consumers who want a quick and inexpensive fix for their dental problems. However, they don't provide the same level of results you would get from Invisalign. Professional Invisalign treatments are carefully monitored by a dentist, who can adjust the treatment if something isn't working as expected or if there are any issues. This ensures that the treatment is on track and effective, whereas online services without professional guidance may result in having to start all over again at your own expense.
The Risks of Using Online Clear Aligners
Using online clear aligners without the supervision of a dentist can lead to several risks, including:
- Aggravated underlying conditions: Using online clear aligners without proper dental supervision can exacerbate existing dental issues such as gum disease, dental decay, and abscesses.
- Tooth loss: Unsupervised teeth straightening plans may move teeth too quickly, increasing the risk of tooth loss due to underlying and undetected oral health issues.
- Bite issues: At-home teeth straightening can result in bite problems, causing long-term TMJ pain and migraines.
- Ineffective treatment: Some users may experience little to no tooth movement, resulting in the need to seek expert help at a later date to achieve the desired results.
- Inadequate examination: Online teeth aligners typically don't involve a comprehensive dental examination prior to fitting, which would determine if the teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. This may result in undetected tooth decay, root resorption (loss of hard and soft dental tissue), or gum disease.
- Inaccurate fit: Receiving aligners through the mail means users don't have the chance to try them on before use. This can lead to wearing aligners that don't fit properly, causing pain, discomfort, and potentially ineffective treatment.
- Long-term damage: Dentists have warned that using clear aligners ordered online can cause permanent damage, such as weakened teeth, that may affect a person's ability to bite into hard foods like apples.
- At-home aligners may not be as cost effective as they seem: While the initial cost may be lower, if the treatment doesn't go as planned, individuals may end up spending more money on fixing the problems caused by at home aligners.
- DIY teeth straightening kits can be dangerous: Unsupervised at home teeth straightening or DIY teeth aligners could have negative effects on speech, chewing, swallowing or even breathing.
Quality of Care
High-quality dental care is essential for achieving and maintaining better health. We believe in a person-centered care model that focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship between you and your dentist. This approach helps support your oral health as an integral part of your overall well-being.
Good dental health goes beyond having a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums—it also contributes to your appearance, confidence, and quality of life. Dental professionals, including periodontists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons, play a key role in addressing dental issues and preventing complications before they start.
Choosing a DIY solution for alignment issues may seem convenient, but it can often be a way to avoid visiting your dentist—and this can lead to bigger problems down the road. If you feel anxious about seeing a dentist, we encourage you to reach out. Our gentle, supportive team is here to help you overcome dental anxiety so you can improve your smile, your comfort, and your health.
Professional Monitoring
Professional monitoring of Invisalign progress is critical for achieving desired results. A dentist will monitor the treatment to identify any issues and adjust it accordingly, if needed. This ensures that the treatment is on track and effective. Regular check-ups can also help in detecting any potential oral health issues which could hinder the effectiveness of the treatment.
Professional Advice
A dentist should always be consulted prior to undergoing any dental treatment, including Invisalign. It's best to skip the online services and visit a professional, like us, to ensure the treatment is done right from the start. This will save time, money, and potential complications in the long run.
Financial Assistance
We do understand that for some patients, cost is a very important factor. That's why we offer multiple financing options to help reduce your up-front cost while still ensuring you have access to the very best alignment solution for your overall health.
Prime Dental Group High-Quality Dental Services
At Prime Dental Group, we are committed to providing the highest quality of dental care to our clients. That's why when we provide clear aligners or any other dental treatment, we also conduct thorough examinations to detect and handle any and all oral health issues that could impact the success of your treatment.
Dental problems can have a significant impact on an individual's overall health and quality of life. While online clear aligners or online dental products may seem like a quick and inexpensive fix, they don't provide the same outcome, and can even be harmful. Professional Invisalign treatments are carefully monitored by a dentist, who can customize the treatment for you and address any issues that may come up along the way.
It's best to skip the online services and visit the professionals, like our team at Prime Dental Group, to ensure your treatment is done right from the start. This will save time, money, and potential complications in the long run. Our team is committed to providing high-quality dental care tailored to each individual's needs. With regular check-ups and preventive oral health habits, you can enjoy your smile without worry!