#1 – ALL PLASTIC ALIGNER BRANDS ARE THE SAME
Although similar in appearance, there are major differences in design and overall function. Professionally fabricated Invisalign aligners fit into place on the teeth via attachments. These tooth attachments are small anchors directly affixed to the teeth by your dentist or orthodontist. Tooth attachments are an important part of Invisalign treatment because they secure aligners into place and aid in tooth movement. Without attachments unpredictable movement may occur causing harm. The combination of aligners and attachments allows for the best result not only in appearance, but with overall health of your teeth.
#2 – THEY’RE GOOD ENOUGH FOR “SIMPLE” CASES
Although some orthodontic cases are easier than others, there is nothing ever “simple” about moving teeth. Moving teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to move as well as the jaw and affect how the bite fits together. Unsupervised aligner wear can negatively affect the bite and result in long term discomfort which is why you should be closely monitored by your orthodontist or dentist to ensure the health of your teeth and gums throughout your treatment.
A board-certified orthodontist is focused on moving teeth in harmony with each other to get an overall result that is pleasing to the eye, but also acceptable to the bite. This requires close and detailed monitoring to ensure the treatment plan is safe and effective throughout the course of treatment.
#3– IT’S OVERSEEN BY A VIRTUAL DENTIST
Virtual consultations are wonderful in certain situations, however, without a direct physical exam of your teeth by a licensed professional, patients may not be aware of any underlying conditions that can impact your overall health. Tooth decay, abscessed teeth or bone and gum infections, which are diagnosed with xrays and in person exams, can worsen if left untreated. Be aware that these conditions may occur without symptoms initially so seeing your dentist or orthodontist prior to starting aligner wear and throughout treatment is very important to ensure your safety.
#4 – IT’S HASSLE FREE AND GUARENTEED
The convenience of mail order and guarantees sounds appealing because who doesn’t want things to be easier in their busy lives? After considering the aligner company you choose, that convenience may turn into a hassle due to the chain of commands throughout the process.
Divisions of patient care such as a shipping department, mailing service, virtual care providers and outsourced customer service representatives could lead to poor communication and service inconsistency when issues arise. It’s not uncommon for patients to receive the wrong aligners or experience long delivery delays, only to have their teeth shift out of alignment while waiting for their product to arrive in the mail.
Dr. Chung Kau, chairman and professor of orthodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said moving teeth without in-person supervision can lead to permanent hard. Problems with a person’s bite aren’t just cosmetic. “If you can't get a proper bite, that affects the entire function of your jaw,” Kau said. “You could get migraines, jaw joint problems, disintegration of your joints.”
-“‘Things Didn't Feel Right’: Smiledirectclub's
Dental Aligners Cause Problems.” NBCNews.com, Feb. 13, 2020 NBCUniversal News Group
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