What are mail-order braces?
Mail-order braces, commonly known as online orthodontics, are clear aligners used to straighten teeth from the comfort of your home and act as an alternative to braces. Patients begin by sending photos of their smile and scans of their teeth to an online orthodontics company. If their application is approved, they receive a self-administered dental impression kit. These tooth impressions are then used to create a customized series of aligners delivered directly to the patient via mail, eliminating the need for lengthy—and possibly more expensive—in-person visits to a dentist or orthodontist.
Mail-order braces have become a popular dental phenomenon, especially on social media, largely due to the quick and easy process of obtaining them. Ads boasting of straight teeth in just six months are juxtaposed with pictures of the perfect candid smile. However, despite the lure of low costs and supposed fast-acting clear aligners, mail-order braces are often not worth it due to several significant dental risks.
Lack of Professional Supervision
Orthodontic treatment is a highly individualized process that requires personalized dental care and attention. Mail-order braces operate on a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be suitable for everyone’s teeth. Each patient’s dental structure is unique, and successful orthodontic treatment relies on a carefully tailored plan that considers the specific needs and goals of the individual. At Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, our orthodontists base these personalized plans on thorough dental examinations and diagnosis of one’s teeth, considering crucial factors surrounding tooth movement, bone structure, and overall oral health. While mail-order companies fail to meet this level of customization, which can compromise the effectiveness and safety of the dental treatment, our orthodontists value spending time with you and your smile.
Throughout the mail-order treatment process, there is virtually no professional supervision. A professional evaluation is highly recommended before and during any treatment. This initial examination, conducted by a licensed orthodontist is imperative for recognizing dental issues, including cavities, gum diseases, and other problems not picked up by impressions, as they can be exacerbated by aligners.
While braces and other orthodontic treatments involve regular check-ups with a licensed orthodontist who monitors progress and makes necessary adjustments, mail-order braces rely solely on patients to manage their own braces, dental health, and treatment. This is even more problematic as some mail-order companies suggest six months is the universal timeline for all patients. However, teeth are unique, and thus respond to braces in individual ways, making it challenging to predetermine an accurate time frame for braces.
Patients lack the dental knowledge of a dentist or orthodontist and are extremely unqualified to recognize potential issues with teeth arising from treatment, such as a bad bite or misalignment. When not addressed promptly, these issues can lead to more severe dental problems, including improper tooth loss, damage, and gum issues. Our orthodontists have the expertise to detect and correct these problems early on, ensuring a safe and effective treatment.
Patients using mail-order aligners may also experience issues such as teeth mobility, root resorption, gum recession, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. These complications can have long-term consequences for dental health and may require extensive corrective treatment. Our orthodontists are trained to manage and mitigate these risks through careful planning and monitoring. They can make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Traditional orthodontic offices and practitioners also offer a physical presence and place of support, making it easier for patients to access help and address any dental concerns promptly. In contrast, mail-order orthodontic companies operate on a remote model, which can result in a lack of accountability. If something goes wrong during the treatment, patients may find it challenging to get timely support or resolution from a dentist or orthodontist. Mail-order companies also do not meet the same standard of accountability as licensed professionals bound by ethical and legal standards. While our team is accountable for the quality of care we provide, mail-order companies do not have the same level of accountability, leaving patients with fewer options for recourse if issues arise.
Along with the lack of professional intervention and responsibility comes limited resources and low-quality equipment. For instance, the initial step in the mail-order process involves sending teeth scans and impressions to the company. These DIY procedures are prone to errors, especially when conducted by individuals without dental training. Inaccurate teeth impressions can result in ill-fitting clear aligners that do not effectively move the teeth as intended, prolonging the process and often worsening dental problems. While impressions are often reviewed by one of the company’s employees, this worker is rarely a trained and certified orthodontist, making this service futile.
Orthodontists and dental professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to take precise measurements. Instead of impressions, we use advanced imaging and 3d intraoral scanners. This accuracy is crucial for designing aligners that fit well and work efficiently. When patients take their own impressions, there is a higher risk of mistakes that can compromise the entire treatment.
Limited scope of dental treatment
Mail-order braces are generally designed for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Complex cases involving severe misalignment, bite problems, or jaw irregularities often require more advanced treatment that only a licensed orthodontist can provide. Patients with complex teeth issues may find that mail-order aligners do not deliver the desired straightening result, leading to disappointment and potentially requiring additional treatment from a professional. This is especially true as mail-order aligners don’t use attachments, which give aligners a better grip on the teeth for complex movements. Additionally, mail-order braces cannot treat issues below the gum line or jaw like traditional braces can.
In-person orthodontic treatments, however, offer a range of options, including braces, clear aligners, and other appliances tailored to address specific dental problems. Orthodontists can customize treatment plans based on the individual needs of each patient’s teeth, ensuring comprehensive and effective care.
Potential for added cost
While mail-order companies market their braces as a more affordable option compared to traditional orthodontics, the potential for increased costs and dental issues are significant. If the mail-order treatment is ineffective or leads to complications, patients may need to seek additional treatment from a professional dentist or orthodontics office. This can result in higher overall expenses, negating any original savings. Plus, unlike braces and visits to an orthodontic office, most mail-order braces are not covered by dental insurance.
To ensure aligners and braces fit the teeth properly, an expert like Dr. Hutta or Dr. K will use imaging like X-rays prior to treatment. These scans are typically a covered cost, but with mail-order companies, you have to pay out of pocket. Additionally, some mail-order companies may not cover the cost of refinement or additional clear aligners if the initial treatment does not produce the expected results. Patients could end up paying out-of-pocket for this extra service as well, further increasing the total cost of treatment.
Inferior dental technologies
The low cost of mail-order braces is also largely due to their outdated dental imaging and aligner technologies. Ill-fitted mail-order aligners are often made with flimsy, and inflexible plastics, causing teeth irritation, migraine pain, misalignments, cuts to the gums, and even tooth loss. Therefore, these aligners are vastly inferior to Hutta Orthodontic Specialists’ own clear aligners, which utilize the most cutting edge advancements in dentistry to create 3D, custom printed aligners in our own in-house dental lab. With this modern straightening practice, patients obtain their best smile comfortably. Plus, if patients misplace trays or need a slight adjustment, we can efficiently print new trays in our office.
Better options
Hutta Orthodontic Specialists offer far more effective products and services than mail-order braces. Unlike the electronic and faraway mail-order companies, our office provides a safe and supportive environment. Our specialists are eager to assist and support patients throughout their entire smile journey. We pride ourselves on the innovative technology found not only in our effective and discreet clear aligners, but also in our Damon and Insignia Braces. In fact, our high-tech scanning and design software allows for the equipment to fit your teeth specifically, resulting in faster and more precise treatments.
Your teeth, dental health, and confidence are our top priority, so contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how our office can help you to attain a healthy, happy smile.