Why you should choose an orthodontist over dtc aligners?

‘Oral hygiene’ is a common buzzword today but that was not always the case. In fact, just a decade prior between 2004 and 2006, almost 38% of adults in the US experienced higher rates of untreated decay, suggesting that compliance with regular dental visits was poor. In current times, people exhibit more concern over their oral health. A recent survey conducted by the ADA proposes that 85% of individuals in the US truly value dental health and “consider oral health an essential aspect of overall care.”

Out of all the respects of dentistry, orthodontics has been gaining extensive intrigue, especially during this out-of-pandemic-yet-constant-presence-on-Zoom-calls era. Now more than ever, adults are interested in discreetly straightening their crooked teeth to appease social conformations. Clear aligners have become a trustworthy accomplice to fix odd-looking smiles. Reports confirm that there are 4 million people worldwide who have started a course of clear aligners in hopes of elevating their smiles.

Factors like increasing awareness regarding oral hygiene, increased comfort and discreteness, as well as the fewer negative social implications associated with these invisible braces have allowed more individuals to embrace this new culture of clear aligners. Out of 90% of adults who reported that their confidence was positively impacted by having straight teeth, 75% said that straightening their teeth really did have several positive benefits.

Considering how popular these clear aligners have become, you’d think that receiving them from any portal would be the same thing. Unfortunately, some sources are better than others. Here are some reasons why you should get your aligners from an orthodontist than through online means with direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners.

• You can start your treatment right

A qualified and experienced orthodontist goes beyond simply straightening your teeth. On the first visit to the orthodontist, he/she will carry out a comprehensive orthodontic examination. This includes essential reporting media such as panoramic and cephalometric x-rays, digital scans, or even intraoral impressions. Images from the scans and x-rays will help the dentist visualize your teeth, jaws, and soft tissue that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

These dental models as well as photographs help the dentist identify and treat a number of oral conditions earlier. Unlike personalized orthodontic visits, however, DTC aligner companies will only rely on the basic information you provide them with and easily miss out on possible health scares. They are unable to identify problematic cavities or inflamed gums through only a few photos provided to them and thus when the time comes to attempt teeth straightening, these oral complications can obstruct the treatment process.

By seeing an orthodontist, you are ensuring a treatment plan that is tailored around your unique needs rather than being mass-fed as with the DTC aligners.

• You will receive supervision throughout the process

Whatever the type of appliance you are assigned, regular follow-up visits are extremely important to facilitate the smooth progression of your treatment. During these routine visits, your dentist will observe how your teeth have moved and check if everything is proceeding the way it was initially planned. Depending on the treatment plan, these appointments will be scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks.

Unfortunately, DTC aligner companies do not offer any assistance or supervision to the patient throughout the course of their treatment process. If your aligners fit poorly, you may experience irritation or pain. Additionally, ill-fitted aligners may also slow down tooth movements. Above all, undiagnosed and untreated cavities or gum disease can also obviate the timely advancement of your treatment process, thus damaging your oral health and bite.

• You get customized treatment plans from your dentist

Perhaps the most important reason why you should be picking your orthodontist over DTC aligners is because of the personalized element of the treatment. Your dentist examines you properly, determine if you are the right candidate for clear aligners, resolves any dental abnormalities you may be suffering from, and fashions a treatment plan that perfectly envelopes your treatment needs.

A clear aligner company like any other DTC brand can only offer you generic products that may not entirely fit the bill of your custom requirements. An experienced orthodontist, on the other hand, takes into consideration your lifestyle, your needs, and your goals before creating a fully customized treatment plan for you. You will be supervised throughout the entire process and any changes you may need will be done at any point of the treatment, giving you a seamless and thoroughly explicit experience.

• You get the smile you actually paid for

A smile that looks and feels good also requires the right resources, adequate time, and great funds to accomplish. With an orthodontist leading the way to your clear aligner journey, you receive a treatment plan that is well-deserved for your money and time. DTC aligners may seem inexpensive and straightforward but could end up costing you more in the long run when you consider the potential risks. With non-dentist-supervised DTC aligners, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Don’t compromise the quality of treatment you receive simply because you want to skimp on some money and save some time. An orthodontist-led experience ensures you a lifetime of straight and beautiful smiles with clear aligners.