With a mail-in clear aligner service, you could (theoretically) enjoy the convenience of both your aligners and teledentistry. Since these direct-to-consumer companies don’t employ a licensed professional and don’t provide progress-adjusted aligners, treatment is much cheaper, too. So why aren’t more patients talking about mail-in clear aligners? Are they too good to be true?
Basically, yes. Keep reading to learn more about the risky truth behind mail-in clear aligners!
There’s No Pre-Treatment Exam
Let’s start at the beginning of the process. Before starting a professional in-office aligner treatment, your dentist will evaluate your mouth for pre-existing conditions that could prevent successful results, such as tooth decay or gum disease. With a mail-in service, there’s no such exam! Often, patients are given mail-in aligners even though they really need to treat a pre-existing problem first in order for the aligners to work effectively.
The Impression Technology is Outdated
After sending a mail-in service a picture of your teeth and getting accepted, they’ll in turn send you a self-impression kit. That means applying an uncomfortable, cold putty to your own teeth in an attempt to give their technicians an idea of how your teeth need to move.
Sounds tricky, right? In addition to that being difficult, these types of impressions aren’t as accurate as modernized methods like digital impressions. That’s right; if your dentist has a digital impression system, you could skip the weird goopy putty altogether and receive aligners that actually reposition your teeth properly.
It’s Not Professionally Supervised
Mail-in services have “technicians” on staff, but after they send you your aligners, you’re more or less on your own. This means you won’t have to attend regular checkup appointments, sure, but dentists schedule these visits for a very good reason!
Progress check-ins allow your dentist to monitor your teeth’s progress, so if they don’t move exactly as expected, your dentist can adjust your treatment. Lack of professional supervision probably contributes the most to patient dissatisfaction for mail-in aligners!
Mail-In Aligners Have Dubious Legality
Finally, because mail-in clear aligners aren’t prescribed by a licensed dental professional, the American Dental Association contends that they don’t meet FDA regulations for the type of medical device that clear aligners are classified as. When you look at the regulation, this allegation seems to be accurate! In other words, producing and distributing mail-in aligners may not be legal.
At the end of the day, the best way to ensure your clear aligner treatment reliably and safely straightens your teeth is to see your dentist. Unlike mail-in facilitators, they’re well-qualified to help your smile look better than ever!
About the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University and keeps up with the latest dental treatments, technology, and methods through continuing education. This dedication enables him to provide the best possible care for his patients. If you’re interested in clear aligners, Dr. Asinmaz will listen carefully to your goals and evaluate your unique smile so he can effectively personalize your treatment plan. To contact his office, call 561-640-9200.