You have at-home alternatives to Invisalign, but how close is the comparison really? Invisalign involves in-office dental consultations where a treatment plan is developed. With do-it-yourself orthodontics, patients give informed consent that they have had a recent dental checkup and a remote dentist approves the treatment and sets up a plan. Keep reading to discover the various factors that play into Invisalign in Marana being the superior option for clear aligners.
Equipped to Handle Complex Orthodontic Cases
Unless your teeth are only slightly misaligned, at-home aligners will not be able to compete. In fact, many of these companies specifically tell customers that people with extensive dental needs or a history of poor oral health should not use their product. Meanwhile, Invisalign can treat both mild and moderate misalignment cases.
Dental Organizations Make Their Opinion Known
Invisalign is recommended by all major professional dental organizations. On the other hand, the American Association of Orthodontists has issued a consumer warning about all direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies.
The American Dental Association strongly discourages all “do-it-yourself” orthodontics. The ADA believes dental care should be supervised by a trained professional which at-home options cannot offer.
Dentist Supervision and Identifying Issues
During treatment with at-home aligners, they will rely on you to send photos and updates along with the remote checkups. If there are problems along the way, you’ll need to identify them and alert your remote dentist.
Meanwhile, with Invisalign, your dentist will alert you if there are any changes or unwanted developments during treatment, and they can make adjustments immediately. Dental supervision also means they can detect other potential issues like tooth decay or gum disease early on.
Treatment Times and Potential Complications
Treatment times depend on each individual’s case and how well they follow the instructions of the treatment plan. Since Invisalign can address more complex cases, it will generally have longer treatment times.
At-home aligner companies will point to saving time throughout treatment by cutting out in-person checkups with a dentist, but it still involves remote checkups, so you’ll need to set aside time for those.
Beware of Additional Costs Later On
A typical at-home aligner company may advertise a price of $2,000, but with any complications or the need for additional trays, there is an added cost. Invisalign costs about $5,000 with the dental visit and all associated monitoring, so there are no hidden surprises as you follow your treatment plan. While the do-it-yourself company may tout the initial cost as an advantage, Invisalign offers guaranteed results and visiting a dentist in person to lay claim to better value for the money spent.
You are going to be dealing with a significant financial investment no matter which path you take in the clear aligners market, but don’t you want to spend money on the product you know can deliver significant positive changes? The disapproval of at-home aligners by major dental organizations should be all the proof you need that Invisalign under the supervision of your Marana dentist is the preferred option.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Fitzgerald earned her dental doctorate at Creighton University and went on to complete advanced courses at world-renowned teaching centers like Partners in Synergy, the Kois Center, Progressive Orthodontics, and the American Orthodontic Society. Dr. Fitzgerald is an Invisalign Preferred Provider, a free orthodontic consultation is offered to new patients, and Invisalign is available as low as $349 monthly with approved credit. Schedule a consultation on her website or call (520) 881-8902.