One of the most significant improvements in orthodontic care over the past several decades is Invisalign. Invisalign is the perfect solution for adults who want to straighten their teeth without walking around with a mouth full of metal. It is also an excellent way to address minor teeth straightening issues for young adults.
Many people often ask us if they should do the online version of Invisalign. After all, when you compare, most of the time the internet options cost less. But there are many things that you sacrifice when you go the cheaper route. You do get what you pay for and when it comes to your teeth, they are too important to find out the hard way why the online version is cheaper!
Lack of Guidance
When you do Invisalign online, you don’t have the guidance of a professional to check on your progress. The site sends you trays to use from start to finish and you are told to “check in,” which really just means you have to send in pictures from your phone. Often, we find that little adjustments have to be made along the treatment path for Invisalign. And unfortunately, those alterations are not available when you do it out of a box and without guidance or monitoring from a professional.
Talking to a Customer Agent Differs From a Dentist
If you do have any problems with any aspects of your Invisalign treatment, you are welcome to call a customer care line. Although they might be very courteous, they can’t do anything to answer your questions or fix whatever is wrong. In most cases, if you have any concerns about your treatment plan, they will send your inquiry to a professional who will look over your scans remotely and try to answer them.
The entire process typically takes about a week or more, and in the meantime, you are left to sit and wait. A week might not seem like a long time, but that week can set your treatment plan back significantly. And even when you do get an answer, it is disjointed and speculative. There is no way for the dental professional to really know how to handle your issue without taking a look in-person.
There is No Way to Address Larger Issues Than Just Teeth Straightening
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, and it isn’t the best road for every orthodontic issue. Unless you have an evaluation by a professional to check all aspects of your teeth and jaw, there is the potential that bite issues or crowding problems will not be addressed. For many, orthodontic treatment requires more involvement than just dental tray liners.
If you don’t have a professional evaluate your needs and you rely on clay impressions alone, it can cause problems in the future if your bite isn’t corrected. In addition, if there just isn’t enough room to make straightening corrections, you won't get the results that you desire or a solution that will fix the problem entirely.
The Takeaway
Although doing Invisalign online might seem like a great alternative to in-person appointments, there is no way to know for sure that your care is 100% correct unless you have someone evaluating your progress throughout your orthodontic treatment. We understand that it is a cheaper option, but you do get what you pay for.
Your teeth are way too important to your overall health to take the chance with online treatment. At Tatum Dentistry, we follow your Invisalign progress closely to make any necessary alterations along the way. In doing so, we can make sure that your issues are addressed and your progress is as quick as possible. Contact us to discuss how we can get you fitted for Invisalign the proper way. We offer a FREE Invisalign consultation Monday – Saturday, so schedule your appointment today!
