You may be tempted to try one of the many do-it-yourself (DIY) clear aligner systems like Smile Direct Club, especially since they are much less expensive than Invisalign. However, before you decide to pursue orthodontic treatment on your own, you may want to consider the following four reasons you’re better off allowing a professional to oversee your treatment with Invisalign.
Professional Oversight by a Trusted Dentist
Unlike DIY aligner systems, Invisalign is only provided by skilled and qualified dental professionals. This means you’re expected to maintain regular checkups with your dentist to ensure your tooth movement is progressing as planned. Smile Direct Club and other similar companies do not offer this service. Instead, you’re forced to take photos of your smile and provide updates based on what you’re seeing, not what a professional sees.
Invisalign is Approved by the ADA and AAO
If a product or method of treatment is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and/or the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), you can rest assured it is worth the time and money. Not only has it been tested by professionals, but researchers and scientists spend countless hours, months, and even years refining these products to ensure their safety and effectiveness. DIY solutions do not have this same approval and are, in fact, highly discouraged among these professional organizations.
Regular Checkups
Invisalign requires regular in-office visits, which are efficient but also thorough. Your dentist will want to make sure no problems are arising, but you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s office than you would if you were wearing traditional braces simply because there is no wire to adjust or tighten. While DIY solutions require only remote check-ins, you may think it’s more convenient to be able to stay at home and log on to talk to a dentist. However, these virtual appointments will not ensure the thoroughness of an in-office visit, which is necessary when dealing with shifting teeth.
The Overall Cost of Treatment
When you look at the initial numbers associated with Invisalign and DIY clear aligner systems like Smile Direct Club, you’re likely to jump at the opportunity to straighten your teeth with the latter option. But before you do, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. It is normal for the baseline cost of Smile Direct Club to be around $2,000 (as opposed to the $3,000-$8,000 for Invisalign). But, if you’re like most patients, you’ll likely experience a few stumbles along the way, or your teeth may not shift quite as quickly as you thought. As a result, this can lead to higher costs because of the additional aligners you will need. With Invisalign, the baseline for treatment may average around $5,000 but you can be assured your dentist will give you the complete rundown of costs during your initial consultation, so you won’t need to worry about surprises along the way.
Don’t trust your future smile to a do-it-yourself solution. Give your teeth the attention they deserve by entrusting them with Invisalign.
About the Author
With more than 40 years of proven clinical experience, Dr. Jack Markusen is well-versed when it comes to straightening teeth and realigning bites. Offering Invisalign clear braces for individuals looking for a quicker, more flexible orthodontic solution, he uses advanced technology to not only ensure greater accuracy and precision but also allow you to view your new and improved smile long before you receive your first set of aligners. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign or would like to find out if you’re a qualified candidate, visit our website or call (843) 916-0990.