Invisalign vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Don’t Compromise Your Smile!

Invisalign aligners have long been the gold standard for achieving a straighter smile. However, in recent years, mail-order dental aligners, also known as direct-to-consumer aligners, have begun to advertise themselves as a less-expensive, at-home alternative to in-office Invisalign treatment.

While mail-order dental aligners might seem like a comparable alternative to Invisalign, mail-order aligners come with some real disadvantages that can compromise the health and appearance of your smile. Here are just four of the most obvious disadvantages to settling for mail-order aligners:

Limited Diagnostic Capabilities:

Mail-order dental aligner manufacturers often rely on photos and mouth impressions taken by customers themselves to create their treatment plans. Without professional oversight at the planning stage, mail-order aligners can be limited in the accuracy and completeness of treatment planning. Poor treatment planning can lead to misaligned teeth; mouth pain or discomfort; and can even cause damage to teeth or gums.

When you opt for Invisalign, your custom aligners are created by an Invisalign specialist using digital scanning and 3D modeling. This advanced technology allows for treatment planning that precisely addresses your individual needs and smile goals.

Lack of Professional Oversight:

The lack of professional oversight, from the planning of treatment to monitoring progress to assessing the finished results, is one of the biggest disadvantages of mail-order aligners. Without planning, regular check-ins, and supervision by a licensed dentist or orthodontist, there is a risk that potential issues may go unnoticed and aligner treatment may not be as effective as it should be, resulting in inconsistent results.

During Invisalign treatment, you regularly check in with your Invisalign specialist to ensure treatment is going as planned. With professional oversight, if there are problems, or if your aligners need to be adjusted, you have the support you need to ensure the best possible treatment outcome.

Inability to Treat Complex Cases:

While mail-order aligner companies may promise amazing results to all of their customers, the reality is that these aligners are only really effective for treating mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth. If you have a more complex issue, like a bite misalignment, mail-order aligners are ineffective and can even cause further misalignment, compromising your dental health.

With Invisalign treatment administered by an Invisalign specialist, like a dentist or orthodontist, the health of your smile is as important as the look of your smile. Dentists and orthodontists have the training and expertise to identify bite issues that can be gently and effectively corrected with Invisalign aligners.

Hidden or Unexpected Costs:

In their advertisements, many mail-order aligner companies promise potential customers straighter teeth for a single, low price. The reality is these companies often have hidden or additional fees for things like aligner refinements, lost aligners, permanent retainers, or other issues that may arise during treatment. These costs are not always fully disclosed upfront and can add a substantial amount to the cost of mail-order aligner treatment.

With Invisalign, all that you need to achieve a straighter smile is included in the cost of treatment. You get professional planning and care, high-quality invisible aligners and retainers, and the reassurance that you have support during every step of treatment.

While mail-order aligners may seem like a deal, their disadvantages could ultimately end up costing you far more than you expected with unpredictable results. If you are serious about having a beautiful, healthy smile, Invisalign aligners are the best, most reliable option available today. Invisalign offers amazing results without the potential risks and disadvantages of mail-order aligners.