On the surface, it sounds too good to be true. For adults looking to straighten their teeth, some businesses, or “clubs,” claim they can help you get everything you need through the mail without having to step foot in a dental office. You simply take impressions of your teeth, send them off, and a few weeks later, you receive a set of clear aligners to wear. Even better, these clubs guarantee results in about six months, and they usually cost less than being treated by an orthodontist. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Unfortunately, while this might all sound great on paper, here are just a few of the things you’ll miss out on by not visiting an orthodontist in Powell.
Personalized Attention
You don’t need a degree in dentistry to know that every smile is unique, so when it comes to straightening people’s teeth, there is no “one-size-fits” all treatment. When you see a DIY club claim they can deliver results in six months or less every time, an alarm should go off in your head. Yes, minor teeth misalignments can be corrected in less than a year, but many, many people have severe misalignments and issues like overbites and underbites that require much more extensive care. Getting orthodontic treatment that is tailored to your exact smile by a trained professional is paramount to making sure all of your issues are addressed in the most effective way possible.
Reduced Cost
Many patients who use DIY orthodontics end up having to get problems caused by the treatment fixed by a real orthodontist, which often ends up costing much more than if they had just visited the orthodontist in the first place. Straightening the teeth too fast or haphazardly can damage the root structure and lead to loose and missing teeth. Instead, an orthodontist can make sure you avoid these risks while achieving your ideal smile, saving thousands along the way.
Lifetime Guarantee
When an orthodontist straightens a patient’s teeth, they do so in a way that is intended to last for the rest of someone’s life. DIY clubs purposefully don’t make the same guarantee, and many people end up having to go through treatment again because their teeth shifted back to their original positions.
Whether you’re looking at it from a quality or financial point-of-view, trusting your smile to an orthodontist is always the best decision. Your care will be designed to meet your particular needs, you’ll have access to a doctor who has been trained to provide your treatment, and you’ll avoid problems that could lead to much more serious issues (and expense) down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a certified orthodontist and Elite Provider for Invisalign in Powell. Before spending $80-100 on a starter kit from one of these DIY clubs, he invites you to schedule a FREE consultation here at Shirck Orthodontics. At this appointment, he can answer any questions you might have and discuss what you need to achieve a perfectly straight smile. If cost is a concern, we accept all insurance plans and offer 0% in-house financing as well. To learn more and schedule your FREE consultation, contact us today.