3 Risks of Using Mail-In Aligners

On the surface, mail-in aligners may seem like an attractive alternative to SureSmile clear aligners provided by your dentist. After all, they’re often cheaper and don’t require appointments. However, the truth of the matter is that mail-in aligners come with many hidden risks. Below is a closer look at 3 of the less obvious dangers of this treatment option.

1. There’s No Direct Supervision from a Dentist

One thing to note about treatments involving clear aligners is that they don’t always go exactly as planned; sometimes your teeth will move faster or slower than expected. For this reason, regular appointments are an important part of the SureSmile process. Your dentist can monitor your smile’s progress and take note of any problems so that they can be addressed properly.

However, with mail-in aligners, there is no such supervision. Consequently, if there are any issues, you may not be aware of them until serious damage has already been done to your teeth and bite. As such, SureSmile aligners received directly from a dentist tend to be the safer option.

2. There’s No Comprehensive Examination

Before you can start straightening your grin with SureSmile, your dentist will need to complete a comprehensive examination of your oral health. This will allow them to identify any issues that need to be addressed beforehand. For example, if you have swollen gums due to gum disease, wearing clear aligners could result in discomfort and bleeding.

With mail-in aligners, you don’t have the benefit of a dentist who can examine your mouth first. That means you risk letting serious oral health issues that could interfere with your treatment go unaddressed.

3. It Could End Up Being More Costly in the End

While mail-in aligners are usually cheaper than regular clear aligners on paper, this doesn’t account for any dental damage that could occur due to the lack of direct supervision. If your teeth and gums are damaged by the process, you may end up needing to pay for corrective procedures and additional dental visits. This can end up taking its toll on your bank account in the long term.

In short, choosing mail-in aligners comes with serious risks for your smile and your bank account. Meanwhile, choosing SureSmile allows you to enjoy the benefits of working directly with a dentist who can help you avoid serious complications. Keep these facts in mind before you commit to a specific treatment to achieve a straighter smile.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb has more than 45 years of dental experience. He is a graduate of the Baylor School of Dentistry and has served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. At his practice in Odessa, he uses SureSmile to help correct the smiles of patients with crowded teeth, overbites, and other orthodontic issues. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.