Thinking About Ordering Clear Braces Online? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Do It
Chances are you’ve come across social media posts featuring influencers with seemingly perfect teeth. They may be encouraging you to use their promotional code to get clear braces online (like they did).
These direct-to-consumer companies promise to straighten teeth for much cheaper than what it costs to visit an orthodontist. What they don’t tell you is that these braces can leave you with permanent damage to your teeth.
One of these companies, SmileDirectClub, abruptly closed down after filing for bankruptcy, leaving its customers stranded. They had promised customers a “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” which was essentially worthless after they filed for bankruptcy. What’s more is that customers were expected to continue paying for this. There are many other risks when you order braces online.
What Are Mail-Order Aligners?
Certain companies, like AlignerCo, Smileie, Aligner32, and Byte, offer online braces directly to consumers. They portray these braces as being “cosmetic” rather than medical treatment, but any device that moves teeth should be overseen by a trained orthodontist. These companies tout these “braces” as being easier and cheaper than going to an orthodontist, but what they don’t advertise is the considerable risks.
It’s Not Worth The Risk
If the teeth aren’t monitored properly (by an orthodontist), it could lead to a negative outcome. The American Association of Orthodontics has issued statements recommending against the use of mail-order braces. The AAO has filed complaints with more than 36 state dental boards regarding SmileDirectClub. That’s because of the many risks associated with these braces.
One SmileDirectClub customer, named Jamie, who is from Glasgow, chose to get invisible braces with the online company because they were cheaper than an orthodontist. Unfortunately, Jamie was left with “wobbly teeth.” He can no longer bite into an apple. These clear aligners have also caused his gums to recede. He calls the pain “agony.”
Another customer, Anna Rosemond said that she was drawn to the advertisements for SmileDirectClub because of the low cost. After a year of treatment, she had severe pain and bite problems. She finally decided to see an orthodontist. She was diagnosed with a crossbite that was likely caused by the aligners. She ended up spending quite a bit of money to fix her teeth. It would have been cheaper had she just sought out orthodontic treatment from the beginning.
A dentist explained to BBC that she had treated a patient who lost their tooth because the aligners from SmileDirectClub moved the teeth too quickly. This could have been prevented with an x-ray of the tooth, which is what happens when you visit an orthodontist.
According to the BBC, many patients who seek refunds from these online braces companies are asked to sign non-disclosure agreements to get their money back. Those who refuse to sign may not get a refund. This means that we may not know how many customers really have problems with these braces.
What Are The Risks?
The American Dental Association (ADA) has also warned against online braces because of the risks. It’s not just SmileDirectClub that is a problem. Getting online braces from any of the invisible braces companies online is risky. It could lead to:
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Bite problems
- Nerve damage
Additionally, many of these online braces companies use at-home impression kits. So, patients take impressions themselves at home. Taking impressions is difficult, even for trained professionals. Trying to do it yourself can lead to serious complications and long-term problems.
The problems may not show up for a while either, so you may continue to use the braces, not knowing they are actively causing problems with your teeth.
Are Mail Order Braces Really A Money Saving Choice?
No. If you don’t see an orthodontist regularly in person for adjustments, problems can go unnoticed. This can potentially require more treatment later at additional cost. Additionally, it could lead to expensive damage like tooth loss. Single implants can cost $5,000 or more. This is after you have already spent the money for invisible online braces.
Why See an Orthodontist
Braces are a medical device. Because of the risks of incorrectly straightening the teeth, braces should be used under the supervision of an orthodontist. An orthodontist has specialised training (residency) in orthodontics.
While online companies may promise that treatment will be overseen by a licensed dentist, that is not the same as seeing an orthodontist. An orthodontist provides optimal care for those seeking braces. They constantly evaluate how treatment is going and make adjustments to braces.
Is It Okay To Get Braces From a Dentist?
Dentists can provide orthodontic treatments. However, a dentist is not the same as an orthodontist. Just like you would go to a specialist rather than your primary care physician for certain things, it’s important to do the same for braces treatment as this is a specialized area of dentistry that requires advanced knowledge and training — that which general dentists do not have.
Alternatives to Online Braces
Clear braces and clear Invisalign aligners are very good alternatives to online braces. These are both overseen by an orthodontist.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a very good alternative to online braces for teeth. These clear aligners are comfortable, discreet, and effective. These clear braces work in as little as six months. They are also less painful than traditional braces.
Sure, Invisalign is more expensive than online braces, but the treatment is performed and supervised by an orthodontist. There are also affordable financing options for Invisalign, and in some cases, it’s covered by insurance.
The Bottom Line
You get what you pay for. You might save money buying clear aligners online, but you (probably) won’t get the smile you are hoping for. You could end up with even worse teeth than before. What’s the solution? Schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Johnson for an evaluation of your smile.