There’s been a lot of talk about mail-in orthodontic appliances since the pandemic’s start. This upsurge resulted from dental patients trying to find ways to receive orthodontic care in an environment where it was difficult to do so. The perceived savings and convenience of receiving orthodontic care in this manner made it very attractive, but there were hidden risks. The oversight of your orthodontist or dentist is essential while this care is being performed. We’ll talk about the dangers of mail-in aligners and when they can be a safe option below.
Understanding The Perils of Online Aligner Kits
The drive to achieve a beautiful smile is one that is shared by people all over the world. Even more importantly, the need for healthy, properly aligned teeth cannot be understated. These two facts combine to make affordable orthodontic care essential to delivering meaningful care. Mail-in orthodontics can provide attractive discounts on the cost of receiving care in a clinic. There are numerous risks of orthodontic care received remotely. However, it’s essential to distinguish between mail-order orthodontics and out-of-office orthodontic treatment.
- Out-Of-Office Orthodontics: This form of orthodontic care is performed under the supervision of your dentist. You’ll meet with them via teledentistry when possible but can do a physical office visit when the need arises. Part of out-of-office orthodontics may involve receiving a mail-in dental impression kit. Using this kit, you’ll take a dental impression and send it back to your dentist’s office. They’ll inspect it, contact you with any questions and concerns, and then send it in to have the aligner’s made.
- Mail-Order Orthodontics: This form of orthodontic care doesn’t involve a physical office visit at any stage. You will receive a mail-in impression kit which the remote provider will use to order your orthodontic aligners. In most cases, this kind of care doesn’t involve the use of dental imaging or physical inspections of your oral cavity. The only tool you use to produce your orthodontics is the impression kit you send back.
As you can see, there’s a distinct difference between these two different kinds of care. The first is an extension of your in-office dental care. The second is an impersonal form of care with limited oversight. This lack of oversight may result in undesirable results and complications from unaddressed underlying issues. Out-of-office orthodontic care still involves regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure everything is progressing.
Speak To Our Team About Out-Of-Office Orthodontic Care
Our team believes giving every dental patient that personal touch is essential. As your dental providers, we’re invested in the lasting oral health of your children. This ensures that we take the time to ensure that every step of the orthodontic treatment goes smoothly. If something worrying comes up, we’re just a phone call away. Using your local dentist for your orthodontic needs means you’ll be working with a team who knows your family’s dental history and oral health concerns. Don’t take chances with the future of your children’s oral health. Call us about orthodontic treatment options today.
