The phrase that is going to define 2020 is likely “social distancing,” but despite everyone’s interactions being mostly digital these days, millions of people still want to improve their smiles by straightening their teeth. With mail-order clear aligners, you can get the care you need without even having to step foot in an office, so it’s the perfect option for our current times, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, according to your orthodontist in Powell, mail-order braces are always a bad idea, no matter the circumstances, and here’s why.
Sanitation
To date, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 stemming from dental or orthodontic practices, and that’s because most offices have implemented several new health and safety protocols to greatly reduce the risk of infection. These days, an orthodontic office is one of the cleanest, safest places you can visit, and you can trust that your braces are being handled by highly-trained professionals at all times. With mail-order braces, you really have no clue where your aligners have been before you put them in your mouth, seeing as how they’ve needed to be shipped and go through multiple processing centers (and who knows how many hands).
Trust the Professionals
Moving the teeth through orthodontics is a very sensitive process. If the teeth are adjusted incorrectly, not only will the smile not look right, but the bite may be misaligned as well, which can lead to pain as well as chewing and speaking difficulties. Plus, moving the teeth too fast can actually cause damage to the roots and bone, leading to several problems, including tooth loss! When it comes to your teeth, it’s always wise to trust a board-certified orthodontist, who has gone through years of advanced training to move the teeth in the safest and most efficient way possible.
Help Right When You Need It
Many patients are able to start and end their orthodontic treatment without any bumps along the way, but others need help throughout the process. Whether an aligner doesn’t fit right, is lost, or the braces need to be altered to deliver better results, consistent in-person progress checks are essential to any orthodontic treatment. These just aren’t possible with mail-order braces, and in many cases, the person handling your teeth isn’t even an orthodontist, but rather a general dentist who lacks the dedicated training.
Do a Little Research
Right now, you can find articles online about many, many people suing mail-order braces services because they ended up with crooked and damaged teeth. Often, this ended up costing them thousands more compared to just visiting an orthodontist in the first place!
When it comes to safety, effectiveness, and reliable results, it’s always best to visit an orthodontist in person—your smile and wallet will come out better in the end!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University and an award-winning, board-certified orthodontist. He and his team have helped countless children and adults achieve straighter, healthier smiles, and they are eager to do the same for you in our safe, state-of-the-art office. To learn more about our health and safety protocols and schedule a FREE in-person consultation, contact us today.