Should You Use Mail-Order Aligners?

If you have an overbite, crowded teeth, or a jaw that is not aligned correctly, you may be looking for a solution. Clear plastic aligners are more discreet than metal braces, and you can even order a set online and have them shipped to your home — but should you?

There are a number of companies that are advertising DIY orthodontics that promise to straighten your teeth without the need to go to an orthodontist. However, there are concerns that the aligners do not always correct the teeth as advertised, and they may even cause dental issues over. Here’s what to consider before ordering direct-to-consumer aligners.

1. Cost

Mail-order aligners might end up costing more than you think — and certainly more than the number you see advertised on the company’s website. Remember, aligners generally aren’t covered by insurance, so you have to pay for them out of pocket. In addition, you will have to pay extra if your teeth need additional adjustments or repairs during the process.

For example, several companies require you to submit your own X-rays. Unless you happen to have a recent X-ray of your teeth lying around, this will be another expense.

2. Damage to Your Teeth

If your aligners aren't properly fitted, they not only will cause soreness and pain, but they can cause serious damage to your gums and tooth enamel. It’s hard to know what qualifies as “properly fitted” unless you see a doctor in person.

Many mail-order companies do offer virtual consultations with orthodontists, which is a step in the right direction, but this can lead to some issues going underreported. If you say that your teeth “only hurt a little bit” and the doctor assures you that’s normal, you could be missing a serious problem that an in-person examination would catch.

3. Less Effective Results

Mail-order aligners are best for small corrections. While the aligners may move your teeth slightly to correct crookedness or spacing issues, they will not correct bad bites or misalignment of your jawbone. The only way to correct these problems is with professionally supervised orthodontic treatment.

It’s worth considering if you will end up needing to see a doctor anyway. For instance, if six months of wearing cheap aligners doesn’t fix your problem, you will have wasted time and money before needing to schedule an orthodontic appointment — something you could have done in the first place. For moderate to severe cases of misalignment, it's best to see an orthodontist who can provide the proper corrective devices.

4. No Aftercare

If you use DIY orthodontics, you may not receive any aftercare. Once you’re done with the program, there are rarely any follow-up appointments or check-ins a few months down the line. 

You will likely have a retainer to keep your alignment issues from returning, but it’s best to see a doctor every six months to monitor your teeth. Once again, if you are going to see a dentist anyway, it may not actually save that much money to use mail-order aligners. 

Comparison Shop Before You Buy

Why not try both? It never hurts to compare your options. Schedule an in-person appointment with an orthodontist, and ask what treatment they’d recommend. You may also be able to ask your regular dentist if you’re already there for preventative cleaning. 

Keep an open mind, and see what they say. An orthodontist can evaluate your teeth and make sure your jaw is healthy enough to handle the pressure of wearing aligners every day. They will likely recommend an office-supervised treatment like Invisalign, and they can give you a price estimate. You can talk to the orthodontist about dental insurance coverage and ask if they offer a payment plan or discounts on additional services. 

Then, armed with that information, you can make a more accurate comparison of the mail-order services you’re considering. Perhaps the in-office quote was for less than you thought, and you determine the mail-order method isn’t worth the risk. Or, maybe your orthodontist explained that your teeth need very little correcting, and you think a mail-order option may be sufficient and save you some money.

The bottom line is that mail-order aligners are not a magic cure-all. They are just one tool in your orthodontic arsenal, and it’s best to not assume that they are your best option.

Research Your Choices

If you are still interested in mail-order aligners, it’s important to thoroughly research the companies that offer them to get a clear picture of what you’re getting into. Here are some questions you can ask before signing up for a service:

• How long have you been in business?

• Is your company insured?

• How many aligner sets do patients typically require?

• Will I need to provide my own X-rays?

• What access do I have to orthodontic help during the treatment?

• Do I pay as I go, or is payment required upfront?

That old saying of “it’s too good to be true” applies here. If a company claims to have some “new technology” or “revolutionary method,” be cautious. Aligners generally all work the same way. Another downside of newer companies is that you can’t speak to any patients who are five or more years post-treatment. In other words, you have no way of knowing that this company’s system produces lasting results.

Too few aligners is a problem, too. The mail-order company may save money by sending you fewer aligner sets, but this could mean that you jump too quickly between sizes and risk damage to your teeth. 

Look carefully at third-party reviews, and make sure that you read through all of the terms of service carefully before signing up. Know what the refund policy is if you need to discontinue the treatment.

Talk to Your Dentist

Just like you’d probably talk to your primary care physician about a new medical treatment, whatever you decide to do here, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist. Make them aware of your decision to try aligners so they can continue to offer the best ongoing care for your oral health.