Internet Braces vs. Invisalign

The 21st century has brought many great improvements to orthodontic treatment. And the internet has made many products readily available for order, including braces.

Yes, you can now order braces online. But is that really a good idea?

What Are Internet Braces?

Some companies offer to fix your teeth without you ever having to go to a dentist or orthodontist. Traditional braces with brackets and wires would obviously be impossible to install by yourself at home. So these companies sell plastic trays like Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth. The benefits of this type of treatment include the convenience of not having to go to appointments and a lower cost.

With these products, you take a 3D mold of your teeth at home and send it in to the company’s laboratory. They take your mold and create a treatment process and plastic aligning trays for you to wear. These are sent back to you with instructions on how long to wear each tray and when to switch them out.

It sounds simple and easy, but there are some complications.

How Are Internet Braces Different Than Invisalign?

Internet braces may be convenient if you don’t want to leave your home, but they are not as reliable or safe as traditional braces or Invisalign.

Invisalign is trusted and used by countless orthodontists around the country. You will need a professional orthodontist to take your 3D scans for Invisalign to work properly. The 3D molds used with internet braces may not be as accurate since they are not taken by a trained professional.

Invisalign is also monitored by your orthodontist, who creates a specific treatment plan for you and checks your progress on a regular basis. Your plan may need to change depending on your progress with Invisalign and how quickly your teeth move. Not having a professional see you every few months could lead to serious problems in your orthodontic treatment and may make some of your issues worse.

Are Internet Braces a Good Idea?

While some might want the freedom of undergoing their orthodontic treatment on their own, it is best to see a professional. Orthodontists are here to help you with all of your orthodontic needs.

It’s extremely important to have x-rays done of your teeth before you start your treatment. These can show what is happening below your gums, like impacted teeth or short roots. Some of these issues would need more treatment than just plastic tray aligners.

You might need a different type of treatment besides internet braces. Every orthodontic case is different, and tray aligners might not be the best option for you. Many people need brackets and wires to fix their teeth spacing issues and bite alignment.

Using mail order orthodontic treatment may work for some, but we believe it is best to see a real orthodontist in person. This guarantees that you have the best chance of getting the highest quality of service and treatment possible.