Alternatives to Mail-Order Orthodontic Treatment

Straight teeth can be achieved with different kinds of braces or Invisalign. Both of these treatments are best done through an actual orthodontist’s office rather than using mail-order orthodontic treatment. Some might be enticed by the convenience offered by mail-order treatments, but similar treatment options are available through qualified orthodontists without the risks that come with the mail-order option.

Dangers of Mail-Order Braces

Without seeing an orthodontist in person and having them take x-rays, you cannot safely have your teeth straightened. Any underlying dental issues you might have cannot be diagnosed without having an actual professional take a peek under the surface and inspect your teeth in person. Mail-order braces only use molds of your teeth taken by you and sent to the company, completely inhibiting a full analysis of your teeth.

Invisalign Lite

Invisalign Lite is an excellent treatment option for those who need to fix intermediate orthodontic issues. This variation of Invisalign is able to adjust all of your teeth so smile and bite problems can be corrected. This option has a relatively quick treatment time – four to eight months – so it is a great alternative to mail-order treatment.

Invisalign Express

Invisalign Express is, as it says, an express way of treating any minor misalignments you might have in your teeth. This treatment option takes about three months to correct your smile and is a great option for those whose teeth are only slightly out of place. If you had braces at one point and didn’t wear your retainers as much as you should have and now need some slight adjustments, this is a great option for you. This is a cheaper and quicker option than Invisalign Lite and Full and comparable to mail-order orthodontic treatment.

Other Options

For those who need more extensive work done to their alignment, Invisalign Full and ceramic braces are excellent options to get you the smile of your dreams. Both of these options are discreet and offer the ability to correct more extensive orthodontic issues. Invisalign Full has some restrictions as to what it can correct, but ceramic braces are essentially limitless. They are just regular braces that are much less noticeable while worn than traditional metal braces. Treatment times for both of these options vary from nine months to two years, depending on the severity of your misalignment.

Mail-order braces might seem like a cheap, easy option to get the smile you have always dreamed of, but it is not the best or safest way to do so. You are much better off using a more traditional treatment plan with a qualified orthodontist who can thoroughly diagnose your issues and monitor your progress. You wouldn’t want any issues with your bite to go undiagnosed and end up with more problems down the road as a result.

At Milnor Orthodontics , we strongly recommend seeing a real, live orthodontist for treatment. Call us at (970) 355-3437 to schedule a free consultation and meet our team!