We live in a world that is full of clever hacks for saving time and saving money. The trend has even made its way into dentistry, where more and more people with misaligned teeth are using clear aligners to straighten their smile without ever setting foot in a dentist’s office. But is that really a wise idea? Read on to learn of the potential dangers of using a remote aligner service and why you should visit your dentist for clear braces in Mankato.
You Do Not Want to Risk Harming Yourself
Remote aligner companies may take certain precautions to reduce the risk that you will accidentally injure yourself when you are using mail-order aligners. However, they cannot really tell from a few impressions and selfie pictures how your treatment is progressing. Furthermore, while the FDA regulates clear aligners, it does not regulate the practice of orthodontics. You have no way of knowing if the people in the remote aligner company are truly qualified to help you. In a worst-case scenario, trying to straighten your teeth without proper dental supervision could cause you to lose teeth or suffer from other permanent oral health problems.
One of the most dangerous conditions to have when straightening your teeth is periodontal disease (gum disease). This disease affects the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. Loss of bone causes teeth to become loose. Most people with this disease are not even aware they have it because the symptoms are oftentimes vague. The added pressures of moving teeth can increase the speed of bone loss and cause tooth loss. The only way to detect periodontal disease is through a comprehensive evaluation by your dental professional.
A Dentist’s Support Can Prevent and Solve Problems
Remote aligner services may offer some form of support. You may be able to call a hotline or get a quick response to an email if your treatment runs into a problem. However, there is no guarantee that the person who helps you can give you the assistance you need. A slight miscommunication or misunderstanding could cause them to give you faulty advice that adversely affects your treatment.
Conversely, working with Dr. Kalina for your clear braces treatment is much safer. Regular evaluations ensure that your treatment is proceeding smoothly. If you run into an issue with your clear braces (for example, if you damage an aligner or start to experience unusual pain), you can get personalized advice from a professional who is familiar with the details of your case.
There Is No Way to Replace In-Person Dental Exams
When you visit your dentist in Mankato, Dr. Kalina, for your clear braces consultation, he will not just look at the alignment of your teeth. Rather, he will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth and identify any oral health issues that you need to be aware of, such as gum disease or tooth decay. Then, he can recommend a treatment plan that addresses all of the issues affecting your smile.
When you try to go it alone and use a remote aligner service, you miss out on working with face-to-face with a licensed dental professional who truly cares about the long-term well-being of your teeth and gums.
The lower cost and convenience of mail-order braces may be appealing, but do not let yourself be fooled into taking a risk with your smile’s long-term health! Rely on a dentist to give you the in-person help you need to achieve the healthy, attractive smile that you want.
About the Author
Dr. James Kalina is a certified clear braces provider in Mankato who is deeply interested in the oral and overall well-being of his patients. If you have questions about how you can safely achieve a straighter, healthier smile, or you would like to schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact our office at 507-625-2021.
