Five Things You Won’t Get with Mail-Order Orthodontics

The internet has made it easy and convenient to get nearly anything you want immediately without leaving your couch. This trend has even hit the orthodontic world, with direct-to-consumer aligners growing in popularity daily. But are mail-ordered orthodontics worth it? Kovacs Orthodontics looks at five things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontics and why in-person treatment is the best option for your smile.

Mail-order aligners rely heavily on the idea of lower prices and the convenience of avoiding trips to the orthodontist for checkups and adjustments. We know it can be tempting to consider mail-ordering orthodontic treatment, but you should know that most orthodontists and dentists don’t recommend them. Let’s look at some things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontic treatment and how Kovacs Orthodontics can give you the smile you deserve efficiently and effectively!

In-Person Clinical Exam

The best way to get the results you’re looking for is to evaluate your starting point thoroughly. During your initial examination, Dr. Kovacs uses digital photographs to examine the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. We will also take full mouth X-rays and a digital scan that is so precise it eliminates the need for goopy impressions. 

This detailed information ensures clear aligners are the proper route for your treatment plan and avoid complications later from cavities, gum disease, and other related problems not picked up in basic impressions or photos. 

With mail-order aligners, the first step is receiving your in-home impression kit. Some options also ask you to include intraoral photos, but the information used to determine eligibility is very basic. 

Once you mail the impression back, a dentist or technician will review it and decide if the patient is a good candidate for clear aligners. This is based on your current tooth alignment and does not factor in many essential components of the orthodontic process. Without considering all of the variables, you may end up with subpar results, costing you more time and money. 

Customized Treatment Plans

Your teeth and gums should always be in good condition before any tooth movement is attempted to avoid unexpected problems. While clear aligners can be an excellent option for many patients, they aren’t for everyone. Some cases are much more severe or require specific treatments before starting the movement of your teeth. In cases where more precise or complicated movements are needed, you may save time and money by opting for traditional metal or clear braces. 

At Kovacs Orthodontics, we consider your individual needs and goals before creating your treatment plan. We want to be sure the treatment plan we give you will make the best use of your time while utilizing our expertise in orthodontic care to reach your goals. We use the information gathered during your in-office consultation and combine it with the data from your imaging to determine what will fit your lifestyle with the most outstanding results. 

Supervision During Treatment

During your treatment, your teeth may move slower or faster than anticipated, things that require minor adjustments, or we may need to modify your current treatment plan. Having regular check-ins with our expert team is crucial during your aligner process. 

When you opt for mail-order aligners, you are given a treatment timeline to follow. This timeline is based on your initial teeth impressions and what should happen over time but does not account for any deviations that may pop up unexpectedly. This hands-off approach can cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. 

Treatment for Other Orthodontic Needs

Many orthodontic issues lie below the gum line and with the jaw itself. Messy impressions and cell phone images can’t capture these details to give a complete picture of your oral health. These issues can’t be treated with mail-order aligners and can be worse by using them. With this treatment method, processes like widening your jaw, aligning your bite, and correcting rotations cannot be accomplished.

Knowing your specific orthodontic concerns is more effective so you can have the best possible outcome. Dr. Kovacs can assess your condition throughout the whole process, allowing multiple treatment plans to create your perfect smile and adjust along the way as needed. 

Lower Cost and Quicker Results

The old saying that you get what you pay for is never more true than when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. While mail-order options may seem quick and inexpensive, the potential risks can cost you more in the long run since you won’t get the supervised care that a trained orthodontist provides.

Utilizing all options specific to your dental situation while under specialized care is the only way to ensure the quickest and most beneficial method to a better smile. Most orthodontists can now compete with the prices that mail-order aligners boast. Here at Kovacs Orthodontics, we offer a variety of patient-specific payment plans and accept most orthodontic dental insurances to provide outstanding value for a reasonable price. 

Trust Kovacs Orthodontics for Efficient and Effective Treatment

You wouldn’t go on a road trip without researching the best route to get you to your ultimate destination. Don’t start your orthodontic treatment without the same consideration!

Our expert team at Kovacs Orthodontics takes pride in making your experience pleasant and personalized, from your initial consultation to your final checkup. If you are wondering what the best route to your perfect smile is, schedule your FREE consultation in Billings or Miles City today, and let us help you confidently navigate this journey.

Posted by Kovacs Orthodontics