25 Jun Why should I work with a dentist to straighten my smile?
Patients with misaligned teeth have a number of convenient, user-friendly options to straighten their smiles with minimal disruption to their lives. One such treatment option is Invisalign in which a dentist works closely with the patient to realign the teeth using a progressive series of clear plastic trays.
Other options send the trays directly to the patient, with infrequent monitoring by the provider who is treating your case. This option is highlighted as being less expensive, but there are a number of potential pitfalls that may negatively affect your results.
How Clear Aligner Therapy Works
Clear aligner therapy, whether through Invisalign or a direct-to-patient option, repositions the teeth by using removable trays made of clear plastic to apply the desired forces to the teeth. The treatment process is similar in both systems. The patient will:
- Receive custom-designed aligner trays to meet their unique specifications
- Wear aligner trays as directed, at least 22 hours each day
- Switch to a new aligner tray according to the schedule provided (typically every other week)
Although the approaches are similar, the patient experience with Invisalign and direct-to-patient options may not be the same.
Benefits Of A Dentist’s Expertise With Invisalign
Working with a dentist to straighten your smile with Invisalign can have a number of advantages, such as:
- Less margin for error: Having an experienced professional take any necessary dental impressions results in more accurate impressions to guide the design of your trays.
- Ability to address more complex situations: Direct-to-patient options can’t accommodate attachments that may be needed to address severe misalignments or malocclusions.
- Closer monitoring of your progress: An Invisalign provider is inspecting your teeth in person every six weeks to make sure that treatment is going as expected. A dentist contracted by a direct-to-patient company will examine photos of your smile every few months, but problems can develop in such an extended interval.
- Greater accountability for patient adherence: Knowing that you’ll be expected to check in personally with someone every six weeks who is monitoring your progress can be a powerful tool for motivation to follow the treatment plan closely.
You may be tempted by the lower price tag of a direct-to-patient option vs. Invisalign, but it’s important to take a broader perspective. Having the opportunity to consult individually with your provider is worth the additional investment.
To learn more about the benefits of Invisalign and find out if it will be the right option for you, visit our office for a no-obligation consultation. Call Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry today to schedule your appointment.