Some frozen pizza brands attempt to compare themselves to pizza delivery, but is it a valid comparison for the quality of the product? When it comes to straightening teeth, is it reasonable to compare do-it-yourself clear aligners like Smile Direct Club to Invisalign?
With do-it-yourself orthodontics like Smile Direct Club, patients give informed consent that they have had a recent dental checkup and a remote dentist approves the treatment and sets up a plan. Invisalign involves in-office dental consultations where a treatment plan is developed.
Keep reading to discover the various factors why Invisalign in Orange Park is the superior option for clear aligners.
Able to Address Complex Orthodontic Cases
Unless your teeth are only slightly misaligned, Smile Direct Club will not be able to compete. In fact, they specifically tell customers that people with extensive dental needs or a history of poor oral health should not use their product. Meanwhile, Invisalign can treat both mild and moderate misalignment cases.
Dental Organizations Speak Up on the Matter
Invisalign is recommended by all major professional dental organizations. On the other hand, the American Association of Orthodontists has issued a consumer warning about all direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies.
The American Dental Association strongly discourages all “do-it-yourself” orthodontics and has filed a complaint specifically against Smile Direct Club. These organizations believe that dental care should be supervised by a trained professional, which at-home options like Smile Direct Club cannot offer.
Problems Can Be Identified Via Dentist Supervision
During treatment with Smile Direct Club, they will rely on you to send photos and updates along with the remote checkups. If there are problems along the way, you’ll need to identify them and alert your remote dentist.
Meanwhile, with Invisalign, your dentist will tell you if there are any changes or unwanted developments during treatment and they can make adjustments immediately. Dental supervision also means they can detect other potential issues like tooth decay or gum disease early on.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment times depend on each individual’s case and how well they follow instructions of the treatment plan. Since Invisalign can help more complex cases, it will generally have longer treatment times. Smile Direct Club will point to saving time throughout treatment by cutting out in-person checkups with a dentist, but it still involves remote checkups, so you’ll need to set aside time for those.
Added Costs Down the Road
Smile Direct Club advertises a cost of $2,000, but with any complications or the need for additional trays, there is an added cost. Invisalign costs about $5,000 with the dental visit and all associated monitoring, so there are no hidden surprises as you follow your treatment plan. While Smile Direct Club may tout the initial cost as an advantage, Invisalign offers guaranteed results and visiting a dentist in person to lay claim to better value for the money spent.
In the end, you will make a significant financial investment either way. With that being said, don’t you want to spend money on the product you know can deliver significant positive changes? The disapproval of Smile Direct Club by major dental organizations should be all the proof you need that Invisalign under the supervision of your dentist is the way to go.
About the Practice
At Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry, we prioritize the patient experience above all else. You can expect to be comfortable while will strive to provide high-quality work. If you have particular concerns, our dentists want you to share them so that we can do our best to put your mind at ease. Our practice has been serving the Orange Park community for more than 30 years and we just want to keep building on that tradition of excellence. If you are looking for a straighter smile, we will be happy to tell you more about why Invisalign is your best option, whether you have crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, or a bite alignment issue. Schedule a consultation on our website or call (904) 272-0800.