Why Choose Invisalign® Over At-Home Aligners
Maybe you’ve seen the television commercials, or maybe you’ve been watching the ads on social media for at-home invisible aligners to straighten the teeth. At-home aligners have become a growing trend in dentistry within the last few years. This treatment alleges that patients can straighten teeth, improve their bite alignment, and eliminate gaps to enhance the appearance of the smile and improve overall functionality. The advertisements may sound intriguing, especially since the entire process can be done in the privacy of one’s home. Patients can avoid making dental appointments, order their kit only, and achieve results in a short period of time. But is it effective?
Comparing at-home aligners versus Invisalign® aligners
The dental team at Dental365 offers traditional Invisalign® aligner trays to new and existing patients who qualify. When comparing these at-home alternatives, patients need to keep in mind several concerns that may make them reconsider these new trends:
- Dental insurance coverage - patients with dental insurance will find that most insurance companies will not cover the cost, or even part of the cost, of these in-home aligners. This is because there is not enough research to conclusively prove that treatment done at home and not with a dentist is 100% safe.
- Future corrective treatment – in a study performed in 2017 by the American Association of Orthodontists, it was found the 39% of orthodontists who saw patients after DIY in-home aligner attempts had to undergo some form of corrective dental treatment after problems resulted from patients trying to straighten their smiles using these options.
- Short-term results – the movement and rotation of the natural teeth during orthodontic treatment is a complex process that requires time and proper treatments with a licensed dental provider. If patients are realigning their smile with these at-home aligners and do so too fast, they may not be able to maintain the results over time. This is especially true if they are not using any type of retainer to keep the teeth in their proper alignment.
Are you ready to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign®?
Connect with our dental team at one of our locations throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut by calling (844) 365-DENTAL. Our professionals can educate patients on the advantages of working with a dentist to realign their smile appropriately, effectively, and safely with Invisalign® aligners.
