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The Facts About Direct-to-Consumer Braces

By June 29, 2021July 12th, 2021No Comments

Direct-to-consumer braces are receiving a lot of attention, and it’s no wonder with all of the benefits they claim to offer people who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to straighten their teeth. 

If you’re considering using direct-to-consumer braces as a treatment option, it’s important that you have access to the facts, so that you can make an informed decision. 

Before we cover what these “smile kits” can and can’t do for you, let’s look at the more traditional route of professional orthodontic treatments and why it’s considered the gold standard for teeth straightening. 

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What a professional orthodontist does

Orthodontistry is a recognized field within medicine, and anyone wishing to practice orthodontics must undergo several years of study and training in order to get licensed. 

Professional associations also provide necessary oversight to the field, keeping on top of new advancements, medical ethics, and best practices within orthodontics. 

When you seek the services of a professional orthodontist, you are benefitting from the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of not only the individual practitioner but the entire industry and its many years of research and progress. 

What direct-to-consumer braces offer

The most compelling aspect of “smile kits” you can order online without ever having to visit an orthodontist’s clinic is their affordability. This is a strong incentive for people who want to improve their smile without making a significant financial investment. 

Usually, ordering direct-to-consumer braces involves submitting an impression and a photo of your teeth to the company and then receiving a set of aligners in the mail at regular intervals. The emphasis is placed on providing quick and convenient service. 

Because the process works through self-provided photographs, it only assesses the teeth and gum issues that can be seen with the naked eye, like crooked teeth, gaps, and overcrowding. Any underlying conditions or issues that start below the surface are impossible to diagnose this way, so they aren’t factored into your treatment plan. 

Professional Orthodontics Pays for Itself

Creating a healthy, beautiful smile is about more than just appearances. Responsible and effective orthodontic treatments go beyond the surface to treat and diagnose your entire jaw, bite, facial structure, and more. Although it may require a higher investment of time and money, professional orthodontic treatment pays for itself in the long run. 

Likewise, direct-to-consumer braces often end up costing more than expected, since they can cause serious issues, including a misaligned bite, cracking, and tooth loss, that need to be corrected later on.

Read More:

Why Braces are Great for Fixing Gaps in Teeth
Foods to Avoid While You Have Braces