Invisalign vs Online Aligners: the Clear Winner
In recent years, teeth straightening aligners purchased online have become popular. We see these devices promoted on TV and radio ads, and by social media influencers who share their clear aligner success stories. But before you spend your hard-earned money, it’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of buying dental treatments like aligners online.
While DIY orthodontics (where you purchase clear aligners online) can appear to be a bargain, the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) and British Orthodontic Society (BOS) are planning a consumer education campaign.
BOS President Jonathan Sandler explains: “If you embark on any orthodontic treatment without a suitably trained clinician taking the time to examine you and make appropriate recommendations, you could be in real danger of having potentially life-threatening conditions missed as well as inappropriate and dangerous treatment carried out…One of the issues with DIY orthodontics is that it offers just one narrow solution when there may be a more appropriate one for the patient. If you have a hammer, it is amazing how often everything looks like a nail. The value of informed choice cannot be overestimated.”
With some DIY orthodontic clear aligners claiming to be up to 70% less than doctor-led Invisalign treatment, in the absence of face-to-face dental visits, the results you expect may not eventuate.
Another point to consider is the rising rates of orthodontic retreatment after ‘mail-order’ clear aligners have not provided the expected results. USA based Dr Emilia Taneva notes, “Many patients have come to my office for retreatment after having mail-ordered dental aligners placed in their mouths. These patients weren’t properly diagnosed, underlying conditions and pathologies weren’t identified, and the necessary type of treatment wasn’t provided.”
Aria Dental offers a range of orthodontic treatments for adults including Invisalign. Our dentists can advise you on the most appropriate teeth straightening treatment for you.
What is Invisalign?
Adult orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. Aria Dental’s adult patients can now get straighter teeth without necessarily needing to wear braces. Our orthodontic treatment includes slimline metal braces, translucent braces, and transparent aligners known as Invisalign.
Aria Dental helps our patients get the smile they want with Invisalign, an innovative orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth and is virtually invisible. Using clear aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of removable and invisible clear aligners that gently move your teeth into position. The aligners slot over your teeth like a thin sports mouthguard.
Composed from medical grade BPA-free clear thermoplastic, Invisalign aligners are clear and are virtually invisible so no one will know you’re having orthodontic treatment.
Your Invisalign consultation at Aria Dental begins with an assessment of your teeth. Because not every patient is a suitable candidate for Invisalign, we take the time to digitally scan your teeth and take X-rays. If you are a suitable candidate, your Aria Dental dentist can customise your orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.
The benefits of dental-led orthodontic treatment
When it comes to your dental health, it’s important that a face-to-face dental consultation occurs.
Aria Dental begins by assessing whether Invisalign treatment is appropriate for you. After taking digital scans and X-rays, we use 3D technology to create your clear aligners. We also take an image of your teeth as they are now and how your teeth will appear when they’re straighter.
Invisalign uses this technology to create custom-made sets of aligners to fit your teeth that are changed every two weeks.
Each set of clear aligners gently moves your teeth into position. Invisalign clear aligners must be worn 22 hours a day but can be removed for business meetings, playing sport or when you eat, brush or floss your teeth.
Invisalign is one of the most advanced digital orthodontic treatment systems. Unlike DIY orthodontic treatments, Aria Dental’s Invisalign clear aligners are custom designed in-house by our team of highly trained and experienced dentists.
Invisalign Treatments
Aria Dental offers four types of Invisalign treatments, including:
- Invisalign Comprehensive: the best option if you require major orthodontic treatment. The clear aligners will deliver results over a 12-18-month period.
- Invisalign Lite: a good option to correct your 6 front teeth. Expect to see straighter teeth in 6 months.
- Invisalign Express: a quicker way to correct your 6 front teeth. Results can be expected in 3 months.
- Invisalign First: this orthodontic treatment for children prepares their teeth and jaw to help reduce the likelihood of extensive orthodontic treatment during their teenage years.
When you receive orthodontic treatment from Aria Dental, you get peace of mind that you’re supported by an experienced dentist. A DIY orthodontic treatment may result in unexpected results where your dental health could be compromised.
Spark Aligners
Another clear aligner option offered at Aria is Spark. These aligners have truly revolutionised the orthodontic landscape, offering a superior alternative to traditional braces. With their advanced technology, aligner material, custom treatment plans, comfort, and convenience, like Invisalign, Spark stands out among its online competitors. Discussion orthodontic needs with an experienced dentist’s to determine if Spark is the best treatment option for your specific case. You may find your private health fund will contribute to the cost of your clear aligner orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign at Aria Dental
Aria Dental is Perth’s leading dental practice. Our experienced team of dentists provide orthodontic treatment in luxurious surroundings. Book your initial Invisalign appointment at Aria Dental.