Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are made of a clear, plastic material that is moulded into the shape of your teeth. From an initial scan or impression, a series of aligners are made to incrementally straighten your teeth. They are custom fit and virtually invisible which makes them a popular choice for those who are self-conscious about undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Every patient (and their presenting case) is different, so it is important to always consult a specialist to help you make an informed decision. It is best to consult a registered orthodontist who will help you make the right decision about the health of your smile.

In the last few years, we have seen an influx of mail order clear aligner “do it yourself” orthodontic products enter the Australian market. They are sold direct to consumers, meaning there is no face-to-face clinical assessment by an orthodontist. But the repercussions can be devastating.

Here are four reasons why algorithms, apps and technologies cannot replace an actual human orthodontist.

• Orthodontists are specialists who dedicate their lives to learning. Orthodontics is a complex field that requires intense study and practical training. A specialist orthodontist was first a general dentist before undergoing an additional three years of full-time study to become a qualified specialist. Those three years plus many more years of cumulative learning in the field are a big deal and cannot be replicated by an app or a retail shop assistant.
• While apps and technologies have evolved in the past few years, they cannot emulate human emotion and empathy. When you are in a dental chair about to undergo a complex medical procedure, you want to ensure you trust the person behind the tools. While corporations see their patients as customers, orthodontists see their patients as people. This means that there is a human relationship underlying the professional one, which creates a solid foundation of trust.
• Healthcare is the last place you should go bargain hunting. Mail order orthodontic services are sold at a fraction of the price for a reason, and many people are discovering that fast and cheap is not the solution for a healthy and attractive smile in the long term. Orthodontic procedures performed without professional supervision can lead to disappointing results and may cause lasting damage to your teeth and gums. This means that you may later need a specialist orthodontist to provide corrective treatment at an extra cost to you.
• Simply put, one-on-one, in person orthodontic relationships create the best results. Orthodontics is complex procedure requiring a thorough pre-treatment clinical and X-ray assessment and ongoing supervision to ensure the proposed tooth movements are safe, feasible and long lasting. Direct to consumer orthodontics cannot replace generations of practice and years of learning.

Read about the risk of mail order teeth straightening here (information by the Australian Society of Orthodontists)