The Benefits of Choosing an Orthodontist Over Mail-Order Aligners

We all just want to have the smile we deserve, so what are the benefits of choosing an orthodontist over mail-order aligner treatment to get it? The entire straightening process can seem overwhelming until you see an ad for mail-order aligners and think, “This is my solution!” While it may seem the best option initially, there are plenty of reasons to avoid the easy route and choose an orthodontist for your new smile!

Mail-order aligners significantly lean on the promise of lower prices and the convenience of avoiding trips to the orthodontist for checkups and adjustments. It only makes sense that you’re considering mail-order orthodontic treatment, but you might be surprised to know that most orthodontists and dentists don’t recommend them. 

Dr. Andrew Leland and his experienced team at Leland Orthodontics in Reno, NV, are proud to offer the latest technology design to improve your smile and the journey to discovering it. We encourage every patient to participate actively in their treatment and pride ourselves in providing the most efficient treatment that results in beautiful smiles. Let’s look at some of the things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontics and how Leland Orthodontics can efficiently and conveniently help you show off your smile!

Customized Treatment Plans

Your teeth and gums should always be in good condition before any tooth movement is attempted to avoid unexpected problems. While Invisalign can be an excellent option for many patients, it isn’t for everyone. Some cases, such as complex alignment or those with bridgework, may require specific treatments, so you may save time and money by opting for traditional metal or clear braces. Dr. Leland can advise you on which options work best for your smile goals. 

At Leland Orthodontics, we always consider your individual needs and goals before creating your treatment plan. We want to be sure the treatment plan we offer will make the best use of your time and goals while utilizing our expertise in ortho care. We use the information gathered during your personal in-office consultation and combine it with the data from your imaging to determine what will fit your lifestyle with the most significant results. 

Initial Clinical Exam

The best way to get where you’re going is to know where you’re coming from to calculate the best route to your destination. While this makes sense for a road trip, it also makes excellent sense for your orthodontic journey. During your initial examination, Dr. Leland looks closely at the tissue and bone supporting your teeth using digital photographs, full mouth x-rays, and a digital scan which is so precise it will eliminate the need for goopy impressions.

This detailed information ensures clear aligners are the proper route for your individual treatment plan and avoid complications later from cavities, gum disease, and other related problems not picked up in basic impressions or photos.  Also, treatment for mild anterior crowding often requires the filing of the teeth to make room for the teeth to fit. This cannot be provided by mail order treatment.   

With mail-order aligners, the first step is receiving your in-home impression kit. Some options also ask you to include intraoral photos, but the information used to determine eligibility is generally very basic. Once the impression is mailed back, a dentist or technician will review it and decide if the patient is suitable for clear aligners.

This eligibility is based on your current tooth alignment and does not factor in many vital components of the orthodontic process. Without X-rays and a clinical exam, they cannot diagnose your bone health, periodontal status, or jaw function.  Without considering all the variables, you may end up with subpar results, costing you more time and money. 

At Leland Orthodontics, we believe that your first orthodontic visit is your most important one. Our expert and experienced orthodontist will take as much time as you need to answer your questions and decide what kind of treatment is best for you. Dr. Leland and his team will then walk you through the process to explain everything from scheduling to expected discomfort levels, even finances like insurance coverage and payment options.

Treatment for All Your Orthodontic Needs

Many orthodontic issues lie below the gum line and with the jaw itself, where goopy impressions and cell phone images can’t capture data. These issues can’t be treated with mail-order aligners and can be made worse using mail-order aligners. With this treatment method, processes like widening your jaw, aligning your bite, and correcting rotations can’t be accomplished.

It is more effective to know your specific orthodontic concerns ahead of time so you can have the best possible outcome. Dr. Leland will be able to assess your condition throughout the whole process, allowing multiple treatment plans to create your perfect smile and adjust along the way as needed. 

Professional Supervision During Treatment

During your treatment, your teeth will move slower or faster than anticipated, things can come up that require minor adjustments, or you may need to modify your current treatment plan. Having regular check-ins with your orthodontist is crucial during your aligner process. 

When you opt for mail-order aligners, you get assigned a treatment timeline to follow. This timeline is based on your initial teeth impressions and what should happen over time but does not account for any deviations that may pop up unexpectedly. This hands-off calendar approach can cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. 

Dr. Leland is an orthodontist, which means that after his eight years of formal college and dental education, he spent an additional two years learning the skills needed to manage tooth movement and guide facial development. This specialization means he is best qualified to guide you on your journey to your perfect smile!

Lower Cost & Quicker Results

The old saying that you get what you pay for is never more true than when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. While mail-order options may seem quick and inexpensive, the potential risks could prove costly since you won’t get the supervised care that a trained orthodontist provides. 

Utilizing all options specific to your dental situation while under specialized care, you can ensure the quickest and most beneficial method to a better smile. Most orthodontists can now compete with the prices that mail-order aligners boast. Here at Leland Orthodontics, we offer a variety of patient-specific payment plans and accept most dental insurances to ensure treatment is always affordable. Our goal is to give you outstanding value at a reasonable price. 

Don’t Risk a Mail-Order Mess, Trust Leland Orthodontics with your Smile!

Leave the deliveries to your groceries and online gift shopping, and let our Leland Orthodontics team show you that you’re not just an order number here. Your smile is our top priority! Our experienced doctor and expert team understand the importance of a straight, beautiful smile, so you’ll find high-tech but affordable braces and clear aligner treatment!

We take pride in making your experience pleasant and personalized, from your initial consultation to your most recent check-up. If you are looking for the best route to your perfect smile, request your free consultation today and let us help you confidently navigate this journey.