These days you can do almost anything from an iPhone: order school supplies. Get a ride across town. Schedule a food delivery. It seems that every day something is made easier for us. As a result, we’re accustomed to accepting that anything can be ordered online and delivered right to our front door.
However, at Advanced Orthodontics, there is one thing that we know doesn’t have an easy online alternative, and that’s orthodontics. There is no match for orthodontic treatment provided by a highly trained, experienced specialist. The American Association of Orthodontists agrees. They recently issued a Consumer Alert that lists key questions to ask about direct-to-consumer aligner companies. You can download a print-friendly version here.
The issue is that many of these companies do not require an in-person evaluation or any ongoing doctor supervision of treatment, which is central to ensuring your oral health. The bottom line is that there is more to creating a healthy, beautiful smile than moving the visible portions of your teeth. If not done correctly any tooth movement can lead to potentially irreversible (and expensive!) damage, including tooth and gum loss, an unhealthy or uncomfortable bite and even changes to your facial profile.
The Top 5 Questions To Ask
Here’s a summary of some of the questions the AAO advises to ask when researching orthodontic treatment in general, including treatment models from direct-to-consumer companies:
- As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?
- As part of your treatment fee, do you receive any in-person visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office during your treatment?
- What are the possible risks (financial, health, etc.) associated with your orthodontic treatment?
- Who is responsible for detecting any issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment? Is it you? If it is a doctor not associated with your treatment, who pays for those check-ups?
- If you are injured or have another dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, how is it handled (litigation, arbitration, etc.) and what rights do you have?
Where You Receive Your Health Care Is A Personal Decision
Remember that orthodontic treatment is not a product or device – it is a professional, medical service. Advanced Orthodontics is committed to regular continuing education and we have years of experience providing high-quality orthodontic treatment to his patients.
Before making any decision about orthodontic treatment, consider doing some research and having an in-person consultation. Click below to schedule yours:
