Everything you need to know about online braces: A complete guide
There's no denying that online aligner companies have made orthodontic treatment (teeth straightening) more accessible and convenient for patients. But with this newfound convenience comes a lack of clinical oversight, which can result in significant problems with treatment.
This post will explore everything you need to know about online dental braces, including the pros and cons of this type of treatment and what to look for when choosing a provider.
What are Online Aligners and How Do They Work?
Online aligners, also known as at-home braces, work by allowing patients to take impressions of their own teeth at home. These impressions are then sent to the online aligner company, which creates custom aligners and sends them to the patient. The patient then wears the aligners until their teeth are straight.
While some online aligner companies offer a completely remote treatment experience, others may require patients to visit a scan centre or contracted dentists for specific steps, such as scanning, IPR, or placement of attachments.
Current Online Aligner Companies in the UK
Some of the most popular online aligner companies in the UK include:
The Dangers of Online Braces
While online braces may seem like a cost-effective alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment with your dentist, there are a number of risks involved with this type of treatment. These include:
Lack of supervision by a qualified dentist. According to the General Dental Council (GDC), you must have direct contact with your treating dentist, which is often not the case with online aligner companies where patients struggle to contact the dentist in charge of their treatment.
Poor impressions, planning, and compliance can lead to subpar results and prolonged treatment times.
Without in-person assessments, it can be challenging to determine if the final positions of your teeth are stable. Many patients with uneven bites at the end of treatment can develop issues in the future, such as teeth chipping, wearing down, and cracking. Fine-tuning your bite is not possible without seeing a dentist who can mark up how your teeth are touching and adjust your bite.
There is no comprehensive health screening before treatment. While some online aligner companies ask if you've had a check-up with your dentist before starting, a standard check-up may not screen for issues that are relevant to orthodontic treatment.
Many online aligner companies are funded by venture capital firms and don't make a profit. If these companies fail to secure further funding when the time comes, they can shut down instantly, leaving patients in the middle of treatment. For example, Frank Smile, Plus Dent, and Straight My Teeth have either shut down in the UK or have been taken over by other companies, leaving patients in the lurch.
Online Braces vs Seeing a Dentist
While online braces may be more convenient and cost-effective than seeing a traditional dentist, they come with many risks. Without close supervision from a professional, patients will likely end up with subpar treatment.
These risks or not entirely mitigated by seeing a dentist. Even if you decide to see a dentist in person for orthodontic treatment, you must learn about their skill level and experience before beginning treatment.
Finding the Right Treatment Choice for You
When choosing an orthodontic treatment provider, you must consider your options carefully and be aware of the compromises that may come with cheaper treatment.
If you're considering an online braces company, speak with a dentist beforehand and get a complete dental health check, where the dentist knows you're planning on undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Additionally, look for an online braces company that incorporates dental visits and provides you with the contact details of the dentist in charge of your treatment. This is a legal requirement and well within your rights.
You may also find a dentist in person that offers services like online consultations and remote monitoring of your treatment.
A well-trained, modern dentist using the latest technology will plan your treatments so that you are left with a good result while minimising the time you need to spend visiting the clinic.
Chat to us
If your considering straightening your teeth and are confused about your options, chat with one of our dentists, and we’ll be happy to help you out.
