Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
One of the most popular mail-order orthodontic companies, SmileDirectClub, went out of business at the end of 2023. The sudden shutdown of the company was estimated to leave tens of thousands of current clients out in the cold. That meant existing orders went unfulfilled, with no answers available, as the company’s customer service department also halted operations. If that’s not bad enough, existing customers on payment plans still were expected to keep up with their installment payments.
The closure of SmileDirectClub underscores the risk of mail-order orthodontics. We explain this topic further today on the blog.
Reason 1: Possible complications
Companies that offer at-home orthodontics operate on an “at your own risk” basis. The lack of supervision by a qualified dental professional could wreak havoc on your oral health. According to research compiled by the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 13% of member orthodontists have seen patients who were dealing with complications from aligners they received in the mail.
Some of the potential risks involved from at-home orthodontic treatment include:
- Rapid dental movement
- Potential harm to the gums or supporting bone structure, including elevated risk of gum disease or bone loss
- Damage to the joints and muscles due to improper fit or alignment of your bite
- A higher susceptibility to temporomandibular joint disorder
All of these risks occur because at-home orthodontic treatment takes place without any supervision or even a consultation in person from a qualified dental professional or orthodontist. By contrast, when you need orthodontic treatment in Okemos and choose to seek a highly-trained expert like Dr. Christine Tenaglia, you’re benefiting from her specialized education and training to properly align teeth.
Reason 2: Cost
Many patients opt for mail-order orthodontics because of their lower cost. However, any financial savings from at-home treatment will be reduced or even erased if you have to seek follow-up treatment due to any of the above listed complications. To alleviate any financial concerns, Tenaglia Smiles offers financing for dental care to our patients in the communities of Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan.
Reason 3: Trust
Invisalign is becoming a rapidly popular method of orthodontic treatment. Not all dentists are qualified to offer Invisalign – only licensed providers. This licensing is important because an Invisalign provider has gone through education to know that aligner therapy is not suitable for all patients; specifically, it’s not viable for patients with severe alignment issues. You won’t experience this level of discretion from a mail-order company.
Orthodontic treatment in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing, Michigan
Today, you can get your groceries, a restaurant dinner, or medical supplies delivered to your door. Orthodontic treatment should not be on that list. You only should trust orthodontic work to your dentist. Patients in Okemos and the surrounding areas have trusted Dr. Christine Tenaglia and her team at Tenaglia Smiles have provided them with professional oral care for years. If you’re one of the clients impacted by the closure of SmileDirectClub, we’re offering a free consultation. Find out more by calling (517) 347-6733 or schedule your appointment online.