At Sturgill Orthodontics, we know you want the best for your family, and that includes their smile. But we also know that times are tough, and kids are expensive, so you’re looking for ways to cut some money and maybe even some time in the process. With all of the ads about direct-to-consumer or mail-order aligners, you’ve probably been wondering if that might be the best route for your family. Is it really all it claims to be?
The promise of lower prices and not finding time to make it to orthodontic follow-up appointments for adjustments almost seem like a no-brainer. You’d be surprised to know that most dentists and orthodontists are reluctant to recommend them, though.
No one cares as much about helping you flash the smile of your dreams as much as we do here at Sturgill Orthodontics. Our team takes pride in doing whatever it takes to achieve the best results while delivering world-class customer service. We create orthodontic solutions for kids, teens, and adults with personalized orthodontic treatment to suit your needs, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Let’s go over five reasons to choose Sturgill Orthodontics over mail-order orthodontics.
Lower Cost and Quicker Results
Let’s get this assumption out of the way first. 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.
Most orthodontists can now compete with the prices that mail-order aligners boast. At Sturgill Orthodontics, we accept most major insurance plans and offer payment and financing options like no-interest financing, cash or check payment options, and credit cards. We’ll thoroughly explain your choices and do everything we can to accommodate your budget.
Initial Clinical Exam
The best way to get where you’re going is to know where you’re coming from so you can 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, your orthodontist looks closely at the tissue and bone supporting your teeth using digital photographs, full mouth x-rays, and a digital scan that is so precise it eliminates the need for goopy impressions. This detailed information ensures whether or not clear aligners are the proper route for your treatment plan and avoid complications later from cavities, gum disease, bone or tooth loss, treatment relapse, and other related problems not picked up in basic impressions or photos.
With mail-order aligners, the first step is receiving your in-home impression kit. Some options also ask you to include intraoral photos, but generally, the information used to determine eligibility is very basic. Once the impression has been mailed back, a dentist or technician will review it and decide if the patient is a good candidate for clear aligners. This decision is based on your current tooth alignment and does not factor in many vital components of the orthodontic process. Without considering all of the variables, you may end up with subpar results, costing you more time and money.
Customized Treatment Plans
Your teeth and gums should always be in good condition before any tooth movement is attempted to avoid unexpected problems. While clear aligners can be an excellent option for many patients, it isn’t for everyone. Some cases are more severe or require specific treatments before starting the movement of your teeth. In cases where more precise or complicated movements are needed, you may save time and money by opting for traditional metal or even clear braces.
At Sturgill 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 in-office consultation and combine it with the data from your imaging to determine what will fit your lifestyle with the most significant results.
Remember, the doctor designing your treatment is just as important, or more so, than the appliances used to perform your treatment. Our orthodontists combine the latest technology and techniques to give you outstanding results no matter how complex your case may be.
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. This is why having regular check-ins with our expert team is crucial during your treatment 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.
Treatment for All Your Orthodontic Needs
Many orthodontic issues lie below the gum line and with the jaw itself, where messy 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 ahead of time what your specific orthodontic concerns are so you can have the best possible outcome. Our expert team will assess your condition along the whole process, which allows for multiple treatment plans to create your perfect smile and can adjust along the way as needed.
For Customized and Cutting-Edge Care, Trust Sturgill Orthodontics
You wouldn’t go on a road trip without researching the best route to get you there that aligns with your needs and goal. Don’t start your orthodontic treatment without the same consideration.
You’ll always get honest treatment plans and an explanation for those treatments. We pride ourselves on our team’s ability to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout your care. If you are wondering what the best route to your perfect smile might be, schedule your FREE consultation today and let us help you navigate this journey with confidence. We always strive to make your office visit fun. From our laid-back atmosphere to contests and giveaways, we’re on a mission to make your time with us as exceptional as your results!