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Original poster

'Invisalign' type braces by post

27 replies

mikado1 · 09/09/2023 16:41

Run by certified dentists and orthodontists... Does anyone have any information on these? Much cheaper of course... too good to be true?

OP posts:
OP posts:
Original poster
mikado1 · 09/09/2023 21:52

Anyone?

OP posts:
FLOWER1982 · 09/09/2023 21:57

I’ve had Invisalign and had to have regular check ups etc at the dentist throughout. I honestly don’t know how you do it all at home without anyone seeing you. The aligners need to be fitted properly and then how are they going to check the teeth are moving correctly and file the teeth to make room to move? I wouldn’t touch it.

ChessieFL · 09/09/2023 21:58

FLOWER1982 · 09/09/2023 21:57

I’ve had Invisalign and had to have regular check ups etc at the dentist throughout. I honestly don’t know how you do it all at home without anyone seeing you. The aligners need to be fitted properly and then how are they going to check the teeth are moving correctly and file the teeth to make room to move? I wouldn’t touch it.

This. Not something that’s worth the risk in my opinion.

MinnieMouse0 · 09/09/2023 22:02

A no from me as well. I had an amazing experience with Invisalign and had check ups every couple of weeks when the orthodontist would make tweaks if needed.

The postal ones are still expensive so I’d rather spend a bit more and have it done properly! My dentist offered interest free credit or you could stick it on a 0% credit card if easier.

OHEdentalnurse · 09/09/2023 22:04

I'm a qualified dental nurse.

Stay clear, they cause more harm than good.

SisterMichaelsHabit · 09/09/2023 22:07

@mikado1 I used Smile Direct and got grand results. I had aligners for 6 months, you send them photos of your teeth every so often that are checked by an orthodontist, and you can get your retainers from them as well.
It depends how bad your teeth are to start because Invisalign can't do complicated cases e.g. overbite correction but you can always go for a scan/do the moulds and see what they say when they put together a potential treatment plan.

Bear in mind "mainstream" orthodontists have a vested interest in you using their (much more expensive) services so they will comment on the news according to what protects their best interests.

WeWereInParis · 09/09/2023 22:26

I wouldn't. I have Invisalign now and have regular appointments, and also had x rays done before I started to check it was suitable.

Obviously it's one of those things that might well be fine, but it wouldn't be a risk I'd take.

Original poster
mikado1 · 09/09/2023 22:35

Hmm... OK.. I'm not a risk taker so I have been scared off with those responses but.... who are the dentists are orthodontists willing to stand by this then? And thank you pp who has used them.

OP posts:
Handsnotwands · 09/09/2023 22:39

I’ve got Invisalign and the orthodontist stuck little anchor point buttons all over my teeth

also they don’t use moulds it’s a laser scan

which makes me think it’s probably a better service done in person

OHEdentalnurse · 09/09/2023 22:43

"Mainstream" orthodontists

you mean registered medical professionals.

How can you rely on a system when your ACTUAL mouth isn't being checked on a regular basis.

How do you know your bone levels are okay?
How do you know you haven't got gum disease?
How do you know you haven't caused mobility in your teeth?
How is you occlusion?

All these things need to be checked before, during and after.

These companies are preying on people that have dental phobia, want payment plans, that want a quick fix.

Jazsimone · 09/09/2023 22:44

OHEdentalnurse · 09/09/2023 22:43

"Mainstream" orthodontists

you mean registered medical professionals.

How can you rely on a system when your ACTUAL mouth isn't being checked on a regular basis.

How do you know your bone levels are okay?
How do you know you haven't got gum disease?
How do you know you haven't caused mobility in your teeth?
How is you occlusion?

All these things need to be checked before, during and after.

These companies are preying on people that have dental phobia, want payment plans, that want a quick fix.

@SisterMichaelsHabit

Lollygaggle · 09/09/2023 22:50

With postal orthodontics at no time are you examined by a dentist , have x rays , or have a discussion about the many different types of brace system some of which may be much more suitable.

Retainer type braces are very limited in what sort of tooth movement they can achieve particularly as no teeth are removed and no interdental reduction (tooth shaving) is carried out and no attachments are put onto teeth. So essentially any tooth movement is made by tipping teeth only.

Every dentist in practice has seen disastrous results from these remote braces , at best needing proper treatment by an orthodontist, at worst resulting in loss of teeth.

Go and see an orthodontist who can see you , your teeth and gums , your x rays and who can offer many different types of braces and can discuss the pros and cons of each. You only get one set of teeth , you wouldn't choose a brain surgeon on the basis of who was cheapest.

Original poster
mikado1 · 09/09/2023 23:01

Ok thank you all. I think that's my mind made up!! Will look again.

OP posts:
dahliadiva · 09/09/2023 23:23

I've just had Invisalign- just finished it. I had x-rays and scans and anchor points stuck onto my teeth as described above. It has worked absolutely fabulously and I got a free Boutique whitening treatment with it too - I'm really happy with the whole thing. I'd definitely recommend it. I can't see how they would do any of this by post !? You can get it on interest free credit for a year with a company called Tabeo -that's what I've done.

Minniemouse85 · 09/09/2023 23:42

I used straight teeth direct and they were amazing. Was quoted £3600 for Invisalign but paid £1300 with straight teeth direct. This was 2019, finished treatment in 2020 and they still look fab, I honestly could not be happier with the result.

Tiddlywinkly · 10/09/2023 12:07

I used Smile Direct and I'm really happy with the results.

Lollygaggle · 10/09/2023 12:57

You are very unlikely to hear from the many, many people who have had their teeth damaged by companies like smile direct as, in order to get a refund, customers have to sign a non disclosure agreement. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/21/technology/smiledirectclub-smile-nda.html

Ask your own dentist , who if they don't do braces will have no financial interest , and they will be horrified at anyone contemplating remote dentistry even if they personally have not seen some of the terrible results.

ilovechocolate07 · 10/09/2023 14:14

I had invisalign with regular visits and the reddit threads were full of ppl who had previously used smile direct and had their bite ruined.

Handsnotwands · 10/09/2023 14:31

Lollygaggle · 09/09/2023 22:50

With postal orthodontics at no time are you examined by a dentist , have x rays , or have a discussion about the many different types of brace system some of which may be much more suitable.

Retainer type braces are very limited in what sort of tooth movement they can achieve particularly as no teeth are removed and no interdental reduction (tooth shaving) is carried out and no attachments are put onto teeth. So essentially any tooth movement is made by tipping teeth only.

Every dentist in practice has seen disastrous results from these remote braces , at best needing proper treatment by an orthodontist, at worst resulting in loss of teeth.

Go and see an orthodontist who can see you , your teeth and gums , your x rays and who can offer many different types of braces and can discuss the pros and cons of each. You only get one set of teeth , you wouldn't choose a brain surgeon on the basis of who was cheapest.

Your second paragraph, do you mean the ones you get by post or all of these types of braces?

I had my teeth shaved, attachments and my incisors have been twisted back to where they should have been (to quite a degree)

Lollygaggle · 10/09/2023 14:45

Remote retainer braces are very limited because no tooth reduction or teeth extracted and no attachments. Even retainer type braces provided by an orthodontist have their limitations compared to train track braces eg they tend to tilt teeth rather than move bodily and cannot adjust the height of teeth.

That's why it's so important to see an orthodontist who can advise on the many , many types of braces and which is the best for you.

The remote providers only refuse treatment to around 5% whereas a conventional orthodontist will probably turn down around 30% of patients and will advise something other than a retail need type of brace to more than 95% of their patients!

Lollygaggle · 10/09/2023 14:46

Should read retainer type brace not retail need, apologies.

Oblomov23 · 10/09/2023 15:05

Don't. All poor.

Smile Direct took my money, then said they couldn't do it, refused to give money back and didn't even respond to small claims. Got my money back eventually through credit card.

Scottishgirl85 · 10/09/2023 15:09

Absolutely not. I've had invisalign with my dentist l, I don't see how it could work without appointments? It cost about £3k, money well spent.

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