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5 Important Differences Between Invisalign and Mail Order Aligners

more than smiles

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Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
July 28, 2021
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Whenever you need a way to straighten your teeth and your smile, but don’t want to have to deal with normal metal braces, you have two options. You can use mail order aligners or Invisalign braces as an alternative to metal braces. Mail-order aligner brands give you DIY treatment from the comfort of your own home, although it does not have the advantages of a patented Invisalign treatment.

When it comes to comparing the two forms of alternative braces, you need to consider all of the differences before you can start making a real choice. Here are some of the differences between the two, as well as why you should get Invisalign if you have the option.

1. What is Included

One of the biggest differences between Invisalign and Mail Order braces is what is actually included with the retainers themselves. Invisalign comes with treatment options that include everything. These include all the aligners needed and the retainers as well, and you will receive all the necessary dental procedures from your dentist.

DIY braces on the other hand, tend to be much cheaper on the outset, but they also don’t include everything you need. The mail order braces tend to offer a complete 6-month treatment, but it doesn’t include everything.

The cost of the necessary procedures, extra aligners for refinements, and the supervision of a licensed orthodontist isn’t included. That can rack up a lot of extra dollars and can also cause problems for you if your mail order braces for your kid take longer than six weeks to get themselves treated.

2. The Quality Of The Material

Most Invisalign are made from various high quality materials, and these include the SmartTrack plastic design. SmartTrack plastic is designed to be very durable, flexible, and long lasting. Additionally, each of the SmartTrack braces are surgically done by a dentist to be perfectly aligned to your teeth.

Invisalign clear braces can also use Invisalign SmartForce attachments, and iTero Scanning. These are materials patented to be used with the treatment, and they are not available anywhere else. They are only to be used by the licensed dental professionals to treat patients who are in-office.

 

Mail order braces don’t have that level of car, and the braces do not have access to the patented technology such as the SmartTrack plastics. They use basic generic plastic which isn’t as durable or flexible. The mail order aligners are not as well made when compared to their Invisalign counterparts.

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner that can be used by licensed orthodontics only, and it is patented. If you find DIY braces being sold and promising to use Invisalign technology, then it isn’t a store that you want to buy from.

3. The Aligners Have X-rays

X-rays are always needed whenever any orthodontic treatment is required, and you need to get them no matter what type of braces you need. For Invisaligners, you will receive x-rays with your included costs, but with mail-order companies you need to pay out of pocket. This is a separate cost from your clear aligner treatment.

4. They Don’t Treat the Same Conditions

While Mail order aligners can straighten your teeth (possibly) and make sure they fall in line, they can only support mild to moderate cases. Mail Order aligners have you doing all of the work by yourself without the direct support of an orthodontist, so you can only do the bare minimum without any extra help.

The mail order aligners also don’t use attachments, which are supposed to give your aligners a better grip. However, these Invisalign attachments are used with Invisaligners and can also be used for complex cases. You will be working with a specialist at our office while you order and use your invisaligners, and tour doctors make sure that you are using them correctly. Our Orthodontists will be able to give you full support, and also help you out as things go on.

Invisalign can treat far more cases than the mail order clear aligners, and can also treat the more serious cases.

5. The Speed Difference

While some Mail Order Aligners like to boast that they can give you results in 6 months of using their product, we know that it works differently. Only the mild and moderate cases work well after six months, while longer cases will need more time. It is very difficult to figure out how much time you need without using the aid of an orthodontist.

Unless you have the direct supervision of a licensed orthodontist, you might have problems figuring out if issues arise. An orthodontist will work with you to make sure that you are ready to go.

Plus, Invisalign can achieve results in 6 months without fail, even with more complex cases. Invisalign comes with a lot of other benefits to help with the speed, including all of the included and patented technology. The Invisalign braces are custom and tailor made to give you a step by step plan to get your mouth from where it is to where you want it to be. As you go through the process, you will get more and more from the Invisalign braces and the Orthodontist will be around to fix any problems.


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What Is the Best Invisalign for Kids?

If your child needs invisalign, you shouldn’t put off purchasing it for them. You should stay away from mail order retainers, and only get Invisalign for your needs. Invisalign clear plastic retainers are designed to be very durable, very effective, and will be used for every case under the sun.

Whether your child has a mild case that needs only minor fixing, or a complex case that might take a few years to fix up, using Invisalign along with an Orthodontist’s support will get their teeth where they need to be.

Then they can get back to a normal life with a new smile and a mouth that will always stay inline. As their teeth continue to grow, they will grow into a healthy and completely straight mouth.

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patient testimonials

Every Smile Tells a Story

We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Jennifer T.
We love all the doctors and staff here. Experienced and friendly staff. They are always accommodating also.
Kaitlyn M.
After my 13 year old retainer snapped in half, I needed a quick solution. However, my original orthodontist retired which caused a huge problem. Who was going to fix it? I called around my hometown… no one would take outside patients. My sweet dentist did his best to glue the retainer back on temporarily, but considering this wasn’t his specialty, he failed to do it properly. My wire was now one wrong move away from slicing my lip open. As a last resort, I called Sherman and Balhoff panicking that no one would fix my retainer, and explained it was causing me pain. They booked me for the next day. Not even 24 hrs after giving them the call, my retainer was fixed. Shoutout to Roxanne who fixed it perfectly and made sure my bite wasn’t off and nothing was sticking me. This team is truly amazing. I would’ve still been panicking had it not been for them. 10/10 all around!!
darrione C.
I brought my daughter here for a consult for braces; he definitely earned our trust as a patient. He’s trustworthy, caring, and a man of God. He shows so much compassion, even for my son, who wasn’t there to see him. I am very pleased and definitely recommend this orthodontist.May God continue to bless your business! Dr.Balhoff thank you!
Heather E.
Ashley Mannino has been a huge help to our family throughout the years!!! Blessed to have her!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Heather! We're thrilled to hear that Ashley has made such a positive impact on your family. Your support means a lot to us!
Kaitlyn S.
My son just got his braces at the Prairieville location. Very friendly staff, Rachel did a great job explaining the financial aspects of the treatment. Roxanne and Dr. Sherman did a great job at making him feel comfortable while getting his braces put on. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Kaitlyn! We're thrilled to hear that your son felt comfortable during his treatment. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent care and support. We appreciate your trust in us!
Adelyn F.
When I came in for my consultation, I was greeted by Ashley! She was super sweet and already had all of my info up and ready! I was checked in within a minute! Absolutely amazing!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Adelyn! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Ashley. Our team strives to provide efficient and friendly service, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Michelle C.
Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has taken care of our family for years! There is no other orthodontic team that I would recommend! The staff is so friendly, especially Ashley M at the front desk. She always has a smile on her face.!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to have cared for your family over the years. Ashley and the entire team appreciate your kind words and look forward to continuing to serve you!
Dillon D.
We’ve had such a great experience here with my daughters braces! The whole team is amazing, and they’ve made the process so smooth and stress-free. Taylor Davis has been especially wonderful, she’s so kind and patient, and always puts my child at ease. You can tell she really cares. Highly recommend this office for any parent looking for quality orthodontic care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team, especially Taylor. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your daughter's orthodontic journey!
Baelyn T.
Love this place! Everyone is super friendly and makes you feel right at home. Taylor Davis is the absolute best, she’s so sweet and always makes sure you’re comfortable. Couldn’t ask for a better experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you felt at home with us. Taylor truly embodies our commitment to comfort and care. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Brinleigh M.
Amazing experience every time I visit! The whole team is professional and friendly, and the care is top-notch. Special shoutout to Taylor Davis, she’s the best! So kind, patient, and always makes me feel comfortable. Highly recommend this office!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our team, especially Taylor. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Jessica D.
I can’t say enough good things about this orthodontist office! From the moment you walk in, the entire team makes you feel welcomed and cared for. The environment is clean, professional, and genuinely friendly.

I have to give a special shoutout to Taylor Davis, she is truly AMAZING. Taylor is kind, gentle, and incredibly knowledgeable. She goes out of her way to make sure you’re comfortable and fully understand what’s happening during every visit. Her positive energy and warm personality always put me at ease, and I can tell she genuinely cares about her patients.

The whole office works like a well-oiled machine, and the results speak for themselves. I’m beyond happy with my treatment, and I recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch orthodontic care. If you get the chance to have Taylor as your assistant, you’re in the best hands!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Jessica! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your kind words about Taylor and our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!

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You don’t need an excuse to smile more, but we would like to give you a few extra reasons! We have four locations for your convenience, and each of them have friendly doctors and teams ready to serve you. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Baton Rouge

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Addis

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Locations

  • BATON ROUGE8311 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • ADDIS6715 LA Highway 1 S.Addis, LA 70710
  • PRAIRIEVILLE14154 LA Hwy. 73Prairieville, LA 70769
  • CENTRAL14465 Wax Rd.Central, LA 70818

Phone

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Office Hours

Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:10am – 4:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm (Admin Only)
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