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5 Important Differences Between Invisalign and Mail Order Aligners

more than smiles

Team members at work in the Sherman & Balhoff treatment area
Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
April 28, 2022

Team member in a mask preparing suppliesWhenever 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.
On the other hand, DIY braces 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.

Orthodontist and team member treating a person in the chairMail 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 in line. 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.
Rhylee S.
I was nervous about braces but after my experience at this office and the enthusiastic, comforting, and caring staff I am so excited for my future appointments. The process to get them on was very quick and painless. They provided me with everything I needed to care for my braces and I am so glad I chose their office!
Laquelia S.
Everyone treated very professional and kind. The process was very quick. My daughter loves her new look.
Clair B.
The amount of questions I asked was unreal. The office manager sat and answered every single one with a smile on her face. I wouldn't go anywhere else. They were amazing
Nina S.
I had such a great experience with the team at SB Orthodontics in Addis! The staff is always friendly, welcoming, and greets you with a smile. The orthodontists are truly amazing, and every visit was thorough and comfortable. Dr. Stephen Jr. was incredibly kind and never forgot a face. Thank you, SB Orthodontics, for helping me smile with confidence!
jeannine R.
This is an awesome place to get braces!! They are very friendly and knowledgeable!! Love going to this place!!
Kayla C.
I am so grateful to the wonderful people working at Sherman & Balhoff. My journey to a new smile only lasted a little over a year and I am so happy with my smile today! 😊
Katarina S.
They take their time to explain every step of the process, answers all questions thoroughly, and makes both kids and parents feel completely comfortable. You can tell they truly care about their patients and take pride in their work. The results have been amazing, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress so far.
Emily G.
We are always well taken care of at Sherman and Balhoff! Friendly faces all around, and the sweetest Ms. Ashley at the front desk!
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.
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Spunky E.
I only been in for first appointment and so far it has been great. The facility is great and the staff is all fantastic!
Katherine B.
This staff is simply amazing ! So polite and kind !!!! Thanks for being AWESOME and making this experience for my son so easy !
Katie R.
Highly recommend! Amazing service and even better staff! My daughter looks forward to her visits. The staff is always super friendly and helpful, they also help my nervous 8 yr old feel comfortable and welcomed!
Amanda H.
Wonderful staff!! Can not say enough about them. They are so fun, helpful, friendly, and polite. Love our S & B family!!!!

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