Why can’t I just see my dentist to get fitted with clear aligners or, better yet, order them online and do it myself?
At John Stieber Orthodontics, we’ve heard this question before. There are many misconceptions out there about clear aligners and who is best able to provide treatment. Both dentists and orthodontists are doctors concerned with oral health, but only an orthodontist has the special training and experience with straightening teeth and other forms of dental irregularities. (And going it alone is not an option we would ever advise when it comes to oral care.) Below we review the reasons why we think an orthodontist is the professional you need to see when choosing orthodontic treatment and the type of clear aligners we provide at our practice.
Aligners are not just a bunch of plastic retainers
At Stieber Orthodontics, we use therapy. Our aligners consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth gradually. The appliances are made from a patented, FDA-approved, flexible plastic material. The main appeal of clear aligners is that the aligners are discrete and invisible, fitting snugly over a patient’s teeth and come at an affordable price. Clear aligner therapy will not end at straightening your front teeth but will leave you with a more full, broader smile. They are also removable so you can eat or drink virtually anything – unlike restrictions of metal braces. They contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten.
But aligners are only half of the story…
Orthodontics and dental health are best left to a doctor, not DIY
Success of clear aligner treatment depends on precision treatment employed by a certified orthodontist. Dr. Stieber will develop a digital plan that maps out the specific movement of your teeth over time. The aligners apply the exact amount of force needed to fix your teeth monitored by Dr. Stieber to ensure you’re progressing properly and the aligners fit correctly. Unlike other aligner options, your orthodontist will be there every step of the way to make sure your treatment goes smoothly, correct any problems, and address your questions or concerns.
With DIY and mail order orthodontic treatments no doctor is there to personally monitor your case and the risk that something can go wrong is dangerously heightened. Alternately, if you have an emergency, you will want to have a relationship with your orthodontist so you can make an appointment to fix a problem quickly.
Why an orthodontist?
Both dentists and orthodontists get a degree from an accredited dental school but only an orthodontist goes on for additional education to specialize in straightening teeth – this is training that your general dentist did not receive. After treating thousands of cases an orthodontist is uniquely qualified to create a personalized plan just for you. The initial diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for aligners is a critical step in a successful outcome. If the treatment plan is executed by a poorly trained dentist or dental technician, it can result in treatment failures.
As with any medical condition, seeing a specialist in that area means you are more likely to get the best care. A cardiologist is the best practitioner to see for heart conditions and an orthodontist is the best medical professional to see when it comes to straightening teeth. As an orthodontist, Dr. Stieber provides patients with the appropriate examination and diagnosis; he will track your progress throughout treatment, and your gum tissues, bone and airway function will also be factored into treatment. Since clear aligners are another option available to patients who want to correct a bite or straighten teeth, it makes sense that the orthodontist is the doctor you will want to see.
Now that you know why you should see an orthodontist rather than a dentist for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, you should know why we think Dr. Stieber is the best! At John Stieber DDS, Dr. Stieber has 30 years of experience working with teens and adults in the Mill Creek area surrounding area. Our office is a welcoming and friendly place where we treat each patient to their individual needs.
Additionally, it’s important to know that there is a lot of hype around many clear aligner brands. The aligners that we use at Dr. Stieber’s practice are just as effective and come at a fraction of the cost of $4495! We offer flexible financing, low down payments and an overall less expensive option. Plus, our experience ensures that you’ll get the best treatment plan in order to achieve the smile of your dreams!
Are you interested in clear aligners for yourself or your teen child? To learn more and find out if you qualify, click here to book a complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!