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| Wazio Orthodontics |
You may have noticed that a few online direct-to-consumer companies have been making orthodontic treatment sound super quick, super easy, and super cheap…Just take a selfie and BAM!... Straight teeth!
While it may initially sound great to save money and buy your clear aligners directly online without having to talk to anyone at all. The reality is…you aren’t getting the treatment for less. You are simply purchasing a product and opting out of the many important aspects that make orthodontics work. The money you save today may end up costing you thousands of dollars in future corrective action. Even worse, it may cause you a great deal of discomfort, pain, and a worse smile down the road.
Before you decide to proceed with a direct-to-consumer company for your clear aligners, Dr. Wazio, his team, and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) believe there are a number of factors and questions you should consider. For example, in many instances these direct-to-consumer companies do not include an in-person evaluation or the in-person supervision of your orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist. An in-person evaluation and in-person supervision throughout treatment are especially important, because there is more to creating a healthy, beautiful smile than moving the visible portions of your teeth.
Consider this question: What other transforming medical treatment would you undergo without an in-person, pre-treatment evaluation or ongoing in-person supervision from a medical professional?
Orthodontic treatment is a major medical procedure. This is precisely why orthodontists require extensive training and education before they can begin performing treatments. Proper orthodontic treatment must include:
- Access to a licensed professional who can help immediately if you have an issue or emergency during your treatment
- Regular, in-person consultations to evaluate the progress of your treatment and make necessary adjustments
- Personal interaction with a trusted professional who can explain the risks and answer all your questions
- X-rays of your teeth and jaws
- Clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and relationship of your teeth to your bone structures
- Digital scans and/or impressions of your teeth
- Multiple available treatment options explained by a licensed
professional who can provide the best recommended course of treatment and
determine if you are even healthy enough for orthodontic treatment
Remember…orthodontic treatment is not a product or device. Orthodontic treatment is a professional, medical service. When your care is personally supervised by an orthodontist, like Dr. Wazio, who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, you are assured that your he has spent years in a post-doctoral residency program focused on providing orthodontic treatment to patients.
Orthodontic treatment involves the movement of biological material, which if not done correctly could lead to potentially irreversible and expensive damage such as tooth and gum loss, changed bites, and other issues. If you are researching orthodontic treatment, here are a few questions you may want to consider:
- Are you comfortable starting orthodontic treatment without comprehensive diagnostic records?
- Are you comfortable with orthodontic treatment that does not involve any in-person visits with an orthodontist?
- Who is responsible for detecting any issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment?
- If an issue arises during your treatment, how will it be handled and who will be responsible for handling it?
- If an emergency arises, does the company have an orthodontist in your area that you can see in-person?
- Do you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment?
- What are the possible risks (financial, health, etc.) associated with your orthodontic treatment?
- If you are injured or have a dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, what rights do you have against the person or company involved with your orthodontic treatment?
For over 20 years, the team at Wazio Orthodontics has been dedicated to achieving the best results possible for each of our patients. Our knowledgeable and talented staff is devoted to ensuring a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience. With expertise in braces and Invisalign, our clinical assistants will keep open and honest communications and provide exceptional care throughout the course of treatment. Likewise, our front desk and business office are always eager to assist with scheduling appointments, financial inquires and providing resolutions to insurance matters. We look forward to meeting you and joining you on this wonderful journey.