Straight Talk: In-Office Aligners Vs At-Home Clear Aligners

Are your crooked teeth difficult to clean and causing you confidence issues? If so, perhaps you’re weighing up your aligner options to achieve perfectly straight teeth and a dazzling smile. In-office aligners vs at-home-clear aligners: which should you choose? This article discusses the differences, benefits and risks to help you make the right decision.

What are in-office clear aligners and how do they work?

In-office aligners were designed as an effective treatment for those individuals wanting to straighten their teeth but preferring not to wear highly visible metal braces.

Clear aligners are customised plastic trays worn over the teeth like a mouthguard that align crooked teeth without the use of brackets or wires.  Because the aligners are transparent, they’re virtually invisible and discreet. Throughout aligner treatment, the trays need to be worn in the mouth for at least 22 hours and only removed to eat or drink anything other than water.

Invisalign aligners were the first brand to come to market in 1999 and have to date improved over 17 million smiles Another popular in-office brand is ClearCorrect. In-office aligners are prepared under the supervision of a dentist or orthodontist specially trained in such cases. A digital scan is taken of the teeth and used to prepare a customised treatment plan.

The treatment plan is also shared with the aligner manufacturer who utilizes 3-D printing technology to fabricate the aligners and send them to your dentist. Depending on your specific treatment plan, the dentist may issue you with the first few sets of aligners which need to be worn and replaced with the next set in the series every two weeks or as advised. Regular monthly appointments are then scheduled to monitor your progress and issue you with the next few sets of aligners.

At-home clear aligners – how they work

At-home aligners, also known as DIY aligners or mail-order aligners offer a more convenient alternative to in-office aligners since the whole treatment is conducted remotely.

It starts with the purchase of an at-home aligner kit containing the equipment and material to create an impression of the teeth. These impressions are then sent to the aligner company. A dental professional reviews and approves the impressions before sending them to the laboratory. As soon as the aligners are fabricated they are shipped to the individual who can start their treatment as soon as they receive them.

Depending on the aligner company, an orthodontist remotely monitors the individual’s progress through a telehealth app.

Comparing In-Office and At-Home Clear Aligners: Key Differences and Potential Risks

Professional supervision and dental check

In-office aligners: Your dentist will already have assessed your oral health, ensuring there is no gum disease or tooth decay before starting your treatment. Once they have shown you how to fit the first aligner they will monitor your progress at regular intervals throughout your orthodontic journey.

At-home clear aligners: These utilize a DIY approach in which you are responsible for taking the impressions of your teeth and receiving a set of aligners based on those impressions. Taking accurate impressions takes years of practice and therein lies the problem, since the greater the accuracy, the better the aligners will fit. Another potential risk is that for the most part, you’re left to your own devices during your treatment.

Customization

In-office aligners provide versatility since the treatment is meticulously planned and executed to handle most alignment problems from mild to severe with efficiency and precision.

In contrast, at-home aligners rely on a one-size-fits-all basis that may not be appropriate if you have complex dental issues.

Treatment: time, cost and efficiency

In-office aligners tend to cost more due to the involvement of professional expertise. They provide more effective results thanks to consistent professional supervision. Comprehensive evaluations at each stage help detect and address any issues that could hinder the treatment process. Dentists make the necessary adjustments to ensure the desired outcome is achieved within the expected timeframe.

At-home clear aligners are far easier on your wallet as you’re not having to pay for professional supervision. Since you rarely get to visit a clinic for an appointment, you may consider this a bonus if you live a busy lifestyle. Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to your treatment.  Furthermore, it can be difficult to gauge the duration of treatment since it can take longer to reach the desired outcome.

The potential risks of at-home clear aligners include:

• If you take an inaccurate impression of your teeth, the aligner trays are unlikely to fit.
• Limited ability to treat complex cases means they are best suited for mild orthodontic issues.
• Lack of professional supervision can put a person at risk of unwanted tooth movement, poor tracking, gum issues and root resorption during their treatment.
• At-home aligners focus primarily on teeth straightening. Identifying or managing an underlying dental issue is unlikely to play a leading role during treatment.

Consulting with an orthodontist or experienced dentist is crucial to determine whether aligners are suitable for you or whether metal braces will do a better job and also help minimize any risks associated with orthodontic treatment.

Making an informed decision – questions to ask yourself

What are your expectations?

Do you just want to improve the appearance of your teeth or do you have bite issues?

How severe is your orthodontic problem?

To find the answer to this one, you’ll need to consult with an orthodontist or dentist who can tell you if your problem is mild, moderate or severe.

How committed are you?

In-office aligner treatment involves wearing the trays for the allotted time, regular dental appointments, and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout. At-home aligners require a lot of self-discipline since very little, if any professional guidance or supervision is provided.

Can you afford the cost of treatment with in-office aligners?  

The cost of in-office aligners varies according to the complexity of your treatment and the number of aligners needed. Most dentists offer flexible payment plans that make high-cost procedures more affordable by paying small payments regularly each month throughout treatment. Some dentists also offer finance plans without the need for a down payment. If you have dental insurance, it may pay for a part of your Invisalign treatment, so check with your provider to find out.

The conclusion

Choosing between in-house aligners vs at-home clear aligners is not a decision to be taken lightly. Ultimately, your decision should be based on several factors including the severity of your condition, budget, lifestyle and how much supervision you would like. It’s always best to consult with your dentist who can offer expert advice based on your situation.

Are you considering aligner treatment?

Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry? We provide Invisalign and ClearCorrect and would be happy to discuss your best teeth straightening options.