What are Online Clear Braces?
Their Process
Their “Advantages”
Differences Between Online Clear Braces and Traditional Orthodontist Treatment
No Orthodontic Oversight
Lower Satisfaction
A Growing Controversy
Patient Issues
Some patients will finish their treatment and find that they have a bigger problem than before. It may cause them considerable expense to fix the damage done. It is a gamble which can adversely affect you and your health.
“It’s been a while but long story short… the aligners damaged my teeth and shifted them too quickly. They attributed to bone loss, and I was told by my dentist that 4 healthy teeth may fall out as a result. I spoke to my lawyer and have formally asked for a full refund.
“I would stay away from this company if you have very severe crowding like I had. It turns out the company completely messed up my teeth and if I hadn’t stopped using their aligners, some of my teeth would have started to fall out! Once my dentist told me about the damage, the aligners were causing me he told me to immediately stop. I told [the company] about this and demanded my money back, but they of course refused. I would say pay for regular braces, which is what I have done with a local ortho. Hope this helps and good luck.”
Here’s What the American Dental Association Has to Say About Online Clear Braces
The ADA News has done an investigation into online clear braces and here is an excerpt from their report:
“Kevin Dillard, AAO general counsel, said that the AAO (American Association of Orthodontics) has filed complaints with dental boards and attorneys general in 36 states regarding companies providing aligners through an online service. In addition, he said at least 3 dental boards – in Alaska, California, and West Virginia – have opened investigations into one of the companies. In August, Alaska’s board voted to ask the state’s licensing division to send a cease-and-desist letter barring [company] from selling there, Mr. Dillard said.
“Mr. Dillard said the complaints allege that [company] is violating laws that exist to protect the public. The AAO complaints argue that these companies are performing medical work that many state laws reserve for licensed professionals, such as taking bite casts and delivering dental appliances to patients.”
In Atlanta, the ADA has admitted that they strongly discourage the practice of do-it-yourself orthodontics because of the potential harm to patients, according to a new policy passed by the 2017 ADA House of Delegates.
“Patients are being inundated with direct marketing campaigns encouraging them to initiate and manage their own orthodontic treatment. These campaigns are operating in multiple media outlets, including online, billboards, and television ads,” said Dr. Craig Ratner, chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice.
“This year’s ADA House of Delegates recognized the need for the ADA, as America’s leading advocate for oral health, to take steps to educate patients about the potential pitfalls of self-managed orthodontic treatment. This new policy supports the importance of dentists being in charge of diagnosing and treating patients to ensure the safe delivery of appropriate care.”
To read the entire article published by the ADA News regarding everything that the American Dental Association had to say, click HERE.
In response, the American Association of Orthodontists has issued a consumer alert on the home page of its website against the use of online clear braces. Click HERE to read their warning.
A Perfect Smile Orthodontics: Quality Care and Affordable Options in McAllen, Texas
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