Invisalign Sheffield with our guidance or mail-order aligners?

When it comes to having orthodontic treatment as an adult, there are now more options than ever before.

Traditional metal braces have long been a popular and familiar choice, but many people are now considering invisible aligners and at-home aligners as alternatives, solely because these options are more discreet, more accessible and, for many, they are more affordable.

However, as is the way with comparing a professionally guided method, versus an option that you oversee much of yourself, there is a lot to learn about these treatments, and here, our team aims to help you do just that.

At Dee Kay Dental, we have been using Invisalign Sheffield for many years with our patients, and we can testify to the success that this option offers to those suitable for it. We always recommend using a tool like invisible aligners with guidance from our team, as then, the treatment is more successful.

So, in this article, we will compare Invisalign Sheffield to at-home aligners to see which option is the best one for you.

Invisible braces or aligners

Invisible aligners, also known as Invisalign Sheffield, are clear, plastic trays that are custom-fitted over your teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. You will typically receive a series of trays that you’ll change every few weeks as your teeth move. In a standard set, there are usually between 12 and 14.

One of the most significant advantages of invisible aligners is their discreet appearance. Because they’re clear, they’re much less noticeable than traditional braces, which can be a massive advantage for those that have jobs that require them to speak to groups of people. Additionally, because they’re custom-made for your teeth, they are very comfortable.

Invisible aligners are also removable, and this means you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, which can make maintaining good oral hygiene much more straightforward. However, it’s important to note that you need to wear the aligners for around 22 hours a day to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned.

At-home aligners

At-home aligners, sometimes called mail-order aligners, are similar to invisible aligners in that they’re clear trays that fit over your teeth.

However, instead of visiting an orthodontist to have your teeth scanned and your aligners custom-made, you take an impression of your teeth at home and send it to the company that makes the aligners. They then create a series of aligners for you that you’ll change over time, much like with invisible aligners.

One of the most significant advantages of at-home aligners is their convenience; because you can take the impressions of your teeth in your own home and communicate with the company remotely, you don’t have to make frequent trips to the orthodontist’s practice. Additionally, at-home aligners tend to be less expensive than other types of braces, which can seem a significant advantage for people on a budget.

However, it’s important to note that at-home aligners may not be suitable for everyone. If you have significant orthodontic issues, such as a severe overbite or underbite, you may require more advanced treatment that can only be provided by our team. Additionally, because at-home aligners aren’t custom-made by an orthodontist, there is some risk that they may not work as well as other invisible aligners or other types of braces, simply because the mould used to make the aligners may be incorrect or not as accurate as it seems to be. This can end up making the treatment more expensive as you will have to have the situation rectified by a dental professional. Also a visit in person to a dental practice is the way to be sure that it is safe to move teeth without doing damage to them.