Achieve a More Confident Smile From Home With Mail-Order Aligners

Braces By Mail: A Convenient Option for Straightening Teeth

In recent years, direct-to-consumer orthodontics have surged in popularity. With braces by mail, patients can straighten their teeth from the comfort of their own homes. Unlike traditional metal braces, they use clear plastic aligners that are barely noticeable when worn.

Mail-order orthodontics provide an affordable and convenient way to achieve a straighter, brighter smile. Keep reading to learn all about getting braces through the mail.

What Are Braces By Mail?

Braces by mail involve ordering clear aligner therapy directly from an orthodontic company. The process usually goes like this:

• You take dental impressions or photos at home and submit them online.
• A licensed orthodontist reviews your case and approves a custom treatment plan.
• Aligners are shipped to your door every few weeks.
• You wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series.
• The full treatment typically lasts 6-12 months on average.

With braces by mail, there are no visits to an orthodontist required. Everything is handled remotely through teledentistry. If any issues come up, you can get in touch with your orthodontist online.

Types of Mail-Order Aligners

There are a few different brands of mail-order aligners to choose from:

Byte

Byte is one of the most well-known direct-to-consumer aligner brands. Here’s an overview of what they offer:

• Impression kits starting at $95
• Aligners made from BPA-free, ultra-clear plastic
• HyperByte device available for faster results
• Treatment plans from licensed orthodontists
• BrightByte teeth whitening included
• Option to pay monthly or upfront

Candid Co.

Candid Co. is another popular mail-order aligner provider. Their services include:

• $95 impression kit or $75 scanning wand
• Comfortable, see-through aligners
• Treatment monitored remotely by orthodontists
• CandidPRO tool to track progress
• Easy monthly payment plans
• Free teeth whitening foam

SmileDirectClub

Here’s what SmileDirectClub offers for at-home alignments:

• DIY impression kit or 3D photos at SmileShop location
• Custom treatment plan and aligners
• Vibrating HyperByte lip trainer available
• BrightOn premium teeth whitening
• 6-month Smile Guarantee
• Flexible payment options

AlignerCo

AlignerCo is one of the most affordable aligner brands. They offer:

• Treatment plans starting at $1,895
• BPA-free custom aligners
• 1-2 week aligner changes
• Optional payment plans
• Lifetime Smile Guarantee

Other Brands

There are many other mail-order aligner brands available as well. Some examples include ClearCorrect, Uniform Teeth, and Sunbites. Each company has its own unique aligners, treatment process, and payment options.

Pros and Cons of Mail-Order Aligners

Braces by mail provide many benefits over traditional braces. However, there are some downsides to consider as well.

Pros

• Convenience: No need to visit an orthodontist in person. Aligners ship straight to your door.
• Affordability: Mail-order aligners cost less than standard braces.
• Discretion: Aligners are transparent and removable for eating, brushing, etc.
• Comfort: No metal brackets or wires digging into your cheeks.
• Speed: Treatment may happen faster than normal braces.
• Technology: Impression kits and treatment monitoring utilize advanced technology.

Cons

• Oversight: Less in-person supervision from an orthodontist.
• Results: Outcomes may be less predictable or take longer.
• Restrictions: Not ideal for complex cases like severe overbites or underbites.
• Adherence: Success depends on wearing aligners as directed.
• Follow-up: May require refinements or traditional braces after treatment.
• Commitment: Treatment plans span several months on average.

Is Mail-Order Orthodontics Right for You?

Mail-order aligners are best suited for mild to moderate alignment cases. Good candidates include those with:

• Crowded or gapped teeth
• Minor overbites or underbites
• Crossbites
• Crooked or rotated teeth

More complex cases involving jaw misalignment or bite issues may require traditional braces or combinations of treatment. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to determine if you're a good fit for mail-order aligners.

What to Look for in a Mail-Order Orthodontic Company

If considering braces through the mail, choose your provider carefully. Here are a few things to look for:

• Licensed orthodontists to review cases
• FDA-cleared aligners and impression kits
• Positive customer reviews
• Clear pricing and payment options
• Good BBB rating
• Quick customer support response
• Experience with remote aligner treatment

Be wary of any mail-order companies that seem sketchy or too good to be true. Thoroughly research a provider before committing to treatment.

Starting Your Braces by Mail Treatment

If you decide to pursue mail-order aligners, the process will go something like this:

1. Consultation: Speak to a professional about whether you're a good candidate.
2. Impressions: Use the DIY kit to take molds of your teeth at home.
3. Evaluation: Send your impressions to the orthodontist for assessment.
4. Treatment plan: The orthodontist maps out your custom realignment schedule.
5. Aligners arrive: Your first set of plastic aligners ships to your address.
6. Wear aligners: Put in your aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
7. New aligners: Switch to the next set every 1-2 weeks.
8. Maintenance: Attend any needed follow-ups or mid-course corrections.
9. Completion: Finish treatment once your teeth have straightened.

The total treatment time averages 6-12 months but can vary per case. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and wearing your aligners consistently is key to achieving the best results.

Caring for Your Aligners

To keep your mail-order aligners in great shape:

• Rinse thoroughly after eating and brushing
• Store in the protective case when not wearing
• Avoid hot water when cleaning
• Use aligner-safe cleaning products
• Don't eat or drink (besides cool water) while wearing
• Trim any sharp edges with nail clippers or emery board

Take good care of your aligners so they can effectively straighten your teeth. Replacing lost or damaged aligners can add time and costs to treatment.

Cost Comparison of Braces by Mail

One of the biggest perks of mail-order orthodontics is the cost savings. Here's a general price comparison of at-home aligners vs. traditional braces:

• Braces by mail: $1,500 - $2,500
• Traditional metal braces: $3,000 - $7,500
• Clear aligners in-office: $4,000 - $8,000

Keep in mind that your personal treatment plan, insurance coverage, and location can affect the final price. But overall, mail-order aligners provide significant savings over in-office options.

Using Insurance With Mail-Order Aligners

Many dental insurance plans cover aligners to some degree. Here are some tips for using insurance with braces by mail:

• Find out your plan's coverage details for orthodontic treatment.
• Contact the mail-order company about accepted insurance providers.
• Submit your treatment plan to insurance to see coverage estimate.
• Discuss discounts or payment plans offered by aligner company.
• Use insurance payments, HSA/FSA funds, and personal funds to cover costs.

Insurance may cover a portion of mail-order aligners, lowering your overall expenditure. Talk to both your provider and insurance company to understand coverage.

Braces by Mail FAQs

How long do mail-order aligners take?

Treatment typically ranges from 6-12 months depending on your particular tooth alignment issues. More complex cases take longer than milder issues.

Do mail aligners hurt?

You may feel some tightness at first. But mail-order aligners are designed to move teeth gradually and painlessly.

Can I eat normally with aligners?

You should avoid eating or drinking anything besides water with aligners in. Take them out for meals.

What happens after my mail-order treatment?

You may need to wear a retainer at night to maintain your new smile. Some patients may also need minor touch-ups down the road.

Are results the same as traditional braces?

When used for simple misalignment cases, mail-order aligners produce similar outcomes as traditional orthodontics.

Do I have to wear aligners all day?

aligner treatment works best when worn 20-22 hours daily. You can temporarily remove them for eating and oral care.

Achieve a More Confident Smile From Home

Braces by mail offer big benefits in terms of cost, convenience, and comfort. With DIY impression kits and remote orthodontist monitoring, it's easier than ever to straighten your teeth.

Just be sure to carefully research different mail-order aligner brands. Treatment success hinges on choosing a reputable provider. Investing in braces by mail can help you boost your confidence with a straighter, brighter smile.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.