Getting Invisalign Aligners Through the Mail: Is it Possible and Worth it?

Getting Invisalign Aligners Through the Mail: Is it Possible and Worth it?

Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for adults seeking discreet teeth straightening. But with Invisalign treatment typically requiring in-office appointments, is it possible to get Invisalign aligners through the mail instead? This guide will explore the options for mail-order Invisalign, the potential benefits and drawbacks, what to look for in a provider, expected costs, and helpful tips for success.

Can You Really Get Invisalign Through the Mail?

Traditionally, Invisalign treatment involves an initial in-person consultation, 3D imaging of your teeth, custom aligner design, periodic in-office checkups, and aligners shipped to your orthodontist. However, in recent years, some alternatives have emerged offering mail-order Invisalign aligners without requiring in-office visits.

ClearCorrect and Lapreat are two popular mail-order Invisalign options. They allow you to complete impressions or 3D dental scans from home to create and ship custom aligners directly to you. While more convenient, completing treatment remotely this way may limit orthodontic oversight compared to in-office Invisalign.

Comparing In-Office vs. Mail-Order Invisalign

Heres an overview of how traditional vs. mail-order Invisalign compare:

In-Office Invisalign

• Aligners shipped to and monitored by your dentist/orthodontist
• In-person appointments every 4-8 weeks for aligner check-ins
• Oversight from a dental professional throughout treatment
• Digital scans and 3D imaging completed in-office
• Average treatment time of 12-18 months
• Typically costs $3,000-$8,000 depending on plan complexity

Mail-Order Invisalign

• Aligners shipped directly to your home every 2-4 weeks
• Remotely submit dental impressions/scans done at home
• Little to no in-person orthodontic oversight
• Average treatment time of 5-15 months
• Typically costs $1,500-$2,500 for basic alignment needs

Key Benefits of Mail-Order Invisalign

Why might you choose mail-order Invisalign options like ClearCorrect or Lapreat over traditional in-office treatment? Here are some of the touted benefits:

• Convenience - Treatment completed almost entirely from home without office visits.
• Accessibility - Provides remote options for those unable to frequently visit an orthodontist.
• Affordability - Mail-order aligners tend to cost 40-60% less than in-office Invisalign.
• Speed - Direct shipping can shorten overall treatment time by a few months in some cases.
• Privacy - The mail-order process is discreet with no in-person appointments.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

However, there are also some notable drawbacks to weigh with mail-order Invisalign:

• Limited orthodontic guidance or corrections throughout the process
• Higher risk of tracking issues or poor aligner fit without in-person monitoring
• Less predictable results for more complex misalignment cases
• Potentially less comfortable aligners than professionally designed options
• More troubleshooting and adjustments needed on your own
• Limited warranty or guarantee of successful results

What to Look for in a Mail-Order Invisalign Provider

If you do opt for mail-order Invisalign, choose an experienced provider like ClearCorrect or Lapreat. Be sure to verify:

• They use qualified orthodontists and dentists to review your treatment plan remotely.
• They offer guaranteed full refunds if not a candidate for remote alignment.
• There are customer support options for troubleshooting aligner issues.
• They use high-quality, BPA-free plastic for aligners.
• The company has a longstanding reputation and proven success straightening teeth.
• There are financing plans available if needed.

Reading mail-order Invisalign reviews can further help determine the right provider for your needs and budget.

Cost Comparison of Mail-Order vs. In-Office Invisalign

One of the main appeals of mail-order Invisalign is the potential cost savings. Heres an overview of average costs:

• In-office Invisalign: $3,000 to $8,000
• Mail-order Invisalign: $1,500 to $2,500

With in-office treatment, youll pay a higher upfront cost plus ongoing fees for in-person appointments and orthodontic monitoring. Mail-order aligners have lower upfront fees and no recurring in-office visit fees.

More mild alignment cases generally cost less, while severe overbites, spacing or crowding drive costs up. Most mail-order aligner brands offer payment plans to improve affordability.

Steps for Getting Mail-Order Invisalign

Wondering what the mail-order Invisalign process looks like? Here are the typical steps:

1. Initial consultation - Discuss your case online or by phone to determine if you're a candidate.
2. Impressions or scans - Get alignment molds using at-home kits they provide.
3. Aligner order - They design and manufacture your custom aligner series.
4. Delivery - Aligners shipped to your home every 2-4 weeks of treatment.
5. Remote monitoring - Submit regular progress photos and details online for their review.
6. Refinements - They can ship free adjustment aligners if needed.

The total treatment time averages 5-15 months depending on the extent of correction needed. More complex cases may not be suitable candidates for mail-order aligners.

Tips for Completing Mail-Order Invisalign Treatment

If you do opt for mail-order Invisalign, consider these tips for achieving the best results:

• Take impressions properly at home and follow all instructions carefully.
• Review the online patient portal regularly and submit all required progress data.
• Commit to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily for the recommended treatment time.
• Request free adjustment aligners promptly if issues with fit or tracking arise.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene and schedule regular dental cleanings.
• Use aligner accessories like chewies as needed to seat aligners properly.
• Stick to aligner-friendly foods and avoid smoking during treatment.
• Ask your dentist to monitor progress at your routine checkups.

Closely following the mail-order providers recommendations combined with your own due diligence yields the best outcome.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Mail-Order Invisalign

Invisalign through the mail offers an affordable and convenient alternative for adults seeking discreet teeth alignment correction. However, the lack of in-person professional oversight has its drawbacks in terms of aligner tracking and fit.

Carefully researching providers, budgeting extra time for adjustments, and diligently submitting progress updates can improve success with mail-order options. For more predictable results with complex cases, in-office Invisalign may still be the better choice despite the higher price tag.

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.