In recent years, direct-to-consumer (DTC) clear aligners and mail-order aligners have been heavily marketed as an easy, affordable way to straighten teeth—without ever visiting an orthodontist. These companies promise a perfect smile at a fraction of the cost of traditional orthodontic treatment. Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it usually is.
As an orthodontist, I’ve seen firsthand the damage these treatments can cause. Let’s take a closer look at why these aligners are often a risky choice.
Quality orthodontic care requires time, expertise, and precise treatment planning. When mail-order aligners and direct-to-consumer clear aligners companies offer treatment at a much lower price, they cut costs somewhere—whether it’s in the lack of in-person supervision, poor-quality materials, or limited treatment options. The result? Many patients end up needing corrective treatment later, which means paying twice.
Moving teeth is a complex process that requires an in-depth understanding of dental and jaw anatomy. Orthodontists train for five years in dental school and then complete a three-year specialist orthodontic residency to safely and effectively move teeth.
Mail-order aligners and direct-to-consumer clear aligners companies make it seem like straightening teeth is as simple as wearing a few sets of plastic trays at home. But without an orthodontist monitoring the progress, things can go wrong—teeth can move unpredictably, bite problems can worsen, and in some cases, irreversible damage can occur.
Direct-to-consumer clear aligners companies are incredibly good at marketing—especially on social media. Their ads showcase influencers with perfect smiles, glowing testimonials, and “limited-time offers” that push people to sign up quickly. But what they don’t show are the patients who end up with misaligned bites, gum problems, or even lost teeth due to unsupervised treatment.
Every year, multiple patients come to my office after trying mail-order aligners. Many started their treatment during COVID, thinking it was an easy fix, only to realise later that their teeth didn’t move correctly—or worse, their bite is now misaligned. They paid once for the DTC aligners and now have to pay again for proper orthodontic treatment.
A common trend with mail-order aligners companies is that they focus on short-term profits. Once patient complaints start piling up, lawsuits appear, or negative reviews spread, they go out of business—leaving their customers stranded with unfinished or failed treatments. This has happened with several big-name DTC aligner companies, and history is likely to repeat itself.
If you’re considering clear aligner treatment, make sure you do it under the supervision of a trained orthodontist. While mail-order aligners might seem like a cheap and easy fix, the long-term risks can cost you much more than money. A healthy, beautiful smile is an investment worth doing right the first time.
If you have any questions about clear aligners or orthodontic treatment, feel free to book a consultation—I’m happy to help!
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I recommend and prescribe orthodontic treatments to my patients as if they were my own family and I value meaningful relationships based on communication, confidence and trust.
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