UNITED KINGDOM: Traditionally, for patients can complain of misaligned teeth, and provide references of the 'Instagram' or the 'Hollywood' smile, it is a dentist, or orthodontist that verifies the condition of the teeth clinically and radiographically before recommending a treatment plan that incorporates the use of either clear or metal braces, the cost and the duration of treatment. However, some patients, who are unaware of the consequences, may opt for other options.
Dentists have now warned patients, that are preferring the option of using online-ordered clear aligners or braces to fix the malalignment, that permanent damage may ensue.
The Smile Direct Club, a company that claims to provide a faster and cheaper option to traditional dental practice, has recently become popular amongst the public.
According to SDC, its platform has improved access to oral care and "has enabled successful treatment for more than 1.8 million people". The "overwhelming majority" of users have had an "excellent experience".
Users of the SDC braces said that they were not impressed by the £4,000-£6,000 cost of orthodontic treatment and the longer treatment durations which allowed them to maneuver towards online ordered braces, which claim to treat the teeth faster and are available at £1,800 cost.
However, one patient that opted for SDC complained he would never do it again "I can't bite into an apple because I can't trust that my front teeth are strong enough anymore," he said.
SDC's website claims that patients shall be coordinating with a virtual UK registered dentist throughout the duration of the treatment.
According to UK dental associations, 3D scans and DIY teeth moulds used in remote orthodontics are not sufficient for aligners.
Dentists claim that while it is their objective to produce a beautiful smile for their patients, it is also imperative to provide them with a healthy smile. The forces applied to the teeth through online-ordered clear aligners are too high for patients, especially those whose teeth have shorter roots, these external large forces can not only make the teeth mobile, but patients can also suffer from permanent nerve damage or even tooth loss.