Invisible braces straighten your teeth through the use of custom-made, tight-fitting mouthpieces that you slip over your teeth. And there are plenty of options out there. But did you know that not trusting a safe provider of invisible braces can actually be dangerous to both your smile and oral health?
So how can you tell if an invisible braces provider is safe? Here are 5 things to look out for.
1. Do they perform X-rays for you?
X-rays help the orthodontist or dentist identify any underlying conditions in the gums or jaw before straightening your teeth with invisible braces.
This is important because safe aligner treatments will thoroughly examine your teeth for underlying conditions such as periodontal disease before straightening them. This eliminates the risk of aggravating the condition and possibly causing you to lose your teeth (and your smile).
Fun fact: 34.3% of Circles.Life users on Daily Poll stated that losing all their teeth was their biggest fear.
Takeaway
X-rays are crucial. And they are included in your ZenyumClear™ Aligners journey.
2. Does a local, licensed orthodontist or dentist see you in person?
Unfortunately, not everyone is suitable for invisible braces. The only way to determine your eligibility is to have a thorough screening done face-to-face (or well, mouth) by a licensed professional.
Safe providers like Zenyum work closely with local dental and orthodontic partners to screen candidates before treatment:
- You take an online smile assessment where our team assesses your teeth.
- Then you visit one of our dental partners for a consultation, scan and X-ray.
- Once your treatment’s approved, you go for a fitting to make sure your ZenyumClear Aligners fit perfectly.
Takeaway
Getting IRL facetime with a licensed dentist or orthodontist is important. It’s their professional expertise that will ensure you get the smile you want, instead of leaving you with a frown.
3. Do they perform IPR?
Acronym Alert!
IPR stands for interproximal reduction, which involves carefully removing small amounts of enamel from between your teeth to reduce their width. This is sometimes necessary to create the space needed for straightening crowded teeth.
In other words, you might require IPR before wearing invisible braces especially if you have crowded teeth.
Why?
Because ignoring your possible need for IPR might worsen any existing protrusions of your teeth which cause your lips to stick out more than they should. This is called bimaxillary protrusion (BIMAX) and it is quite common in Asians.
Takeaway
Reputable providers include IPR (if necessary) in their treatment journey, so you never have to worry about ending up with a smile you’re not proud of or a ‘duckface’.
4. Are your visits conducted in a licensed clinic?
No, this isn’t a trick question. It is imperative that any procedure involving healthcare is conducted in a licensed clinic. They have strict sterilisation procedures that uphold the highest standards of hygiene.
This involves multiple rounds – including a final round of steam sterilisation to remove bacterial spores.
It’s not “just a 3D scan”. It’s a process that involves your mouth and health, so please make sure that your scans, X-rays, and even fittings are conducted in a certified sterile environment.
5. Do they use putty impression kits?
DIY putty impressions are sometimes used in place of a professional 3D scan and X-ray which looks at your teeth condition, bone, and gum health.
These impression kits typically come with two types of putty, which you have to mix yourself. And once you start the process, the putties start to harden.
That means you only have one minute to:
- Properly mix the putty
- Place it in the tray
- And then into your mouth (before it starts to harden)
You need to keep the tray steady while waiting for the putty to harden around your teeth. Fail to do so, and you can end up with a double imprint of your teeth and gums or a distortion of the shape and length of your teeth.
Which means your invisible braces aren’t going to fit over your actual teeth as they should.
Yikes.
Why fuss and struggle in your own bathroom when this can all be taken care of by a professional, in a trusted setting?
Takeaway
A reputable provider would not make you take your own teeth impressions. Just like Zenyum, they would be dedicated to providing you with a hassle-free experience that is customised perfectly for you.
Remember to stick to safe invisible braces providers
Getting a straight, beautiful celebrity smile, that makes you feel more like Dwayne the Rock Johnson (ahem, voted the celebrity with the nicest smile on Daily Poll), shouldn’t come with health or financial risks.
Stick To Trusted Invisible Aligners Like ZenyumClear
Embark on your journey to straighter teeth the safer way.
