With the increasing demand for aesthetics, clear aligners or invisible braces have gained immense popularity in the market. However, taking advantage of this surge in demand, several fake or counterfeit aligners have also been introduced into the market. By using these substandard aligners, you can risk your treatment results, oral health, and overall well-being.1,2
In this blog, we will explore the signs of fake and substandard aligners, helping you make an informed decision and safeguard your smile.
Key Features of High-Quality Clear Aligners
Clear aligners were introduced to the market as an aesthetic method of teeth straightening, without the hassle of traditional braces. However, it is important to verify that the aligners you choose are not counterfeit, as substandard aligners can impact your treatment results and may harm your oral health.1,2
The key features of high-quality clear aligners include:1,2
- Flexibility and Strength: Clear aligners should be made of durable, medical-grade plastic that is flexible enough for insertion and removal and has just the right strength for the application of gentle pressure to move the teeth.
- Biocompatibility: The materials used for aligner fabrication should not cause any adverse effects or allergic reactions on the oral tissues. They should be BPA-free and nontoxic.
- Aesthetics: High-quality aligners should be transparent and nearly invisible.
- Comfort: Good quality aligners should have smooth and rounded margins, should be well fitted, and comfortable to wear for 20–22 hours per day without causing any pain, bruises or discomfort to your gums.
- Warp and Stain Resistance: A high-quality aligner should be resistant to distortion and staining and should retain its fit and transparency during your treatment.
- Custom Fit: The aligners should fit snugly over the teeth for precise tooth movement. To achieve this, advanced techniques are used to scan the teeth and map tooth movements to fabricate aligners that fit properly and work effectively.
High-quality aligner companies ensure to follow all guidelines and provide the best treatment based on your dental needs. Some leading brands like makeO Toothsi offer features such as 3D scanning, orthodontist consultation, aligner delivery and support and even remote treatment progress monitoring all at the comfort of your home. Their high-quality and affordable invisible braces prices in India ensure that this treatment is easily accessible to all!3
Common Signs of Fake or Poor-Quality Aligners
If you are considering aligners for teeth straightening, it is important to check that you are getting a high-quality aligner to avoid harm to your teeth and gums.1,2
Common signs of fake or poor-quality aligners include:1,2,4
- Pain and Discomfort: If your aligners are overly flexible or very stiff and cause you pain when you wear them, it may be an indicator of a fake aligner.
- Brittle: If your aligners crack or break when you are inserting or removing your aligners, it may indicate that you are using poor-quality aligners.
- No custom fit: Fake or substandard aligners generally provide one size for all patients, making your treatment ineffective. Further, they claim that no impressions or scans of your teeth are required for the treatment.
- Ineffective tooth movement: People who use poor-quality aligners may not notice any progress in their teeth alignment. Moreover, they may develop bite issues over time.
- Lack of proper branding: Fake aligners do not have serial numbers, logos, or any manufacturer details. Reputable aligner brands provide these details and some also display orthodontist certifications which should be considered for selection.
- Lack of professional monitoring: Fake aligners do not ask you to visit your specialist or provide remote monitoring. This lack of professional evaluation increases the risk of complications going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
If you’re unsure about which online aligners to select, consider reputed brands like makeO Toothsi. Check their website with verified customer reviews to make the right choice for straightening your teeth.3
The Dangers of Using Substandard Aligners
The use of substandard aligners has become an increasing concern. These are not just ineffective for teeth straightening but pose numerous risks that can impact your oral health and overall health. These include:1,4
- Bite Problems: Using substandard aligners may result in bite issues such as difficulties in chewing due to the improper fit of your aligners.
- Pain and Sensitivity: There is a high chance of developing increased tooth sensitivity and pain while using substandard aligners. This occurs due to improper force distribution by the aligners.
- Gum Disease: When used for long periods, these substandard aligners lead to gum inflammation, shrinking of your gums (recession), and bone loss.
- Tooth Root Resorption: Incorrect force application can damage the roots of your teeth. This leads to your teeth becoming weaker over time and increases the risk of tooth infections.
- Jaw Disorders: Poorly designed aligners may cause jaw pain, difficulty in opening and closing your jaw, or may cause your pre-existing temporomandibular disorders worse.
- Enamel Damage: Excessive pressure from these aligners can lead to enamel erosion and increased susceptibility to decay.
Opting for substandard aligners can result in a range of serious dental issues. Hence, it is important to choose high-quality, professionally prescribed aligners for safe and effective orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
While invisible braces offer a discrete and aesthetic solution for teeth straightening, it is crucial to ensure the aligners you are using are of high quality. Fake or substandard aligners are ineffective for tooth movement and pose significant risks to oral health such as bite problems, gum and tooth issues and pain. The lack of professional oversight increases the possibility of complications. Always consider a reputed brand to ensure safe and successful aligner treatment. Contact the specialists at makeO Toothsi today and make the right choice for a healthy smile!
