Online clear aligners can sound like an easy solution. If you only want to fix a few shifted teeth, the idea of completing treatment primarily from home, avoiding frequent appointments and potentially spending less than you would on comprehensive orthodontic treatment can be appealing.
Those are all reasonable things to want from treatment.
But orthodontic treatment involves more than making your front teeth look straighter. Moving teeth can also affect your bite, gums and the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
So, if you’re considering purchasing clear aligners online, the question isn’t whether convenience matters. It’s whether you can get that convenience without sacrificing an in-person evaluation and orthodontist-directed care.
At Wall Orthodontics, you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Simply Aligned is our limited Invisalign® treatment for adults who only need minor tooth movement, combining fewer office visits and an affordable monthly payment with Invisalign treatment directed by Dr. Michael Wall.
What are ‘at-home clear aligners’?
At-home clear aligners, sometimes called mail-order clear aligners or “online braces,” allow you to complete most or all of treatment from home.
The exact process varies by company. Some services begin with a teeth straightening kit at home that you use to take impressions of your teeth. Others may offer an in-person digital scan in select locations.
Your records are then reviewed remotely by a dental professional, and if you’re approved for treatment, your clear aligners are typically shipped directly to you.
That doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a licensed dental professional involved. The bigger difference is how you’re evaluated and how closely your treatment is supervised.
Are at-home teeth aligners safe?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) cautions patients about mail-order orthodontic treatment that begins without an in-person examination or appropriate diagnostic records, such as X-rays.
Why does that matter?
Your teeth don’t exist in isolation. Before moving them, an orthodontist can evaluate factors such as:
- Your bite
- Tooth and root positions
- Jaw relationships
- Gum and bone health
- Missing or impacted teeth
- Previous dental work
Some of these concerns aren’t visible from an impression or photos of your smile alone.
This doesn’t mean that every person who chooses teeth straightening at home will experience a problem. It means there can be important differences in the amount of diagnostic information and in-person supervision involved.
At-Home Aligners vs. Orthodontist-Supervised Clear Aligners
The aligners themselves aren’t the only thing you’re paying for with orthodontic treatment. One of the biggest differences is the professional care surrounding them.
Diagnosis Before Treatment
An orthodontist evaluates more than whether your teeth look crooked.
Dr. Wall examines how your teeth, bite and jaws work together before recommending treatment. That also helps determine whether you’re actually a candidate for limited clear aligner treatment or whether a different approach would give you a healthier, more predictable result.
Monitoring While Your Teeth Move
Teeth don’t always move exactly according to plan.
An aligner may stop fitting properly. A tooth may not “track” as expected. Your bite may change as your teeth move.
With orthodontist-supervised treatment, your progress can be evaluated throughout treatment so adjustments can be made when necessary.
Choosing the Right Level of Treatment
Not everyone needs comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
If your teeth shifted because you stopped wearing your retainer or you only want to correct minor movement, you may need significantly less treatment than someone with severe crowding or a complicated bite problem.
The key is knowing which category your smile actually falls into.
What happened to SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub, one of the most recognizable names in mail-order clear aligners, ceased operations in 2023.
Today, you may have seen SmileSet offering at-home aligner treatment using technology and assets acquired from SmileDirectClub. SmileSet states that it is a separate business entity rather than a renamed SmileDirectClub.
Like other direct-to-consumer options, SmileSet markets the convenience of treatment completed primarily from home, with remote doctor oversight and virtual check-ins.
Before choosing any online clear aligner company, consider asking:
- Will I have an in-person orthodontic examination?
- Will diagnostic records or X-rays be taken when appropriate?
- Who is planning my treatment?
- Who will monitor my progress?
- What happens if my teeth don’t move as expected?
- What happens if my bite changes during treatment?
Comparing those answers can tell you much more than simply comparing the cost of the aligners.
Like the convenience of at-home aligners? Meet Simply Aligned.
There’s a reason online clear aligners get people’s attention. If you only need minor tooth movement, you probably don’t want more treatment, appointments or expense than your smile actually needs.
That’s exactly why we created Simply Aligned at Wall Orthodontics.
Simply Aligned combines the convenience of limited clear aligner treatment with the reassurance of having an experienced orthodontist directly involved in your care.
Want fewer office visits?
One of the biggest appeals of teeth straightening at home is convenience.
With Simply Aligned, qualifying patients can complete treatment with 4 office visits or fewer. You still have Dr. Wall overseeing your treatment, without having to build frequent orthodontic appointments into your schedule.
Looking for a more affordable option?
If you only need minor tooth movement, you may not need to pay for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Simply Aligned is designed specifically for limited treatment, with payments starting as low as $99/month.
Want treatment done quickly?
Maybe your teeth shifted after braces. Maybe you have a wedding or another big event coming up. Or maybe there’s just one part of your smile that’s been bothering you.
For qualifying patients, Simply Aligned treatment can be completed in as little as 6 months.
Prefer clear aligners?
Simply Aligned uses Invisalign® clear aligners, giving you a discreet treatment option from an industry-leading clear aligner system.
You’ll also start with an in-person scan and evaluation so Dr. Wall can determine whether limited treatment is appropriate for your teeth, bite and goals.
Online Clear Aligners vs. Simply Aligned
| Compare | Typical Online / Mail-Order Aligners | Simply Aligned |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person Orthodontic Evaluation | ✕ Not typically required | ✓ Yes |
| In-Person Orthodontist Supervision | ✕ Treatment may be managed remotely | ✓ Yes — Dr. Michael Wall |
| Invisalign® Clear Aligners | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
| How Your Teeth Are Captured | At-home impressions may be used | ✓ Digital in-office scan |
| Office Visits | Often none | 4 visits or fewer |
| Designed For | Limited treatment varies by provider | ✓ Minor tooth movement & shifting |
| Treatment Time | Varies by provider | As little as 6 months |
Who is Simply Aligned for?
Simply Aligned may be a great option if you:
- Had braces or aligners in the past but stopped wearing your retainer
- Have one or a few teeth that have shifted
- Want to improve your smile before a wedding or another big event
- Need minor tooth movement rather than comprehensive orthodontic treatment
- Want a convenient treatment option without giving up in-person orthodontic care
Not everyone qualifies for Simply Aligned.
Your first step is an in-person scan and evaluation with Dr. Wall. If your smile needs more than limited treatment can provide, he’ll explain your options and recommend an approach based on your individual needs.
Do I need an orthodontist if I only want to straighten a few teeth?
You may only see one crooked tooth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean only one tooth needs to be considered.
Before recommending limited treatment, Dr. Wall can evaluate your bite and determine how moving those teeth may affect the rest of your smile.
If your concern really is minor, Simply Aligned may give you exactly the amount of treatment you need, without committing to a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Convenience Without Compromising on Care
You shouldn’t have to choose between a treatment that fits your life and having an orthodontist directly involved in your smile.
If you’re considering online clear aligners because you want a convenient, affordable way to correct minor shifting, Simply Aligned may give you exactly what you’re looking for: Invisalign clear aligners, as few as 4 office visits, treatment in as little as 6 months and Dr. Wall overseeing your care.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at Wall Orthodontics in Statesboro to find out whether Simply Aligned is right for you.
Beautiful smiles are made here.
FAQs About Clear Aligner Treatment
How long do clear aligners take to work?
Clear aligners treatment time depends on how much tooth movement you need and the complexity of your smile. Comprehensive treatment may take longer, while limited treatment for minor shifting can often be completed more quickly.
For qualifying adults, Simply Aligned at Wall Orthodontics can be completed in as little as 6 months.
Can I straighten just a few teeth with clear aligners?
Yes, in some cases. If you’ve had orthodontic treatment before and your teeth have shifted, or you only need minor tooth movement, you may qualify for limited clear aligner treatment.
Dr. Wall will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine whether Simply Aligned is appropriate or if another treatment option would better meet your needs.
Are mail-order clear aligners the same as Invisalign?
No. Invisalign® aligners are not sold directly to consumers online. Invisalign treatment is provided through a licensed Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist.
Simply Aligned uses Invisalign clear aligners with treatment directed by Dr. Michael Wall, a Diamond Invisalign Provider.
Can I get convenient clear aligner treatment without doing it entirely from home?
Yes. Simply Aligned was designed to make limited orthodontic treatment convenient while keeping an orthodontist directly involved in your care.
Qualifying patients can complete treatment with 4 office visits or fewer and in as little as 6 months, combining fewer appointments with in-person evaluation and orthodontist-directed treatment.
