Have you ever seen one of those fancy ads for at-home teeth straightening services? It looks pretty cool at first, with easy molds sent straight to your home, and then retainers mailed regularly to slowly straighten your teeth, all without leaving the comfort of your home.
While we can’t fault you for craving convenience, you’ll soon realize that when something seems almost too good to be true, it often is. At the end of the day, there’s no replacement for orthodontic treatment by a local, board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders have seen just how dangerous and wasteful it can be to get the treatment done without consulting an orthodontist!
Plus, there are so many other good reasons to visit a local office like Mahlmann and Borders Orthodontics! Let’s learn a little more about why.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist
First things first, we want to ensure that you understand the two very different roles that a dentist and orthodontist play in caring for your teeth. Dentists are essential to maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth by providing thorough cleanings and monitoring your smile. They extract teeth, treat cavities, and do so much more to make sure your teeth are healthy!
An orthodontist on the other hand is all about aligning the teeth for optimal health. Aligned smiles are beautiful, but they also keep your teeth healthier by reducing enamel wear, preventing less trapped food particles making it easier to clean, and keeping the jaw healthy. Orthodontics is more about preventing challenging tooth problems from happening later on.
Discuss Multiple Treatment Options
If you were to sign up for one of those mail-order orthodontic programs, they would have one goal: make your teeth look straight using a series of retainers. That approach works fine for some people, but orthodontics is rarely a one-size-fits-all treatment. Depending on your unique needs and mouth structure, you may need a different treatment option, like braces or other devices.
Don’t short-change yourself with only one treatment option and instead opt for a local orthodontist office like Mahlmann and Borders Orthodontics where you know that all options will be considered. Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders are both board-certified orthodontists, so you can trust that your treatment will be safe, effective, and efficient.
You Deserve Health and Cosmetic Improvements
One of the big problems we have with mail-order retainers is that ‘fixing’ a smile isn’t only about how it looks. Sometimes there are problems below the surface that need to be dealt with before you can safely shift your teeth. An orthodontist will be sure to do all the tests and x-rays they need before recommending a treatment plan. They will observe your jaw, alignment, gums, bones, and teeth.
That means that at the end of your treatment, you won’t only have a gorgeous smile to show for it. You can trust that your teeth are healthier than ever, and the alignment will make it easier to keep clean and reduce strain on your jaw. No one can guarantee a safe outcome from online orthodontics, where it’s possible any number of issues were ignored, resulting in serious problems like even tooth or bone loss.
Personalized Finance
It’s certainly true that orthodontics can be a big investment. Depending on your family’s needs and income, it can be a big sacrifice to choose orthodontics. But we say, if you are going to pay for an improved smile, it might as well be personalized to fit your family and lifestyle. When you order retainers online, you will be required to pay top dollar upfront before treatment can even begin.
At Mahlmann and Borders Orthodontics, we have professional office staff who are experts at handling your individual treatment and can make a payment plan that works for you. This way we know that cost isn’t a barrier for our patients, and almost anyone can find a way to get the services they need.
Support a Local Family Business
You might not have considered an orthodontist office to be a member of your local community, but it’s true! Our business is based in Richmond, Texas, and we are proud to be here and be a part of brightening the smiles of children, teens, and adults in the community.
By spending your money on local orthodontic care, you aren’t just pumping money into a faceless corporation–you are adding money back into the local economy as we invest it in our staff and charitable contributions. Where you spend your money matters, and we are so grateful to the many patients whose trust in us continues to allow us to be a part of your lives here.
Learn More About Mahlmann and Borders Orthodontics Today!
If you’re still on the fence about whether you should find your best smile through online orthodontics or a local orthodontist office, give us a call! We offer everyone a free consultation where you will meet with Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders, and they can walk you through a possible treatment plan. Our office team can also give you cost projections and payment options! There’s no risk to you to stop by for a visit and see just how personalized our care plans are and get to know the people who will help. Call our Richmond office today!