We Fix Mail Order Smiles

So maybe it was just one bogus Instagram ad too many.

Or maybe it was “Our licensed Orthodontists have far more training than General Dentists…” But having read another do-it-yourself Orthodontic scam coming my way via social media this morning, I had no other clear alternative. I had to go undercover. I applied for my own care. And I could get started for only 95-bucks. I sent the dough in. Good thing I'm a dentist because I wouldn't be seeing one.

And I’ve been providing Invisalign orthodontic care almost since the minute General Dentists (GPs) were given the green light to gain certification in 2002. I’ve logged hundreds of hours of Invisalign specific training in addition to 100-200 hours of general dentistry continuing education per year. My mentor is the top Invisalign educator in the world. Our group, Reingage, is the most productive and effective Invisalign care providing group in the world (out of 130,000 GP Invisalign providers in North America, our band of exceptionally trained 1,000 doctors provides over 20% of the care.) I’ve had the chance to lead my own Reingage group of 30-general dentists from across the U.S. and Canada for the last three years. And we all provide careful, personalized clinical care.

When I think of do-it-yourself health care I’m at a loss to find the equal of self-imposed orthodontics. The commodity being sold to me on Instagram was price-driven, irresponsible, and basically…a con. Don’t know about you, and based on my last colonoscopy, I’d like some professional supervision if I’m spending $1,995 for ongoing care that will affect the quality of the rest of my life.

The do-it-yourself model sends prospective patients a kit in the mail and instructions for impression taking. And if a lawyer who defends himself has a fool for a client, what do you say about patients who take their own impressions or perform their own colonoscopies? The new untrained “clinicians” then snail mail the results of their new skills along with some “selfies.” After evaluation of the materials, a “Licensed Orthodontist” devises a treatment plan and the clear tray aligners are mailed directly to the patient.

Invisalign care has come a long way since 2002; but even 16-years ago, the doctor-patient relationship was the key its success. And even though continued research and innovation have taken the Invisalign process and its provider’s knowledge to next level after next level; even in 2002, the process was far more sophisticated than today’s mail order orthodontics.

So, I sent in my application and can’t wait to see what kind of price-based impression material I’ll get in the mail. Thing is, even though I’ve practiced dentistry for going on 40-years, I’ve never taken my own impression. And guess what, I suck at taking selfies. And I wonder about what kind of “Licensed Orthodontist” would stoop to be a sell-out for a con?

And what’s tragic, aside from complete abdication of professional responsibility, is that an opportunity to make a difference will have been wasted. And someone with a legitimate cost objection will have been taken advantage of.

Looks like I’ll get my kit in just a few weeks. And all I’ll miss is an oral cancer exam (as part of a comprehensive evaluation) and a conversation about my health…where I’d do most of the sharing and my dentist would do most of the listening. What could go wrong?

We fix mail order smiles.