Why Cheap Orthodontic Treatments Can Damage Your Teeth
The internet is full of tempting offers: “Get perfectly aligned teeth in 3 months!” or “Invisible aligners at 70% discount!” While these promises may sound appealing, they often conceal the real cost – permanent damage to your dental health.
Global vs. Indian Mindset: The Rise of Misinformation
Globally, orthodontics is a heavily regulated field. In the US and EU, all orthodontic treatments, including aligners, are required to be administered under the supervision of certified orthodontists. According to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), they discourage all forms of mail-order aligners that lack clinical examination.
In India, however, a dangerous trend is emerging. With increasing digital penetration, young adults—especially between 18-30 years—are relying more on YouTube, Instagram influencers, and AI chatbots than qualified professionals.
The Myth of Fast Tooth Movement
Tooth movement is a controlled biological process involving bone remodeling. The ideal rate of movement is 1 mm per month. Accelerated movement beyond this can:
- Cause pulpal necrosis (nerve damage)
- Lead to root resorption, seen in 10-15% of aggressive treatments
- Increase relapse rate by 50% due to insufficient bone stabilization
A 2021 study in the European Journal of Orthodontics concluded that rapid, unsupervised aligner treatments led to a higher rate of orthodontic failure and long-term complications.
Cheap is Not Safe
Low-cost providers often:
- Skip essential diagnostics like lateral cephalograms
- Lack periodontal screening
- Use generic aligners without software customization
- Have no plan for retainer protocols
Patients risk irreversible outcomes like misaligned jaws, unstable bites, and early tooth mobility.
Why Indians Fall for It
- Influencer culture: Looks are prioritized over function.
- Internet-driven decisions: Trust in Google searches over clinical consultation.
- Low awareness: Patients don’t understand the biological complexity of tooth movement.
- Price-centric mindset: Perception that cheaper equals smarter.
The Role of Orthodontists
A qualified orthodontist conducts:
- Skeletal and dental assessments
- Growth analysis in teens
- Anchorage and biomechanical planning
- Regular tracking with modification when needed
This ensures both aesthetics and function are optimized.
The Real Cost of Cheap Treatments
- High relapse: 40% of DIY aligner patients report post-treatment tooth shifting
- Increased risk of root damage (up to 30% in unsupervised cases)
- Jaw pain and speech issues
- Emotional and financial burden of retreatment
Final Advice: Trust Science, Not Sales
Orthodontic correction is a blend of art and science—requiring precision, patience, and professional monitoring.
At Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd, our in-house orthodontists design bespoke treatments backed by scientific rigor and ongoing care. We never compromise with shortcuts or cheap fixes.
Remember: the cheapest solution isn’t the safest. Choose specialist-led treatment, because your smile deserves stability, safety, and success.
Edited by: – Dr Sourav Ghosh (MDS); Gold Medalist
Clinical Head and Principal Dentist at Smiley Dental treatment Centre Pvt Ltd
