Cheap Braces, Expensive Regrets: Why Expertise in Clear Aligners Isn’t Optional

As the US celebrates National Dental Hygienist Week, it’s helpful to reflect on the role all dental professionals play in delivering high-quality orthodontic care.

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In Dentistry, Expertise Matters—Especially with Clear Aligners

Good quality healthcare, particularly specialist treatments like orthodontics, is a team sport. That’s never been more true than in today’s age of clear aligners and at-home braces kits.

Despite well-publicised risks and the very public collapse of the largest DIY clear aligner company, Smile Direct Club, similar companies still operate—offering patients direct access to orthodontic treatment without involving registered dental professionals in the assessment, diagnosis or treatment planning.

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Cheap Clear Braces Come at a Cost

It’s incredibly tempting for a patient—faced with bargain pricing and flashy marketing—to go down this route. After all, the assumption is that these companies are regulated and therefore safe.

But removing dental professionals might reduce the price of clear braces, yet the real cost is often hidden.

Removing the expertise of a qualified orthodontist isn’t innovation—it’s risk.

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Orthodontics Is Not Just Cosmetic—It’s a Complex Medical Process

It sounds protectionist in 2025 to argue that human clinicians are essential to care. But the truth is: orthodontics is a complex biological process—not just cosmetic tooth movement.

Think of it like building a house: you need a strong foundation, or the whole structure could collapse. In orthodontics, that foundation is gum health. Without it, even minor movements can cause permanent damage.

This is where dental hygienists and the broader dental team play a crucial role—ensuring the gums and supporting structures are healthy enough to withstand orthodontic treatment.

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Professional Oversight Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

Removing human expertise from the clear aligner process is a false economy. What looks like a cheap shortcut today can lead to expensive corrections tomorrow.

That’s why at 32Co, we do things differently.

We’re the only clear aligner platform that integrates gum health advice before treatment begins, and where patients can receive support from a world-renowned periodontist if there’s any risk.

If the foundation isn’t right, we don’t move forward—because patient safety and long-term dental health always come first. That’s also why we’re supported by Dental Protection, the world’s largest dental indemnifier.

To find out more about how 32Co is building the future of collaborative dentistry, visit 32Co.com.

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Clear Aligners Need Clear Thinking

For patients considering moving their only set of teeth to achieve a perfect smile, remember: real expertise matters. Real dental teams matter. And when it comes to your health, cutting corners isn’t just risky—it can be irreversible.

If you're a UK dentist working with clear aligners, 32Co is here to support your clinical judgment with collaborative tools, transparency, and the flexibility to put patients first.

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