Your orthodontic clinic has closed and you still haven’t finished treatment? We tell you what to do!

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation in which the clinic you started treatment with has closed, don't worry, we're here to help.

In this article, we explore the reasons why continuing your orthodontic treatment with clear aligners under medical supervision is essential, as well as the risks of going it alone and what to do to avoid it.

Let's take it one step at a time... the company with which you were having your treatment has closed down, so what should you do?

It is understandable that finding out the clinic with which you started your clear orthodontic treatment has closed down may cause uncertainty and concern. In this situation, it is essential that you do not, under any circumstances, continue your treatment on your own. Orthodontic treatments are medical procedures, so the first step is to look for a reliable alternative to ensure that your treatment continues smoothly and safely.

Steps to take when the company you were having treatment with closes down

• Continue wearing your last set of aligners, without moving on to the next set, to preserve the progress achieved thus far and prevent any regression in teeth alignment. This minimises potential harm and the need for retreatment.
• Prioritise your oral health: if experiencing discomfort such as gum issues, bleeding, or excessive toothache, immediately prioritise your oral health by promptly scheduling a visit with a dental professional.
  
• Obtain your medical records, if possible. Providing your new orthodontic team with a complete treatment history ensures a seamless transition and continuity of care.
  
• Get a professional assessment from a licensed orthodontist.
  
• Be ready to start a new journey: some professional orthodontists may agree to continue your existing treatment. However, for some patients, restarting the treatment from scratch may be necessary if it proves more beneficial for your teeth and overall health.
  

Why shouldn’t you continue your orthodontic treatment alone?

Choosing to continue with your clear orthodontic treatment on your own may seem like a quick fix, but it is important to understand why this choice can be risky. Undergoing orthodontic treatment at home without medical supervision can pose a number of risks to your oral health: from the aesthetic, such as tooth loss or unwanted movement, to the functional, such as problems with speaking or chewing.

Medical supervision is crucial to adjusting and adapting the treatment plan as needed, ensuring that your teeth move safely and efficiently into the desired position. Only a professional can assess whether you are ready to move on to the next set of aligners and under no circumstances should you make this decision on your own.

Likewise, it is necessary for a specialist to review treatment progress and assess whether it is being carried out correctly. That is why, whether in person or digitally, orthodontic treatments should be evaluated every one to two weeks by an orthodontist.

Without the guidance of orthodontic professionals, you could face complications and not only fail to achieve the expected results, but could also aggravate the problem further.

What are the risks of continuing with treatment alone?

Here are some of the risks that may be involved in continuing your orthodontic treatment without medical supervision:

• Misalignment and delay in progress:

The absence of medical supervision can lead to digression in treatment progress. Teeth may not move as expected, resulting in dental misalignment and treatment duration being prolonged.

• Risk of tooth damage:

Adjusting aligners or changing them without proper guidance can increase the risk of tooth damage. This risk includes fractures, chips or even tooth loss in extreme cases.

• Infections and oral health problems:

Without proper monitoring, emerging oral health problems may go undetected. Infections or complications may also occur, negatively affecting the success of treatment. Tooth decay or tooth sensitivity are some of the problems that could affect the teeth, whereas gingivitis, gum recession or worsening periodontitis are some of the issues that could impact the gums.

• Undesirable aesthetic results:

Lack of supervision can lead to undesirable aesthetic results, such as facial asymmetries or teeth that do not meet your expectations. There are also cases where teeth are visually aligned, but moving them has caused damage to the bite, leading to discomfort and other problems.

• Functional risks:

In addition to all the risks mentioned above, unsupervised orthodontic treatment can also affect vital functions such as speech, chewing, swallowing and even breathing.

Don’t want to take any risks? You can count on Impress

At Impress, we offer comprehensive solutions with continuous medical supervision. If you have already started your treatment in another clinic and are looking for advice, come and visit us to see what we can do for you and how we can help.

If you have not yet started your treatment but were considering opting for a clinic that is no longer available, you can also come to visit us. We want to help you achieve healthy, aligned teeth that allow you to feel confident and proud of your smile.

• Free orthodontic check-up

During your first visit with us, an orthodontist will assess your case and carry out all the relevant tests. They will also perform an oral examination at the clinic to ensure that your oral health is optimal for further treatment.

• Complete treatment personalisation

At Impress we develop treatments that are 100% adapted to the needs of our patients. Thanks to the knowledge of our experts and combined with the latest technology, we design invisible orthodontic treatments that allow us to achieve optimal results efficiently and safely.

• Constant supervision by qualified professionals

At Impress we want you to feel in good hands during treatment. A specialist orthodontist will thus manage and supervise your treatment at all times, making sure to prevent any complications that may arise. Whether in person or digitally, the treatment will be evaluated weekly or bi-weekly by an orthodontist so that you can achieve dental alignment that goes beyond the visual, taking into consideration your oral health too.

• An Impress clinic near you when you need it

At Impress we have an extensive network of clinics across the world, with more than 160 clinics in 8 different countries, in order to be close to you whenever you need us. In our state-of-the-art clinics you will find the most advanced technology in the sector and experts to advise and help you with any concerns you may have during treatment, to ensure you receive the best care for your oral health.

Impress, the solution for showing off your teeth with confidence

At Impress we specialise in clear orthodontic treatments with aligners for cases ranging from mild to the most complex. We are aware of the importance of feeling comfortable with your teeth, which is why we want to help you show off your teeth with confidence without taking any risks.

If you would like us to help you find a solution that meets your needs, visit us at your nearest Impress clinic and meet our team of experts. To book an appointment or request more information you can do so online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.