Realing your smile is no longer reserved for adolescents. More and more adults are seduced by the promises of transparent alignors offered by companies based in Germany, Spain or the Netherlands, with rates much lower than those of a traditional cabinet. But behind these attractive offers, the European Consumer Center (CEC) alerts: around fifty complaints are already pointing out pain, endless and insufficient monitoring treatments.
Low-cost treatment that seduces with its simplicity
The formula seems unstoppable: an appointment to take the footprint in a partner firm, then a tailor-made gutter and sent directly to the home. All for prices that oscillate between 1,000 and 2,000 euros, payable in several times. Traditional treatment can reach several thousand euros. Thanks to a mobile application, patients regularly send photos of their teeth. The follow -up is then remotely done, without obligation to consult an orthodontist in person. A simplicity that attracts, but which can quickly turn to the headache in the event of a complication.
Patients delivered to themselves
Dr. Jérémy Amzalag, dentist and member of our committee of experts, told True Medical: “Already, before any creation of gutters, a diagnosis must be made beforehand by an orthodontist in order to know which treatment is possible, on a case -by -case basis. In particular, it is essential to take stock of oral problems, such as the presence of cavities, or weaknesses that can impact the gums. Orthodontic treatment on a person who has fragrances at the level of gums is likely to flambé these weaknesses and weaken the teeth, or even promote their loss“.
Testimonials from disappointed patients who multiply
However, the testimonies of the people who have ordered their online gutter report many problems: endless treatments, unsuitable aligners or unjust customer services. In some cases, the gutter becomes ineffective for lack of being replaced in time, even aggravating the state of the teeth. For some patients, the only solution is to start a complete treatment in a qualified orthodontist, with additional costs sometimes very high.
“”From the imprint stage, software then sends a series of patient gutters, which he will carry over periods of 2 weeks to gradually move the teeth. But it may not happen exactly as planned! A cabinet follow -up is important to make the necessary changes. So certainly, the online price is less but the follow -up is almost non -existent“Confirms Dr. Amzalag.
What possible remedies for consumers
In the event of a dispute with a remote orthodontic provider, the first step remains to try an amicable resolution. For a gutter never received despite the reminders, it is advisable to put the professional in notice to cancel the treatment and reimburse the sums paid.
If the aligner is defective, does not correspond to the footprint or has not improved the teeth, the legal guarantee of conformity, applicable throughout the European Union, can be invoked. The opinion of an independent dentist can strengthen the request.
To support consumers, CEC France’s lawyers offer free help when it comes to a company installed in an EU country, Iceland or Norway, via an online form available on the Europe-ConsMateurs.eu site. If this first approach fails, the judicial appeal remains possible. Depending on the case, assistance of a lawyer and medical expertise may be necessary, in particular to obtain compensation in the event of damage.