There is still much controversy on whether inflation is a major priority for the United States government and its agencies. In 1997, American economist, academic, and Nobel Prize Winner, Robert Shiller researched why American citizens dislike inflation, and whether they feel it should remain a top priority for the U.S. government. At the time, more than 59% of respondents agreed with the statement, while a mere 3% strongly disagreed. Today, the scales might be tipped differently, as the current rate of inflation has risen to more than 5.3% in recent months, as compared to the 2.29% of 1997. 

But with inflation on the rise, and the fluctuation of the economy, how has inflation changed the need for orthodontic treatments and the acceptability rate of home straightening kits? With the recent rise in popularity in home straightening kits, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners, what’s becoming a more viable solution for some Americans as they stifle against increasing prices and hyperinflation? 

How is hyperinflation caused: A brief review

There are various conversations on what can cause hyperinflation, the most important being when a country tries to stimulate money supply, by boosting the economy with more money, and not compensating for actual economic growth. What this means is that there is more cash flow within the physical-economic domain, but it has lower buying value and trade value both domestically and internationally. 

The rising cost of dental care in America

Like many other industrial and developed nations, America created a national medical aid system that focuses on assisting lower-income families to obtain necessary health care. Although the Medicaid and Medicare Advantage scheme is set out to help lower-income families, a small portion thereof covers the cost of dental care or even includes it within its statutory health care policies. 

A Health Policy study published in 2020 revealed that these medical aid schemes only cover a partial amount of dental care treatments. The paper concluded that nearly 40% of enrollees have no dental coverage, 19% have preventive coverage, and 42% receive some form of comprehensive coverage. The rising cost of dental and health care treatments across the United States has made it even more difficult for national policies to cover and assist with the payment of dental treatments. 

It’s important to consider that coverage of certain services can change across policies and state jurisdictions. Depending on the average income of each family, in comparison to that of the U.S. poverty line threshold, California is one of the only states that has set its income threshold at 138% below the federal poverty line, making it easier for low-income families to apply and receive Medicaid or Medicare assistance. 

Is home dental straightening a viable solution? 

While not much of the Medicare and Medicaid schemes cover dental procedures or any dental treatments, home dental straightening kits have become a solution for many medium and low-income families. The main factor that has influenced frequent visits to the orthodontist or dentist is the rising cost and treatment thereof. 

Yet, research indicates that more than 43% of individuals will opt to visit an orthodontist, as opposed to the 34% who would rather make use of DTC aligners or home dental straightening kits. On the other end, a mere 22% will visit a dentist for general checkups. Home aligners and DTC has become an increasingly viable solution for many, offering convenience, affordability, and long-term solutions to their dental treatment as viewed by academic research. 

How can I trust leading market brands? 

Brands such as Invisalign have been around for decades, but still, involve visiting the orthodontist before treatment can commence. Now, brands such as Byte, Candid, and AlignerCo are breaking through the ceiling to offer consumers a more affordable solution. To compare home teeth straightening options, Smile Prep has created an online platform where consumers can obtain an unbiased and neutral review of the leading home aligner brands currently available on the market. These platforms exist solely on the basis to offer consumers a transparent view on which brand will suit their needs best. 

The takeaway

Hyperinflation should remain a top priority for the government and its agencies. With this, there should be close consideration on the rising cost of dental care, and what Medicare and Medicaid schemes should and can cover. While most Americans on these government schemes aren’t fully covered for dental procedures, home dental straightening kits have grown in popularity, as an affordable and viable solution to those who have limited resources.