Have you been looking at getting your teeth straightened by clear aligner technology?
You have probably come across Invisalign and similar brands which are offered in chair at the orthodontist, however you would have seen many other DIY aligner brands online.
These DIY kits even if they work in some minor cases, are generally unsafe as they can carry many risks and can cause harmful side effects.
People are often drawn into DIY aligner alternatives due to the cheaper costs. It’s cheap for a reason, and this can cause damage that can end up costing more than if you received treatment from a specialist orthodontist.
It’s not uncommon for orthodontists to receive patients who have tried DIY home jobs that have gone horribly wrong.
You should never try to straighten your teeth yourself, and despite warnings from orthodontists, these DIY aligner kits popularity are on the rise.
How do DIY aligners work?
The kits are purchased online and mailed, which includes a mold which is used to take an impression of your teeth.
Once the impression is taken, you send it back through the mail to the company. The company simply makes your aligner sets and mails them all to you.
You administer the aligners yourself, with no orthodontic supervision.
So, what could possibly go wrong with this?
The risks carried by DIY aligners
The DIY aligner process involves no orthodontic supervision or expertise, instead it’s just you and your aligners that you have received via the post.
Issues can include:
- Aligners which fit poorly
- Aligners which don’t move teeth properly
- Damage to the roots of the teeth
- Gum recession
- Create gaps between teeth
- Tooth decay or cavities which are undetected
- Tooth loss
- Bite issues
- Muscle and jaw joint pain
- Expensive fixes
Some damages caused by DIY aligner treatment may even end up as being irreparable.
Orthodontics should be performed by an orthodontist
If you are looking at achieving straighter teeth, you should be visiting an orthodontist to ensure not only safe, but best results.
Orthodontists are trained specialists to ensure your long-term dental health and bite are considered during your treatment.
Before even commencing orthodontic work, your orthodontist will look for underlying issues such as gum disease or cavities which need fixing before your orthodontic treatment can begin.
If you require orthodontic work, Straight Orthodontics located in Mentone and Frankston, Melbourne is a great option as the team is experienced and can offer solutions for all mild to complex orthodontic problems.
Please book an appointment, or ask anything orthodontic questions by contacting us here.