Here is what you need to know about at home teeth straightening:
What Is It?
First, it is important to distinguish DIY braces from at home teeth straightening kits. DIY braces are when you use everyday objects to create your own set of braces. There is no science involved and no experienced professional is monitoring your progress to make sure you are not damaging your teeth or gums.
At home teeth straightening kits instead can be ordered online. Customers are recommended to see a dentist before starting the treatment to make sure there are no underlying oral issues that could be exacerbated by wearing the aligners, and you are told to check with your dental professional at the end of treatment as well, but there isn’t an orthodontist guiding you every step of the process.
Typically the at-home straightening process starts with getting a 3D image of your teeth. You can be sent a kit to take a dental impression at home and then send back or some companies have shops set up where you can have your smile scanned.
Your scans are then reviewed by a dental professional who works for the company who will then create a treatment plan for you. Often times you will be sent a preview of your new smile so you know what the end results will look like.
Then you will start to receive your clear aligners in the mail with instructions on how long to wear them. When it is time for a new set of aligners, you will simple be sent them in the mail with no trip to the orthodontist needed.
Who Is It Targeted to?
This type of treatment is targeted to customers who have minor or moderate crooked teeth or bite alignment issues like a little bit of crowding or a small amount of space between teeth. More complicated orthodontic cases are not good candidates.
The Pitfalls of At-Home Kits
Touted as lot cheaper and more convenient because you don’t have to factor in orthodontist appointments, these at-home kits may seem like a great choice if you are on a tight budget and have a busy schedule. What you have to keep in mind though is that there is very little supervision when you embark on this treatment method.
While you have a dental professional monitoring you from afar which is a step above DIY braces in terms of safety, they are not constantly checking on what is going on in your mouth every stage of your treatment. What if the teeth don’t move as expected or the aligners worsening the condition of your mouth instead of making it better? There will be no one looking for the warning signs to stop or adjust treatment immediately. If there is a problem, who do you got to? It will be up to you to be proactive to sense if there is a problem and then you will have to take yourself to your dentist immediately. Also, if you are basing your treatment plan based on teeth impressions you made at home, how do you know for certain that you did it correctly?
While it might seem the more economical choice at first, if there are problems during or after treatment, you could end up spending more money and time trying to correct the problem these at-home aligners created. Is it really worth the risk to your oral health?
Orthodontists spend years studying and perfecting their skills so they can handle any issues that come up during the teeth-straightening process. When you choose to go to an orthodontist for your treatment, you will be able to feel confident that you are getting the individualized care you need, and that the staff really cares about your health and want the best results for you. They will be able to monitor you closely and make whatever adjustments are needed to give you the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible.
If you are looking for braces in Philadelphia area, consider Orthodontics Limited. They offer their patients:
- Individualized attention. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg know what a big difference a straighter smile can make in a person’s life. The staff at Orthodontics Limited also understand that each person’s situation is different so that is why they take the time to sit down with you and go over your options. They will create the best treatment plan for your particular needs.
- A team that really cares. At Orthodontics Limited, Drs. Gemmi, Middleberg and Pale really care about you and your oral health. Cost for any orthodontic treatment can be a big factor for many people and some people opt out of it because this but Orthodontics Limited will work with you to come up with an affordable plan. The staff at Orthodontics Limited is also very compassionate and friendly and will always greet you with a smile giving you comfort and peace of mind a priority during your visits to the office.
- Experienced staff. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg are certified by the American Board of Orthodontist and only perform orthodontic work every day making them experts are what they do. They are also an Invisalign Top 1% provider.
- Updated equipment and technology. If you have ever walked into a dentist’s office and felt like you walked back into the 70s, then you understand the importance of updated equipment and technology. It is hard to have confidence in an orthodontist who hasn’t stayed up-to-date on all the current technology and trends in orthodontics. Drs. Pale, Gemmi and Middleberg offer all the latest technology in their offices and they always stay current on important trends in their field.
Of course, the best way to know if a particular orthodontist is right for you is to meet with them face to face. How you feel in their offices, how the staff treats you and the orthodontist’s chairside manner can all be factors in how you feel about a particular orthodontist. Don’t be afraid to set up consultations at different places. Contact Orthodontics Limited today for a free consultation.
