If you’ve lived most of your life with less than straight teeth, you’ve probably considered many different options to align them. The thought of having to wear braces or retainers is not very appealing to most adults, which is why ordering at-home tooth alignment sets is on the rise in recent years. The commercials make them sound cheap and easy, but are they? Let’s take a closer look.
Improper Fit
Any at-home self-ordered dental aligner first requires a specific measurement to make aligners exclusively for your teeth. Most kits include a mold you can use yourself at home and send back through the mail. By doing this, you run the risk of receiving poorly fitting aligners that will either not work at all, or cause a more significant alignment issue.
Skipping the Dentist Evaluation
When you order an aligner from home, you are entirely bypassing an essential step. A dentist or orthodontist will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the safest and most effective treatment option to align your teeth. You may have unknown dental or oral issues that would prohibit you from using some types of aligners or may need oral surgery for treatment to be effective. While your teeth are straightening, it’s also important to be seen consistently by your dentist or orthodontist so that they can make sure your teeth are moving safely. When you straighten your teeth at home without the supervision of a dental professional, you run the risk of permanently damaging your teeth or requiring expensive or painful treatments to correct any alignment done incorrectly.
To get the best results and eliminate the risk of damaging to your teeth, consult your dentist before beginning any kind of dental alignment program. To make an appointment with our experienced dentists and begin the process of getting a perfect smile, call Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts to see Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller today.