If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, there are all kinds of excellent ways to do that. Clear aligners are an example that’s become incredibly popular as of late, but even within this limited market there are several options.
Professionally administered clear aligners, like Candid Clear Aligners and Invisalign, have been around for a while, and have been proven to deliver excellent results. However, there’s a newcomer to the orthodontic scene that has been causing issues—DIY clear aligners.
If you want to know more about this alternative to professional clear aligners, here’s why they really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
How Do DIY Clear Aligners Work?
As you may know, clear aligners are designed to bring your teeth into alignment by using clear plastic trays that nudge them into place. Your dentist will use advanced imaging technology to design these aligners, which you should plan to wear for 20-22 hours a day.
DIY aligners are similar, except that you don’t talk with the dentist in person. Instead, you create your own dental mold and send it to a virtual dentist, who will design your aligners and mail them back to you.
Why is this a Problem?
Initially, this may not sound so bad—after all, who doesn’t want dental care from their home? However, having a dentist that you can meet in person is incredibly important to ensuring that aligner treatment goes well.
For one, you won’t have access to the same imaging technology that a dentist will, so you may not be able to produce as accurate a model as they can. This could potentially mean that your treatment will take longer than it could otherwise, or that it could even make your alignment worse.
Most dentists will also perform a thorough exam to check you for oral health problems before treatment begins. This is important, as without it any tooth decay or gum disease you have could get significantly worse.
Ultimately, in-person aid from a dental professional is indispensable to clear aligner treatment. As tempting as DIY may be, it’s best to stick to treatments with professional supervision.
About the Author
Even after 15 years in the business, Dr. Annie Yu still has trouble deciding what she loves most about dentistry. She revels in being able to transform her patients’ smiles for the better, and deeply values the relationships she’s formed over the years. Dr. Yu received her DDS from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and she then participated in the residency program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
If you have any questions about clear aligners, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (240) 332-1599.