The
use of at-home braces is a newer concept in dentistry that has many in the
profession concerned. For several years, there have been numerous companies
that provide clear aligners to help straighten teeth under the supervision of a
licensed dentist. The problem is that a person ordering aligners in the mail
may never set foot in that dentist's office.
Taking
the cheap and easy option of do-it-yourself (DIY) braces can cause serious
damage to your teeth. There are minor conditions for which aligners may be
appropriate, but without a proper diagnosis - it's anybody's guess!
When Clear Aligners Can Help
When
used properly, clear aligners can reliably produce very acceptable results in
adult patients. One of the main indications for these aligners is "orthodontic
relapse," a condition that occurs when someone who previously wore braces
or another appliance fails to wear their retainers after treatment is completed
and notices their teeth starting to drift back to their original state of
misalignment.
Other
reasons your dentist might suggest aligners include small gaps between teeth,
minor tooth crowding or a tooth that is rotated. But when you don't give a
professional the chance to see your mouth before you pop an aligner into it,
you have no way of knowing if plastic is the best way to help your dental
situation.
The Risks of At-Home
Braces
The
idea of allowing patients to diagnose and treat themselves for orthodontic
problems is a frightening concept to dental professionals. At-home braces allow
patients to diagnose their own case, take their own impressions and supervise
the progress of their own treatment. This entire process is fraught with
problems and is potentially extremely harmful.
The American Dental Association (ADA), have issued consumer
warnings against at-home braces. The ADA invites anyone considering DIY
orthodontics to ask the same questions of a mail-order company that they would
of their own dental professional, including:
Is
this treatment going to be based off information from my X-rays, skeletal
structure and full scans of my teeth and upper and lower jaws?
Is
there a dentist or orthodontist supervising the making of my aligners? Is that
person licensed?
Are
my teeth and gums healthy enough to support orthodontic treatment?
Can
I see a dentist in person in an emergency?
If
the answers to these questions are hazy or hidden, you could be putting your
mouth and your health in danger.
The Need for Office Visits
Sometimes
the "irreparable damage" of unsupervised care included the need for
tooth extractions, bite problems and temporary but dangerous infections.
Without
direct professional supervision, patients may also have no idea that they could
have underlying problems, such as tooth decay, abscessed teeth or gum
infections that could be made much worse by imposing orthodontic treatment on
top of them.
Since
most dental problems don't present overt symptoms, such as pain or swelling,
it's easy to overlook potentially serious issues. It's kind of like having high
blood pressure. You could find out about a problem by having a heart attack,
but you can avoid one by having your blood pressure checked!
Even a Dentist Needs
Advice Sometimes
There
is one final aspect of DIY braces that has dental professionals concerned: the
aspect of doing it yourself. Even licensed dentists who have completed many
cases of clear aligner therapy recognize their limitations and know when to
refer to a specialist. Orthodontists understand the mechanics behind the way
bones, teeth and gums move and grow during treatment, and they are the only
people who can safely and effectively shift your teeth.
No
matter how much research they do, a degree from the university of the internet
should not qualify someone to perform their own dentistry. Would you attempt
your own brain surgery to save a few bucks? Of course not!
Save
yourself the time, money and heartache by doing the right thing for you and
your loved ones. Seek the expertise and care of a licensed, legally accountable
professional to safeguard your new smile.
