At-home teeth straightening kits can be ordered online and are aimed at customers who have minor to moderate crooked teeth or bite alignment issues, such as slight crowding or small spaces between teeth.
More complicated issues require specialist treatment, but there are concerns that although they are cheaper and less time-consuming, they could cause more harm than good, especially if away from the eyes of a dental professional.
Should You Get Home Straightening Kits for Your Teeth?
Anyone planning to use aligners should first check with their dentist for advice, and to make sure there are no underlying oral issues that could be exacerbated by the kit. While users are also advised to check with their dentist at the end of the treatment, there is no professional care during the treatment itself.
The process starts with customers providing a 3D image of their teeth. This is done by using equipment sent with the kit, then sending it back to the company when the process is done. Some companies have shops where you can have your teeth scanned, so if you are more comfortable with this, make sure to do some research first to know which company is offering the teeth scanning through shops.
Your scans are then reviewed by a dental professional who will then create a treatment plan. After this, customers will start to receive their clear aligners in the mail, along with instructions on how to and how long to wear them. When it is time for a new set of aligners, they will be sent through the mail again, with no trip to the orthodontist needed.
What’s the worst that could happen?
A lot actually. If not diagnosed properly, you won’t be able to choose the proper straightening kit for your teeth. If you immediately use it without any consultation with an orthodontist, you may end up damaging your teeth even more.
Again, although they may be considered cheaper and more convenient, customers receive very little supervision once they begin the treatment. While you have a dental professional monitoring your progress, they are not there to constantly check every stage of the treatment.
What if the teeth don’t align as one expects or the aligners actually worsening the condition of your mouth instead of making it better? If problems arise during or after treatment you could end up spending more money and time trying to correct the problem. Is it really worth the risk?