If you’ve spent any time scrolling Instagram or Facebook lately, chances are you’ve seen a post or ad about at home aligner kits to obtain a new smile.  Simply snap a selfie, take your own dental impression and voila—get clear aligners delivered to your home to start straightening your teeth.

This home based dental care trend prides itself on doing everything from the comfort of your home without having to visit an orthodontic office while getting treatment done at a fraction of the cost.

As an orthodontic specialist, it’s surprising that this accessory has become trendy and it’s almost impossible to ignore the ads. So, should you be skeptical or should you just save your money and use an at-home aligner kit? Here are some of the things Dr. Carrie would like you to  consider.

The results of using invisible aligners can be extremely unpredictable, because some people respond well to them and others won’t. Part of Dr. Carrie’s treatment recommendation is based on the detailed photographs and digital x-rays we take in office. This is done before any treatment is discussed or recommended.

As stated by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), “orthodontic treatment involves the movement of biological material which if not done correctly, could lead to potentially irreversible damage to your teeth, gingival tissues, and jaw bone.  The health of your teeth and the bones are critical in being able to safely and effectively move teeth without causing any damage to your jaw or occlusal bite.”

Another difficulty comes when figuring out how to correct your smile if you’re not responding correctly to the aligners. There is no accountability or “check-ins” with at-home aligner kits. You are not being monitored by an Orthodontist. When treatment is done by Dr. Carrie, there will be bi-monthly check-ins, or routine appointments, to make sure your teeth are moving appropriately.

When making an investment regarding your smile,  another decision is choosing between an Orthodontist  versus a Dental Professional. You can read more about that here.

The Bottom Line is as America’s leaders for oral health, the ADA (American Dental Association) “strongly discourages” the practice of do-it-yourself orthodontics because of the potential for harm to patients.

See a dental professional.  See an orthodontist. Consultations with Dr. Carrie are always complementary and she will evaluate your unique case and develop an individualized treatment plan for optimal results. You can request an appointment here or call our office at (630) 323-1201