DIY Braces - Are they Safe?

 DIY Braces - Are They Safe?

A Smile is one of the first things we notice about a person and having a beautiful smile can help to boost health, self esteem and confidence!  A healthy well cared for smile also prevents more dental problems!

There can be several options for obtaining a beautiful healthy smile which Dr Rhonda Krause 
 at Loveland Family Dentistry is happy to discuss.  Tooth straightening can be one option on the path to a dream smile and as technology has changed, traditional metal braces are not the only option. 



Clear Aligners are a series of clear removable aligners custom fit by a dentist to your teeth to provide virtually irritation-free  toot straightening.  Because clear aligners are so inconspicuous, they are especially popular with adults.  The aligners are typically worn at least 20 hours per day and are only removed for eating and brushing/flossing.  




 







Mail Order and DIY Braces   

have become increasingly available to the public.  Mail order braces generally involve a system of clear aligners that are made from molds taken by the client.  The aligners are typically sent directly to the client without in-office appointments.  DIY braces come in many different forms, some involve individuals placing rubber bands around their teeth or using other household items to attempt to correct dental issues.  


  Are these Options Safe?

Mail Order and DIY braces seem appealing, as they are advertised as affordable and convenient.  As seen on social media at-home aligners appear to work, and there are multiple reviews of their results on the internet. While this may seem like an ideal solution, they are NOT the miracle fix that they may seem to be!

What are the Risks?

  • Treatment Options are Limited -  When you work with a dentist in person, they will give you a treatment plan that is designed just for you.  Mailing a DIY mold of your teeth and expecting a comprehensive plan is unrealistic

  • You Won't Have Access to a Qualified Dentist - Mail-order aligners may have medical professionals on staff, but these people won't be able to meet with you in person to address your specific needs.  To get a beautiful healthy smile, the teeth must move thru your jaw bone, which requires x-rays, special equipment and years of training that can plan how to carefully move the teeth into place.  You may not be able to reach someone if you have a question and that person may be a customer service specialist with no dental training. 
  • Mail-Order Technology is Often Behind the Times- It can be difficult to use the latest technology thru the mail.  Today's technology uses cutting-edge scanners, x-rays and cone beam imaging to make sure your dentist knows your teeth from top to bottom.  This helps to give you the precise treatment you need.

  • Mail-Order or DIY Braces May actually Cost More!  At first glance, it can appear as thought mail-order braces will be less expensive than traditional orthodontic care. In truth, the actual cost of the orthodontic treatment is often comparable to mail-order braces.  There is a much higher potential for failure of treatment or dissatisfaction with the results using mail-order braces.  Many clients end up having to go to the orthodontist after their treatment to correct issues that were created by the aligners.  They end of paying twice!


If you are considering braces or dental aligners, it is highly advisable that you get a complete dental checkup to ensure that orthodontic treatment is right for you.  At Loveland Family Dentistry, Dr Rhonda Krause has been providing comprehensive dental care for families in Northern Colorado for 30 years.  Give us a call at 970667-6101 for an appointment today!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Treat a Toothache at Home

Image
A toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaws. Tooth decay, an infection, loose or broken fillings, or receding gums can cause it.   If the pain lasts for more than 1 or 2 days, it is best to see a dentist immediately to have it treated.     Until then, the following simple remedies may provide temporary relief from the discomfort.  1.  Cold Compress or Ice Pack          A cold compress or an ice pack can help ease dental pain, especially if a toothache is due to injury              or swollen gums.                    Hold the ice pack against the outside of the cheek near the painful tooth for a few minutes at a                   time.   The cold helps to numb the pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.  2.  Rinse with Salt Water Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce swelling, help healing and remove debris lodged in and around the teeth.  Dissolve 1 tsp of salt in an 8 oz cup of very warm water and swish for 30 seconds.  This can be repeated as often as needed 3.  Clove O
Read more

5 Tips for Choosing a New Dentist

Image
 5 Tips For Choosing a New Dentist If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, you are not alone!  But the dentist is more than just someone to clean your teeth.  Your dental health is a vital part of your overall health, so it is important for every patient to have a dental home.  That means there is always someone looking out for the best interests of you and your family.  Here are a few tips for choosing a new dentist 1.  Get Referrals Get started by creating a list of potential dentists.  Ask family, friends and coworkers for recommendations. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist.  When someone we know and trust have positive experiences with their dentist, we feel more at ease about seeing them ourselves.  2.  Look for Online Patient Reviews     Reading what other people have to say about a dentist can provide insight from actual patients into the level of care a dentist provides.  Patient reviews typically reflect people's experience with scheduling appointments, wait
Read more