Teeth straightening hacks: Can you straighten teeth at home?

 

 

There's no doubt that there are a lot more options for straightening your teeth than just a few years ago — and one of the latest trends is kits that promise to straighten your teeth with minimal or in some cases no doctor involvement. Meaning, that once they send your clear aligners in the mail, you do most of the process from home.

On the surface, this sounds pretty great — after all, not many people really love going to the orthodontist, so being able to straighten your teeth without many of those in-clinic visits can sound appealing.

But before you run out and buy one of these kits, it's important to understand that there are some important considerations — after all, this is a medical treatment we're talking about, and one that can have some serious consequences if it's not done properly.

Let's take a look at DIY (do it yourself) and at-home teeth-straightening systems, and why you might want to think twice about choosing them over a proven system like Invisalign^® clear aligners.

Teeth straightening is a serious medical treatment

Some at-home teeth straightening kits might make you feel as if it's some kind of hack or shortcut.

But the truth is that teeth straightening is a medical treatment — one that affects not just your teeth but also your teeth’s roots, gums, jaw, and oral health as a whole¹.

And while it's true that Invisalign has pioneered the teeth straightening process with clear aligners to be far easier and far less invasive than it used to be — don’t be confused — it's still a treatment that should only be carried out and monitored by dental professionals. A full dental examination should always be carried out by a dental professional, as it is needed to make the right diagnosis and to assure you that your treatment can proceed safely.

The reason for this is simple: if teeth straightening is not done properly, it could cause serious damage that affects your teeth, mouth, and overall health for the rest of your life².

When undergoing teeth-straightening treatment, it's also paramount that you have the ongoing support and advice of a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure no hiccups occur before, during, and after you start your journey towards straighter teeth.

The potential dangers of at-home teeth straightening kits

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)³ and the American Dental Association (ADA)⁴, have both identified risks associated with at-home/DIY teeth straightening kits.

Firstly, some at-home treatments require patient-supplied impressions or photographs⁵ of teeth that might be inaccurate, leading to an improper fit of the aligners. This might result in impingement or stripping of gum tissue, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or even tooth loss.

Secondly, the lack of adequate in-clinic follow-ups of some at-home techniques means that if you have any issues during your treatment, such as tooth misalignment or gum disease, there is a risk they will not be treated in time, resulting in changed bites, or tooth or gum loss⁶.

With all of that in mind, the idea of not seeing an orthodontist for follow-ups and cheaper treatment may seem convenient, but you might be creating unnecessary risks.

Are cheaper teeth-straightening kits better?

Another issue with at-home teeth straightening kits is that some consumers might think it will be cheaper than methods like Invisalign treatment.

And while it's true that the upfront cost of an at-home kit can sometimes be very low, it's important to understand what you're actually paying for.

So what are price components of Invisalign clear aligner treatment? Being one of the most advanced clear aligner systems in the world, there are multiple benefits that come not only with the clear aligner itself, but also with everything around it. This includes the more comfortable⁷ SmartTrack aligner material and more predictable⁸ treatment based on intelligence from millions of patients.

As Invisalign treatment is provided by individual orthodontists, the price is ultimately dependent on their pricing. The final cost will then also include all the expert care, before, during and after treatment, that will enable a smooth treatment journey and getting the results you wish for.

With at-home teeth straightening kits, you're essentially paying for basic clear aligners that may only come with generic instructions that may not be tailored to your specific needs⁹. And you're definitely not paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your orthodontist is always just a quick call or in-person visit away if you have any questions or concerns.

So while at-home teeth straightening kits may seem like a cheaper option at first glance, we believe that it is best to consider long-term value for money, not to mention peace of mind and predictability of your treatment.

Are homemade braces okay?

If you've read this far, we’re betting you’ll know the answer to this already. Homemade or DIY braces are not a good idea, as they can "cause irreparable damage¹⁰" to your teeth, mouth, and oral health in general.

No matter what methods you've seen on the internet, there is no safe way to straighten your teeth with items found at home. Think of it this way — you wouldn't perform any sort of surgical procedure yourself with the things you find in your kitchen drawers — you should think of teeth straightening in the same way.

The bottom line is this: teeth straightening is a medical treatment that should only be carried out by dental professionals. A full dental examination should always be done by a dental professional to make the right diagnosis and to ensure that your treatment can proceed safely. Your teeth straightening treatment should also be regularly monitored by a dental professional to ensure safety and predictability throughout your journey to a straighter smile.

It's not something that you should try to do yourself as it could lead to unwanted complications or even tooth loss¹¹. Instead, we recommend that you look for options that offer the most long-term value for money, predictable outcomes, and peace of mind. If you're still not sure how to approach your teeth straightening journey, why not take a free online assessment with us so we can chat about whether Invisalign treatment is right for you?