In this age of increased access and increased convenience, nearly every service now has an at-home alternative. More and more companies are emerging that offer invisible braces at home through subscription boxes. Like most people you may want to improve your smile with as little pain and trouble as possible, at home dental braces may sound like an attractive option.
While you cannot beat the convenience of mail order braces, there are some risks to using them. First of all, invisible braces are not recommended for all dental conditions. Use of at-home braces to treat a serious dental or orthodontic condition, may be harmful to your face rather than help it. Here is our advice for avoiding the dangers of at home braces.
Did you check with your orthodontist?
Before deciding to go the do-it-yourself –route, see what the orthodontist recommendations for invisible braces are. Invisible aligners can be helpful for fixing overbites, underbites, small gaps, and crowded teeth. However, they cannot treat everything. Without the plan and experience of an orthodontist, at-home braces may provide a disappointing result.
To be on the safe side it is recommended that you talk to your orthodontist first to determine what treatment is most appropriate for your concerns. Even if you do not have any major concerns, it’s still worth consulting a reputable orthodontist to assure invisible aligners won’t damage your smile.
Play it smart
When it comes to dental care, it is better to be safe than sorry. Mail order aligners may be cheap and convenient, but they do not compare to in-person care. Regularly checking in with an orthodontist helps to ensure your aligners are working as they should, and your treatment is on the right track.
If you are interested in custom invisible braces but want to use them under the guidance of a professional, Invisalign may be the right choice. Invisalign isn’t sold directly to consumers. Providers like Dr. Mario Paz, a Marina del Rey orthodontist has expertise in administering Invisalign. If you find yourself among the percentage of people who need braces, Dr. Paz and his team are here to help. (Virtual initial consultations are available.)