Can Harm Your Bite
Everyone has seen the ads for various at-home orthodontics options. Direct-to-consumer clear aligners that can be used without leaving the house for appointments are a temptation for people who want a straight, healthy smile. Those aligners, however, have the potential to harm the wearer and create lasting damage to their teeth and jaw.
When teeth are moved–either through braces or clear aligners–bone around the moving teeth is broken down and rebuilt. Essentially, you’re reshaping your mouth’s skeletal structure. While this is normal and part of the process for teeth straightening procedures, doing so on your own, without the direction of a licensed orthodontic professional, could lead to irreversible and expensive damage.
Uneven Bite
Because straightening teeth affects the entire bone structure, attempting to align your teeth on your own could lead to bite problems. Without a professional guiding you through the process (or, even better, actually doing it for you), one small mistake could reshape your jaw in a way that’s even more detrimental.
Having an uneven bite presents many problems, including:
- Tooth pain
- Erosion of joints
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Severely worn teeth
- Teeth that chip, break, or crack
- Teeth become oversensitive to heat or cold
- Misaligned/overcrowded teeth
With self-serve dental aligners, the risk of introducing more problems to the scene is much higher than if a professional orthodontist takes charge of the transformation process. After all, they have the education, training, and know-how to get the job done–and done right. Even practicing dentists and orthodontists don’t treat their own teeth!
If you are considering do-it-yourself aligners for straighter teeth, consider the potential outcomes of such a choice. While it may appear to save money initially, fixing the problems that can come with DIY treatment can end up costing more than having your teeth aligned by a professional. With so many factors in play that can hurt your smile even when you’re trying to fix it, getting the professional results you need and want by putting the future of your teeth into the care of a licensed orthodontist is the best choice for your smile.
Dr. Stefanie Dougherty of Dougherty Orthodontics is a highly qualified orthodontist with years of experience and training in her field. Her expert team works hard to make sure you feel comfortable during all phases of your treatment plan and want to make sure you feel like part of the Dougherty family. If you’re ready to choose braces and start your journey to a new smile, contact Dougherty Orthodontics at (636) 825-1000 for your complimentary consultation.
