DIY braces are popping up all over the Internet. The big question is: are they safe and effective, or should you ignore the hype and call your orthodontist?

With the average cost of Invisalign and braces costing well over the $1,000, many people are looking for a more cost-effective way to get beautiful, straight teeth. However, when it comes to your oral health and orthodontics, the old saying is true: you get what you pay for.

Risks of DIY Braces

At Great Smiles Orthodontics, we want to help you make an educated decision. We’ve included some of the risks associated with homemade braces. With DIY braces, you are susceptible to:

  1. Infection from unsterilized appliances in your mouth
  2. Irreparable damage to your gums, teeth, and jaw
  3. Pain, wearing down of the tooth enamel, and tooth loss
  4. Aggravated orthodontic issues
  5. Increased costs to repair damage

What about At-Home Orthodontics?

Some companies have started popping up online boasting professional results from real dentists all without stepping foot in an orthodontist’s office. You can capture initial 3D images of your teeth either at a facility nearby or through at-home impression kits. Then, an orthodontist in your state reviews the images remotely. While this sounds fast and easy while still under an orthodontist’s care, it is still not the best way to achieve the results you want. If your impressions are inaccurate, then the aligners will not fit properly on your teeth and you will get poor results.

There is no treatment that is as thorough or accurate as seeing an orthodontist in person throughout the course of your treatment. This allows you to receive constant monitoring and evaluation to determine if changes are needed as you progress through treatment.

Why Great Smiles Orthodontics?

At Great Smiles Orthodontics, our professionally trained orthodontists know how to give you a perfect smile and get it done right. Our staff is highly trained in the latest orthodontic techniques. We are always striving to improve our knowledge and skills through continued education. When you come to our office, we guarantee you will receive high-quality orthodontic treatment and safely and effectively. That’s something that DIY braces and at-home braces just can’t promise.

If you’re considering please homemade braces or at-home treatment, contact us today. We can provide a FREE consultation to determine the right treatment for you.