It can feel really satisfying to do something yourself, but there’s a time and a place for that. It might be a good idea to build a birdhouse by hand, but not as good an idea to build your house the same way. Some things are best left to professionals—orthodontics is one of those things.
DIY clear aligners have seen a rise in popularity recently. Their ads claim that they can create the same results as Invisalign entirely from home. However, many DIY aligner companies have caught flak from established dental organizations, and some are even being sued for their inability to deliver what the ads promise. If you’re considering DIY clear aligners, here are a few reasons why Invisalign will deliver better results.
#1: Complete Checkups Beforehand
Once you get your aligners, you’ll ideally be wearing them for 22 hours a day. If you have pre-existing oral health issues, wearing something over your teeth for that amount of time can cause serious problems. That’s why your dentist will conduct an in-depth oral exam before you begin Invisalign treatment. Some DIY aligners offer similar services, but the checkup won’t be done in person, meaning there’s more of a risk of something falling through the cracks.
#2: Treating More Issues
Clear aligners are deceptively simple. They’re obviously great at getting a straighter smile, but an experienced dentist can also target particular problem teeth and even fix bite issues. They do this with attachments that are placed onto the tooth. DIY aligners don’t use these attachments, making them less versatile than professionally administered treatments.
#3: Face-to-face Treatment
Dentists go to school for years and years to learn to spot oral health problems, and trained Invisalign providers have similar training with what can go wrong during orthodontic treatment. However, that training is usually done in person, with mouths they can see from multiple angles. No matter the quality of your dentist, there’s only so much they can tell you from a few pictures or a video call. They’re going to have a much harder time detecting problems with your orthodontic treatment if they can’t see you in person, increasing the chances that an issue will get out of hand.
DIY is nice, but when it comes to your teeth, you want somebody who will be able to see you face-to-face. That’s what Invisalign offers that DIY aligners don’t, and why you’re sure to get better results from the former.
About the Author
Dr. Tavi Henry is a dentist with a passion for helping his patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. That passion drives him to know everything there is to know about dentistry and to stay up to date on the latest in oral medicine. Dr. Henry received his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He’s also received over 400 hours of continuing education since graduating, and he’s a certified Invisalign provider. If you have any questions about Invisalign, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (303) 984-1400.