Bartow
In a time when you can order groceries online, instantly stream movies and shows at home, and find answers for everything with a simple online search, it’s not surprising that many people are trying to straighten their teeth on their own. While there are many useful things you can learn from YouTube or order online, teeth straightening should not be one of them.
DIY Teeth Straightening Techniques
The American Association of Orthodontics has reported that at least 13 percent of their member orthodontists have seen patients who have tried to straighten their teeth on their own. People are using dental floss, fishing line, paper clips, and rubber bands in futile attempts to correct their teeth.
While these do-it-yourself ideas are meant to save money, they most often cost people much more than it would have if they had just gotten professional treatment initially. For instance, placing rubber bands around teeth to try to close gaps often results in the teeth rotating or tipping.
Virtual Orthodontics
These companies advertise quick and easy teeth straightening/whitening at an affordable price. You order their product online or via phone and they mail you a kit to make impressions of your teeth. After you send your impression back, the company is supposed to come up with a personalized plan for correcting your teeth and send you a series of aligner trays.
There are several problems with these virtual “orthodontics.” For starters, making impressions of your teeth without any training is almost guaranteed to be a disaster. If your impressions are incorrect, your aligners will also be wrong and there will be no chance they will straighten your teeth correctly. Moving teeth is an exact science and if it is not done properly, you could wind up with issues that will be more costly and time consuming to fix than your initial concern.
Benefits of Going to an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specialists who go to dental school for the required four years and then spend an extra 2 to 3 years in full time orthodontic programs. They are qualified to know the best way to correct any orthodontic issues you have and if you follow the orthodontist’s directions, the treatment is effectively and efficiently completed.
With the professionals there to give you one-on-one care, you will eliminate the risk you would take in trusting a mailed impression kit and completing them on your own. With regular appointments, your orthodontist will make sure your teeth are on track and that there are no problems that could delay your treatment. Compare your investment! Treatment at the orthodontist’s office is usually just as affordable as virtual orthodontic programs while also producing lasting results.
Contact us at EA Smiles to set up a complimentary consultation and let us show you how beneficial having your treatment done with us will be!