25 years ago, there was no way anyone could do their own orthodontic treatment through mail order. Today, you can straighten your teeth by going no further than your mailbox to do it. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. If your vision needed improvement, would you purchase a “gentle laser” online, to shine in your eyes to achieve 20-20 vision?
Before attempting to straighten your teeth on your own, there are critical factors to consider. Let’s explore the risks of DIY orthodontics and why consulting a professional orthodontist is essential for your health and long-term smile.
Can You Safely Straighten Teeth Yourself?
In the best-case scenario, if you’ve just finished braces or aligners without any problems and your teeth have relapsed a tiny bit due to not wearing your retainers, mail-order aligners might seem like a minimal complication. If you don’t have to move teeth very far, this might seem like a reasonable solution.
However, even this can come with risks, and if you’re thinking about straightening your teeth on your own, it’s important to understand that moving teeth—no matter how small the adjustment—can still affect your overall oral health.
The Risks of DIY Orthodontic Treatment
There are significant dangers when attempting to straighten your teeth yourself or when seeing a general dentist instead of an orthodontic specialist. If you have any of the following issues, you’re at higher risk:
- Uneven bite
- Severe crowding
- TMJ (temple region) headaches
- Bone loss
- Gum recession
- Clenching or grinding
These conditions increase the complexity of treatment, and even orthodontists can struggle with them. Attempting DIY orthodontics or seeing a general dentist who may not have the same level of orthodontic training can result in greater complications.
Why Bone Health is Critical in Orthodontics
If you’re the 1 in 5 patients with very narrow supporting bone, the risks of straightening your own teeth—or even having aligners prescribed by a general dentist—are even higher. Narrow bone boundaries require careful planning by a trained orthodontic specialist to ensure teeth are moved safely within your anatomic limits.
Aligner treatments that don’t consider bone health can appear to work for months or years, but improper diagnosis of “normal” bone thickness can lead to gum recession and bone loss later. Orthodontists are trained to spot these risks and plan accordingly. Find out more about how orthodontists can measure the thickness of your bone around your teeth HERE.
The Foundation Analogy: Why Proper Planning Matters
To help explain why bone health is so important, think about it like this: Let’s say you want to remodel your house to expand the first floor. Your contractor suggests keeping the foundation the same size but broadening the walls. Over time, those new walls would fail from a lack of support. Teeth are the same way—if you expand them too far without enough bone support, you could eventually suffer bone loss and gum recession.
If you try to straighten your teeth yourself, or your general dentist doesn’t recognize your thinner bone support, it’s likely that no one will want to get involved to fix it later, as they’ll have to assume responsibility for what was started.
Trust the Experts: Why You Should Consult an Orthodontist
If you need more than just a fine-tuning of recent orthodontic relapse, don’t attempt DIY orthodontic treatment. While you might think you’re saving money, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Orthodontists go through an additional 2-3 years of training beyond dental school to specialize in moving teeth safely and addressing complex cases.
You might save money upfront with mail-order aligners or seeing a general dentist, but orthodontists take full responsibility for any complications that arise—and the peace of mind that comes with that is worth the investment.
Experience the Benefits of Professional Orthodontic Care
While DIY orthodontics might seem convenient, the personalized care and expertise you receive from a certified orthodontist are unmatched. Our team provides customized treatment plans designed to not only straighten your teeth but to protect your oral health long-term. We focus on delivering exceptional results, with state-of-the-art technology, in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
When you choose professional orthodontic care, you’re not just investing in your smile—you’re investing in a lifelong boost to your confidence and overall well-being. We make the process smooth and enjoyable, with a team of caring professionals dedicated to your success.
Free Orthodontic Consultation—Get Started Today
We understand that choosing the right path for your orthodontic care is a big decision, and we’re here to make it easier. That’s why we’re offering a free orthodontic consultation. During this consultation, we’ll evaluate your unique needs, answer all your questions, and show you how we can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted—safely and effectively.
Don’t risk your health with DIY aligners. Contact us today to schedule your free consult in our Davis or Folsom location and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.
