While do-it-yourself projects can be a fun activity in many areas of life, orthodontics is best left to the experts. Despite the availability of DIY or at-home aligner treatments, Clauss Orthodontics is here to tell you why patients should avoid DIY aligners.
The Wrong Approach
The convenience of online kits may be tempting, offering materials for self-impressions sent to a remote dental lab for aligner creation. However, there are numerous reasons why we advise against this approach. Here are several of them:
- Lack of Professional Supervision: DIY treatment lacks professional intervention and monitoring, leading to potential ineffectiveness and oral health risks due to the absence of regular observation, adjustments, and supervision.
- Inaccurate Impressions: Self-impressions taken at home often result in inaccuracies, compromising the ability to properly move teeth and potentially causing discomfort or injury during the process.
- Limited Treatment Options: DIY kits typically offer a one-size-fits-all approach, overlooking more complex orthodontic issues that require individualized treatment plans tailored to patients’ unique needs.
- Risk of Complications: Ill-fitting aligners pose various risks, including tooth misalignment, gum recession, enamel damage, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, highlighting the importance of professional oversight and precision in treatment.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: DIY aligner treatment often overlooks established ethical standards upheld by professional orthodontic organizations, compromising patient safety, quality of care, and accountability.
- Financial Issues: While DIY kits may initially seem cost-effective, the potential for poor outcomes and subsequent corrective treatments can result in significantly higher long-term costs, underscoring the importance of investing in professional orthodontic care.
The Right Approach
The alternative to DIY methods is a professional approach like Invisalign. If you’re unfamiliar with how it works, here’s a brief overview:
- Customized Treatment: Our approach involves evaluating your condition using cutting-edge 3D imaging technology, ensuring precise and personalized treatment plans.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are crafted from lightweight, comfortable plastic, minimizing the likelihood of irritation to your cheeks and gums. Their accurate fit contributes to increased comfort throughout treatment.
- Effective for Various Issues: Invisalign is adept at addressing an array of orthodontic concerns, from crowded teeth and gaps to overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
How We Support You
If you opt for Invisalign treatment, these are some of the ways we are able to make it an exceptional process with great results!
- Treatment Planning: Right from the start, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan that outlines what to expect throughout the process. This includes estimated treatment duration, visual representations of the expected tooth movement, and open communication to address any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring is a critical aspect of orthodontic treatment and sets professional care apart from DIY approaches. We schedule periodic appointments to closely track your progress and promptly address any emerging issues.
- Guidance and Support: Orthodontic professionals such as Dr. Clauss provide personalized guidance and support to help you maximize the benefits of your treatment. This includes advice on caring for your aligners, managing discomfort, and offering tailored dietary recommendations.
- Safety and Efficacy: With professional, clear aligner treatment, you can trust that your treatment is being conducted by an expert who is trained in safe and effective orthodontic care tailored to your specific needs. We adhere to strict standards of care to ensure optimal safety and efficacy throughout your treatment journey.
FAQs
Q: How long will Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on individual circumstances. Factors such as the complexity of orthodontic issues may impact treatment duration. On average, treatment typically spans from 12 to 18 months.
Q: Can I remove my aligners when I feel like it?
While Invisalign aligners are removable for eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing, they should be worn consistently for 22 hours per day. Deviating from this recommended wear time can compromise treatment effectiveness.
Q: Is Invisalign suitable for all orthodontic issues?
Invisalign may not be suitable for all orthodontic issues. Dr. Clauss can provide guidance on which conditions are best suited for clear aligner treatment versus traditional wired braces.
A Clearer Route
We hope you now understand why attempting orthodontic treatment on your own isn’t a smart idea! We’re honored to serve Watertown and Middlebury and eagerly await the opportunity to meet you and discuss treatment options! Feel free to contact us at 860.274.6625.