Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a cheap fix for misaligned teeth, such as DIY clear braces? Unfortunately, such a product is unlikely to ever exist due to the intricacies of orthodontics and the complexities of our teeth and jaws.

There is a growing trend of “DIY orthodontics” that includes homemade remedies and made-to-order clear aligners that do not require supervision by a qualified dentist. While social media ads and YouTube videos purport to offer an alternative to medically sound orthodontic treatments, Dr. John McDonald strongly cautions against these unproven and potentially dangerous products.

Professional orthodontic treatments are not quick fixes, and no one would describe Invisalign braces prices in Salem or anywhere else as cheap. Still, Invisalign and traditional braces deliver proven results, and, just as importantly, the cosmetic treatments will not damage your teeth or cause undue discomfort.

Our orthodontist’s Salem office offers safe and effective Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments.

What Are the Potential Dangers of DIY Clear Braces?

Dr. John understands the oral health needs and cosmetic goals of all of his patients, and whether we like it or not, technology cannot replace the dentist-patient relationship, and a computer cannot replace the years of experience that dentists like Dr. John have acquired.

DIY aligners do not take into account the overall oral health of a patient. Placing clear aligners over teeth that have unaddressed cavities and gums that may have symptoms of periodontitis can jeopardize the health of your smile. Undergoing treatments that significantly move teeth without considering the impact that infected gums or decayed teeth can play is a recipe for disaster.

Furthermore, individuals who choose DIY aligners also do not have the benefit of tooth-colored buttons that help guide teeth through complex movements. The manufacturers of self-administered braces will not tell you what orthodontists know: Certain tooth movements are not possible without the aid of these attachments.

The lack of care for your teeth’s readiness for aligners and a proper custom treatment plan could lead to severe dental issues such as infections and complete tooth loss. If your aligners differ slightly from what you need, you could worsen your present conditions, making crooked teeth and bad bites even worse than when you started the process.

Using DIY braces also removes the benefit of interproximal reduction, as well. Individuals with extensive tooth crowding often require small amounts of natural tooth structure removal for best results.

The Benefits of Getting Braces With a Professional Orthodontist Instead of DIY Clear Braces

First, you’ll know if it is the best treatment for you. While Invisalign’s and clear aligner’s technology have come a long way since their creation, there are still some severe cases that the aligners can’t fix by themselves. Thus, orthodontists could recommend other types of treatments before the aligners or as a complete replacement. The last thing you need is to start a treatment doomed to fail from the beginning.

Patients who undergo orthodontic treatments with Dr. John McDonald can expect proven results delivered along a pre-determined treatment timeline. If you choose Invisalign, Dr. John will periodically monitor your progress through regularly scheduled check-ups. During these visits, patients can ask Dr. John questions about their treatments and progress. He and our team can provide insight and tips during these short visits.

It is not unusual for clear aligner treatments to require reimaging and manufacture of a completely new set of trays at some point during treatment. Dr. John will closely monitor the fit of your Invisalign Salem aligners to ensure that treatment is moving along as scheduled and whether you require revisions.

A professional orthodontist will make sure your teeth are in the best condition possible before starting an orthodontic service, will find the treatment that best suits you, and will keep a close eye on you to cover your exact needs throughout the entire treatment time.

Additionally, as the best orthodontist Salem patients can find, we will treat you with the highest standards there are for orthodontists. The American Board of Orthodontics certified Dr. John as a board-approved orthodontist, so you can rest assured that you will be in the hands of a professional that has both succeeded in proving their skills in rigorous testing and have hundreds if not thousands of hours in studies and first-hand experience.

Work With a Proven Orthodontist

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it often is. Cutting out trained dental professionals to reduce the cost of teeth straightening may be tempting, but professional medical organizations do not endorse DIY braces, probably due to the risk of injury and tooth loss. If you have questions about the benefits of DIY clear braces vs. professional orthodontic treatments, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. John by calling (503) 406-9309.