Do-it-yourself braces: a trend that has blown over from America. Suppliers of do-it-yourself aligners promise you straight teeth in no time, without a visit to the dentist or orthodontist and at a reasonable price. Who wouldn’t want that? But unfortunately, you guessed it: this story is too good to be true.
Everything from home
Everyone can order a do-it-yourself kit online from the comfort of their own home. The kit comes with a universal impression tray with which you can make an impression of your teeth by yourself. You send these prints back and a few weeks later you will receive your aligners and a step-by-step plan at home. You switch the braces and continue the treatment on your own.
The risks of do-it-yourself braces
Do-it-yourself braces do exactly what they promise: they straighten your teeth. However, what is left out in this system for the sake of convenience is the bigger picture. The position of the upper and lower jaws are not taken into account in this treatment due to which the jaws no longer fit together after the treatment. Combined to that, the uncontrollable force of the do-it-yourself aligner can cause exposed dentin, which can lead to teeth sensitivity, pain, and in the worst case, loss of teeth. The aligners straighten your teeth, but that’s it.
Are you aware of these risks
Most people do not realise that orthodontic treatment is much more than just straightening your teeth. Although the do-it-yourself braces seem an inexpensive alternative to a aligner treatment, this method is a risk to your teeth. Because there is no input or supervision from a dentist for orthodontics or orthodontist, damage can occur to the teeth and jaws. Your teeth may be perfectly straight, but your jaws no longer fit together, making it difficult to chew and causing tension in your jaw. The consumer television program ‘Kassa’ researched the reliability of do-it-yourself braces and made an episode about the results. Curious? Watch the video via this link (Dutch).
A safe treatment with Invisalign® and Spark™ aligners
With this blog we want to draw the attention of readers to the differences between an aligner treatment in a specialised practice and the do-it-yourself braces. A treatment with Invisalign® or Spark™ aligners via a dentist for orthodontics or an orthodontist can by no means be compared to a treatment with do-it-yourself braces.
Invisalign® and Spark™ treatments are orthodontic treatments during which we closely follow and monitor the teeth of our patients. Prior to the treatment, there will be a consultation during which we carry out an oral examination. We will examine the position of the teeth and the relationship between the lower and upper jaws. We will then make a 3D scan, various X-rays and digital photographs. With all this information we will map out a custom made treatment that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. With an Invisalign® treatment we can assure our patients of the optimal and correct dental result.
Want to know more about Spark™ and Invisalign® treatments?
Would you like to receive more information about Spark™ and Invisalign® braces? We would be happy to tell you more about the possibilities during a consultation. Together we will discuss your wishes and examine whether Spark™ or Invisalign® braces are suitable for you!