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Is It Really OK to Straighten Your Teeth at Home?

added on: July 9, 2021
skeptical woman

When you talk to the team at My Rivertown Dentist, it could be a challenge to find someone who won’t agree that there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing a smile that’s healthy and teeth that are balanced and straight. It seems like the rest of the world has finally caught on too because these days everywhere you turn there’s an ad for a new, innovative way to approach cosmetic dentistry in Madison. Like so many of the patients we see every day at our Madison dental office; we’re willing to bet you’re confused. Let’s start by discussing the specific surge in do-it-yourself or at-home smile straightening at home.

Why You Should Save the DIY for Your House (Not Your Mouth)

We can’t blame you for being intrigued or even full-on in love with the idea of straightening your smile at home without having to go to see your Madison dentist or an orthodontist. It seems so easy, convenient, and affordable — what have you got to lose? As it turns out, it could be your hard-earned money and your oral health.

Here’s a tip from your friends at My Rivertown Dentist: don’t believe the ads you see on TV or online. They can be misleading and damaging to your health.

You Need Someone By Your Side

Please don’t go about straightening your smile at home on your own. It’s unsafe because when you’re undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment, you’re essentially moving bones and shifting how your bite functions. Doesn’t that sound like something a professional should be helping you by overseeing your treatment? If you truly want remarkable results you need to be under the expert guidance of Dr. Ashley Lee who can provide you with the right straightening solution for you and your smile. Keep in mind that everyone should have x-rays and a comprehensive exam before undergoing any type of oral health procedure. With mail-order orthodontics, you send in a mold of your teeth and hope for the best. You might find it’s not the same as having a custom treatment plan monitored by a dentist or specialist. It’s like driving a car, but you only know how to ride a bike. The results can be dangerous!

Just Because it Worked for Them…

Even if you go through all the steps and order clear aligners online, there’s a pretty good chance you’re nothing to see the smile you were promised. The thing is none of us have a bite that’s the same, and just because your neighbor had success with their mail-order orthodontics doesn’t mean you should expect the same.  If you’re one of these people who won’t see results from aligner therapy, you won’t know until you’ve wasted time and money on your smile. (You might also do some unnecessary and unwanted damage to your teeth.)

Make an appointment today at My Rivertown Dentist in Madison to talk about your safe smile straightening options. We care about our patients, and we hope you’ll let us show you how much more effective clear aligner therapy can be when you work with a trained professional like Dr. Lee. From general dentistry to sleep apnea help based on our findings and expert research and findings from The Institute for Craniofacial Medicine, we can even see beyond routine smile care for our patients using special oral appliances created by Vivos designed to help guide jaw development.