
The availability of mail-order teeth-straightening aligners poses a number of worrying concerns for patients who desire better looking teeth. The first question that needs asking is: are these really in the best interest of patients? Not likely according to the British Orthodontic Society who has issued a statement of warning against pursuing this option. Patients who opt for do-it-yourself teeth-correcting devices that can be accessed simply by placing an order with the chosen supplier put the outcome of treatment at risk.
In order for orthodontic treatment to be effective it is best to place treatment within the capable hands of a qualified dental practitioner who can dispense professional advice and guidance on all suitable available options including dental devices. Supervised treatment is critical to ensure a patient receives the best desirable outcomes for their oral health concern.
3 Critical problems with do-it-yourself braces
1. Manner of assessment
The first issue with the so-called ‘convenient’ direct-to-consumer aligners is the manner in which a patient is assessed for suitability. Patients are simply required to take a selfie with a mobile phone and submit it to the online supplier. There is no proper clinical evaluation that is carried out. Images taken on mobile phones are distorted and contribute to the appearance of ‘selfie teeth’ that can be entirely misleading as teeth proportions are often found to be exaggerated. The dental industry has seen a significant increase – as high as 30 percent – in the number of patients seeking to correct the look of their teeth based on these selfies. In many of these cases professional dental practitioners find that there is nothing wrong with the patients’ teeth.
The most reliable factor in determining whether you need dental treatment to correct misshapen teeth remains an in-clinic evaluation conducted by an experienced dentist. Patients can be assured that any treatment required stands the best chance of success.
2. The risk of permanent damage

For all dental treatments including corrective teeth adjustments, patients should consult a professional and qualified dental practitioner experienced in orthodontics Navan for safe and effective treatment. The direct-to-consumer dental appliances for straightening teeth used at home can spell potential trouble and worsen any oral health issues that exist. These online services may seem the easier or ‘safe’ option, but a patient may have to unnecessarily endure further treatment down the line to correct unsatisfactory results.
3. Lack of professional opinion
An in-clinic dental practitioner (who, by the way, can be found on the Web by looking up Ortodoncista) tends to take into account a patient’s individual factors during a comprehensive assessment to find the most suitable treatment plan. A patient will be provided with all available options and the benefits and features of each to determine the best choice that will fit in with the patient’s needs and desired outcomes.
A face-to-face assessment with a qualified dentist is the only way to move forward with any treatment directed at improving the look of a patient’s teeth. Schedule an appointment at a local dental clinic today.