Published on January 17, 2017, Updated on April 16, 2020
DIY braces and home orthodontics are now becoming a current reality due to technological advances and online tools, however, there is more to straightening your smile than meets the eye. Bypassing an experienced doctor for straightening your teeth, and opting for an “inexpensive fix” for straightening your teeth, will end up costing you much more in the long-term. The American Association of Orthodontists distributed a public service announcement to help protect consumers stating that “moving teeth is a medical procedure and needs personal supervision by an orthodontist.” Our team at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is dedicated to helping you achieve your smile goals safely.
Benjamin Franklin coined a phrase many years ago: “a penny saved is a penny earned” which is a great lesson in the benefits of being frugal. But frugality must be tempered with common-sense practices as well. Advances in technology have brought us many tools to help us be more independent citizens, but watch out for some easy traps that you can fall into if you trust the tools more than you should. Do it yourself (DIY) braces and mail-order aligner systems have been attempted by penny-savers and broadcasted online as a “safe” avenue for your care, when the exact opposite is true.
In order to understand why the American Association of Orthodontics distributed a public service announcement urging against the use of home orthodontics and DIY braces consider the following:
There is a legitimate reason that orthodontists acquire seven years of post-college education to become experts at the science and art of orthodontics. Such qualifications can’t be matched by an “ortho-by-mail” process, or DIY braces techniques. Home orthodontics risks permanent damage to your teeth including: root shortening, bone or tooth loss, tooth decay and other serious issues.
Orthodontic treatment done by one trained in the field of orthodontics, who is examining you regularly and monitoring your specific needs, is the ONLY trusted and true way to safely and effectively straighten your teeth. Cookie-cutter approaches to orthodontics and DIY braces are dangerous, and will lead to expensive consequences. Learn about your orthodontic treatment options and how you can benefit today! If you have more questions about the types of treatment offered by Dr. Hardy at our Erie office, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today at 720-887-6003 to make an appointment.