Whether you’re a Hollywood celebrity or just someone trying to look their best, Invisalign can do a lot to improve your smile. They work faster than traditional braces, they’re discreet, and they don’t require any dietary changes. That may be why they’ve become such a popular orthodontic treatment.
Due to Invisalign’s success, several companies have begun offering DIY aligner kits. These promise the same incredible results as Invisalign from the comfort of your home. What they don’t tell you, however, is that having a professional administer your orthodontic treatment is certain to get you better results. Here are three good reasons why you should prefer Invisalign over DIY aligner kits.
Invisalign: More Than Plastic Trays
Invisalign treatment doesn’t begin and end with plastic aligners. There are quite a few things that Invisalign treatment can do for your teeth with the use of attachments. For example, clear aligners typically put the same amount of pressure on all of your teeth, but not all of your teeth are misaligned to the same extent. That’s why many providers will use “buttons” that attach to problem teeth, allowing Invisalign trays to target them specifically.
These attachments have to be adhered to your teeth by a professional, meaning DIY aligner kits don’t let you use them. This makes them much less versatile in what they can treat than Invisalign.
The Virtues of a Pre-treatment Exam
For clear aligners to work effectively, your teeth need to be in fairly good shape. It’s important that you treat any outstanding gum disease or areas of decay you may be dealing with—otherwise, wearing your aligners could make these problems worse. With Invisalign, you’ll be examined and treated by a professional dentist before you begin your treatment. DIY aligners offer video exams, but these are less thorough, and online dentists can’t actually treat you for any disease they find.
Treating Issues as they Arise
During Invisalign treatment, you’ll have regular appointments with your dentist to ensure that everything is progressing smoothly. If it isn’t, your dentist will be able to remedy the situation—after all, you’re already in their office. If an online dentist discovers a problem, you’ll have to find an in-person dentist and make an appointment before you’re even able to get treated.
With these things in mind, it’s hard to recommend DIY clear aligners. If you want professional-level results, there’s only one thing to do: talk to a professional.
About the Author
Dr. Wael Kassem has been a practicing dentist for over 15 years, and in all that time his love of dentistry hasn’t diminished in the slightest. His passion for his field and his care for his patients are evident in the quality of treatment he provides. Dr. Kassem received his doctorate from Temple University, and he’s a proud member of both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (856) 818-9998.
