Advancements in science over the last fifty years have provided people with new tools to take care of their teeth at home. However, there are some things that still need the expertise and oversight of a trained dentist to be carried out successfully. The process of moving your teeth is often intricate and will have lasting consequences, so an experienced dentist is necessary to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Unfortunately, many people are seeking out do-it-yourself solutions over the internet to try and adjust their teeth without visiting the dentist. These quick fixes often fail and leave lasting damage in your mouth. Before you decide to try your own solutions, consider these 4 reasons to see your dentist for braces.
1. Oral Health Evaluations
Part of the process to start braces is an assessment of your oral health. Moving your teeth requires healthy gums. Patients who are in the early stages of gum disease need to have it treated before they can begin using braces. Unfortunately, there’s no at home solution to check for and treat gum disease. Only your dentist can properly evaluate your oral health prior to starting treatment.
2. Preventing Infections
DIY solutions often use common household items such as rubber bands, glue, and paper clips. While they’re cheap, they come with a host of other problems. These items are not sterile, so they open you up to the risk of a bacterial infection in your mouth. Braces provided by your dentist are going to be manufactured and placed in a clean environment, minimizing your risk of infection.
3. Precise Care
When your dentist provides you with braces, they make a step by step treatment plan and evaluate your progress against that plan. If they find that your teeth aren’t moving the way they should, they can adjust your braces and get you back on track. If you’re relying on an at home solution, you have no idea which way your teeth will move. There’s a real possibility that they will move in unexpected ways, leading to a smile that’s worse than the one you started with.
4. Long Term Savings
Many people turn to internet solutions because they are afraid of the cost of braces. However, at home braces can lead problems in the future that will require costly treatments to correct. There have been cases where DIY braces have led to teeth falling out entirely and requiring a bridge or a dental implant to repair. The money you spend with a dentist for braces helps reduce the risk of damage and the need for extra treatments in the future.
DIY braces can be a tempting option, especially now that you’re spending more time at home. But they seldom work and can cause serious problems. You don’t need to sacrifice safety to get the smile you desire. Your dentist has the resources and experience to safely guide you through the process of getting and wearing braces. With their help, you can enjoy peace of mind while fixing your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas completed dental school in 1993 at the University of the Pacific. His approach to dentistry focuses on using cutting edge technology in a comfortable environment. He currently offers Invisalign for patients who want to straighten their teeth or fix a misaligned bite. If you’re interested in learning more about this kind of treatment, you can reach him at his website or at 775-626-3535.