In basically every scenario, orthodontics is best left to the professionals. Some people choose DIY or at-home treatments for their alignment treatment, but Ventura County Orthodontics is here to answer an important question: Should I see an orthodontist for my clear aligners? The short answer is yes!
Don’t Fend for Yourself!
We know it can be tempting to buy online kits that include materials for making an impression of your teeth and sending it to a remote dental lab to create your aligners. However, there are several reasons why Dr. Lee, Dr. Mullen, and Dr. Hodges wouldn’t recommend going this route for treatment with clear aligners. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Lack of Professional Supervision: DIY treatments lack professional oversight and regular monitoring. Without regular check-ups, adjustments, and expert supervision, the treatment can be ineffective and potentially harmful to your oral health in the long run.
- Limited Treatment Options: DIY kits typically use a one-size-fits-all approach, ignoring more complex orthodontic issues. Individual anatomical differences make this method particularly unsuitable for many people.
- Inaccurate Impressions: Taking teeth impressions at home without professional guidance often leads to inaccuracies. These discrepancies can result in improper tooth movement, discomfort, or even injury.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: DIY treatments bypass the oversight and ethical standards of professional orthodontic organizations, compromising patient safety, quality of care, and accountability.
- Risk of Complications: Poorly fitting aligners can cause numerous oral health issues, including tooth misalignment, gum recession, enamel damage, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Financial Issues: While DIY treatments might seem cost-effective initially, poor outcomes and the need for subsequent corrective treatments can lead to much higher long-term costs.
The Correct Course
The alternative would be our amazing 3M Clarity Aligners. If you aren’t aware of how these work, here’s a brief overview:
- Customized Treatment: We use advanced 3D imaging technology to assess your condition and tailor your treatment plan accurately.
- Comfortable: The aligners are made from lightweight, comfortable plastic, reducing the likelihood of irritation to your cheeks and gums. The precise fit also enhances overall comfort.
- Effective for Various Issues: 3M Clarity Aligners effectively address a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
How We Can Support You
If you opt for clear aligners with Ventura County Orthodontics, these are some of the ways we are able to make it an exceptional process with great results!
- Treatment Planning: From the start, we create a comprehensive treatment plan so you know what to expect. This includes the estimated duration of treatment, visual examples of how your teeth will move, and open access to answering any questions you have along the way.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring is a crucial part of any orthodontic process, and its absence is a significant risk in DIY treatments. We schedule periodic appointments to detect and address any issues that might arise early on so that they can be promptly addressed.
- Guidance and Support: Orthodontic professionals like our own team of doctors can provide guidance on how to maximize your treatment, including caring for your 3M Clarity Aligners, managing discomfort, and offering personalized dietary advice.
- Safety and Efficacy: Professional, clear aligner treatment is conducted by experts trained in safe and effective methods tailored to each patient’s specific needs. We adhere to strict standards of care to ensure the best possible outcomes.
FAQs
Q: How long will my treatment take?
This depends greatly on your individual case. If you have a more complex orthodontic issue, your progress may be slower. On average, treatment typically lasts between 12 to 18 months.
Q: Can I remove my aligners when I feel like it?
No—although your aligners are removable, they should not be taken out at will. They should only be removed for meals, beverages other than water, and for cleaning, brushing, and flossing. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day to ensure effective treatment. Failing to adhere to this schedule can jeopardize your progress.
Q: Are clear aligners suitable for all orthodontic issues?
Not necessarily. Our doctors can explain which conditions are best suited for clear aligners and which might require traditional wired braces. We make sure to assess each case individually before determining the perfect course of treatment.
Looking Ahead
We hope you now understand why it’s critical to visit our practice if you’re curious about clear aligners. The consequences of trying to do it on your own are never worth it by comparison! We proudly serve four communities at Ventura County Orthodontics: Oxnard, Santa Paula, Moorpark, and Newbury Park. We can’t wait to meet you!