At-Home Teeth Straightening: What You Should Know

So many people are uncomfortable with their smiles. One reason is because their teeth are crooked. And they feel they can’t afford the cost of getting braces through a dental office. Now, technology called teledentistry, provides a method for at-home teeth straightening at a fraction of orthodontia office costs. Here’s what you should know.

1. Mail-order kits

Teledentistry teeth straightening is a DIY (do-it-yourself) method for fixing misaligned teeth. People order the kit from a company offering at-home invisible braces. The kit provides detailed directions for people to take pictures of their teeth from specific angles. The kit also includes clay with step-by-step instructions for making molds of their bite.

2. Dentist evaluation

The next step is mailing the pictures and bite molds to the company. Then a licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews them to determine whether the person is a candidate for at-home teeth straightening.

3. Custom-made braces

Once the order is approved, the company makes custom aligner braces for the person. In a few weeks, the braces are sent back with a treatment schedule for switching out the aligners over six to eight months to straighten teeth.

4. Invisible alignment

At-home teeth straightening kits use invisible aligners without the burden of traditional metal braces. That means no more teasing about having a metal mouth or stained teeth from colorful foods and drinks.

5. Easy to clean

A common complaint of people wearing traditional metal braces is that they’re difficult to keep clean. Food gets caught in the brackets and wires, and it’s difficult to floss and brush. People wearing invisible aligners can remove them for brushing and flossing, so it’s easier to keep teeth clean.

6. Less time and pain

Many people who have used at-home teeth straightening products are pleased with the results. They didn’t have to spend time in the dentist’s office experiencing the pain of having traditional metal braces tightened. Or endure the discomfort of having bands adjusted to realign their bite.

Make a wise decision

Before ordering from a company offering at-home teeth straightening, check the company’s reputation for patient satisfaction. Verify the cost and the assistance available in case you have any problems with the braces. Choosing the cheapest option may not provide straight teeth. It’s important that the braces are made correctly, so they fit well and don’t damage teeth and gums.

 To care for your teeth and gums, there are hundreds of toothpastes, toothbrushes and mouth rinses. And they all claim to fight tooth decay and kill oral bacteria. Learn about the best choices.

Sources and References:
Business Insider
The Doctor Weighs In
USA Today