Aligning Your Teeth - More than Cosmetic

Aligning Your Teeth - More Than Cosmetic
by Darling Dentistry
Have you noticed your teeth shifting?  Sometimes this happens if you do not wear retainers after orthodontic treatment, and sometimes it just happens as we age. If you have concerns with teeth position, these should ideally be evaluated in children by age seven since certain issues are much easier to correct before bones have fully developed. But as an adult, you are never “too old” for orthodontic treatment.

Direct to Consumer (DTC) Aligners
Companies like SmileDirectClub and Byte provide(d) aligners directly to consumers. Byte’s website states they “can help you get the smile of your dreams from the convenience of your home, without costly and inconvenient trips to a doctor.” But there are reasons why treatment should require trips to a doctor. The American Dental Association (ADA) has affirmed, “Moving teeth without knowing all aspects of a patient’s oral condition has the potential to cause bone loss, lost teeth, receding gums, bite problems, jaw pain, and other damaging and permanent issues. […] patients lose an essential quality control checkpoint—their dentist—to ensure all aspects of their treatment are performed and are progressing in the best interests of the patient.” In addition, there are certain procedures that can be completed to increase the success of treatment that cannot be done with at-home aligners. SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy in September 2023 and urged customers to consult a doctor about treatment.

Concerns You Might Have
If you have difficulty cleaning areas where teeth are crowded, feel like your bite is “off”, or even just want to feel more confident in your smile, you should discuss these concerns with your dentist. Clear aligners can be a great option, and in other cases, traditional braces and other treatment options can still be available. It is crucial to make sure teeth and gums are stable before moving teeth, and this is one of the many reasons you do not want to jump into this treatment without a dentist overseeing it.

Key Takeaways
Clear aligners can correct both functional and aesthetic concerns. They are nearly invisible and are removed while eating and completing oral hygiene, enabling access for cleaning. Aligning teeth is not just cosmetic! It can improve your ability to clean your teeth, lowering your risk for gum disease and cavities, and correcting bite issues can lower risk for chipped and cracked teeth.
While DTC options may be enticing and some people get lucky with them, it is a risk you should not take with your oral health. If the treatment has a poor outcome, in a worst case it could result in permanent damage and in a best case you will end up investing more money and time. You should always complete orthodontic treatment under the care of a trained dentist or orthodontist and not just one who signs a prescription or meets with you virtually.
 
Darling Dentistry offers SureSmile Clear Aligners for qualifying adult patients and referrals to an orthodontist as indicated for children and adults.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 830.357.7177 or care@darlingdentistry.com.  You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for dental tips and updates and find FAQs and more info at www.darlingdentistry.com