The alignment of a person's teeth and jaw affects how they eat, speak, and look, and many people aspire to have straight teeth for health and aesthetic reasons. However, rather than seeking professional dental care from an orthodontist, some people opt for do-it-yourself kits to straighten their teeth. While DIY solutions may be less expensive in the short term, they sometimes result in costly dental issues later on. Some of their dangers are listed below.

Why You Shouldn't Use DIY Teeth Aligners

1. Irreparable Gum and Bone Damage

Some aligners promise fast results but often put undue stress on the gums, roots, jaw, and underlying bone structure of your mouth. Many people end up with gum deterioration or irreversible damage to the jaw bone. Moreover, food and bacteria caught between the aligner and teeth can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis.

2. Permanent Tooth Loss

Instead of achieving a beautiful smile, at-home treatment can cause you to lose some of your teeth. Too much pressure on the tooth restricts blood flow which destroys the root underneath. The damaged tooth must be pulled out, causing gaps in your smile.   

3. Costly Corrections

Repairing dental damage is often expensive because of the extensive work necessary to restore your smile. Avoid costly surgery and dental implants by visiting an orthodontist instead of using teeth aligners to save money.

4. No Treatment Monitoring

Before your orthodontist develops a treatment plan, they use diagnostic imagery to evaluate your initial condition. They will continue to monitor your progress and condition, such as pain or discomfort, to determine adjustments in your treatment. With DIY teeth aligners, you're in charge of your progress, which you can't gauge as well as a professional.  

5. No Guaranteed Results

There's no assurance that DIY teeth aligners will yield the same results as advertised. They are often inflexible, stagnating the correction process. When you work with an orthodontist, they regularly adjust the treatment plan for more accurate correction.  

There are more harmful than beneficial effects of using DIY teeth aligners. For a healthier, straighter smile, turn to a trusted orthodontist at Lamont Jacobs Orthodontics in Fairfield, OH. This family-owned practice offers Invisalign® and braces to correct crooked teeth in kids and adults. Call (513) 829-7045 to set an appointment, or check out their services online.