There are some things better left to professionals. When considering orthodontic treatment Lasley Orthodontics wants to remind you that safety should always be your number one concern. We strongly discourage the dangers of do it yourself (DIY), direct-to-consumer aligners and at home orthodontics. Like any fine art, orthodontic practice takes years to master. Qualified orthodontists are the only people you should be putting your trust in when it comes to your oral health. Don’t take a risk, learn the dangers of direct-to-consumer aligners and at home orthodontics to avoid trouble later on.
Get a Professional Opinion
It is the opinion of the American Association of Orthodontists that you should avoid considering mail order or direct-to-consumer aligners. DIY orthodontic treatment and other potentially hazardous at-home orthodontics may inflict harm. Many online orthodontic services are aiming their products at you. They make treatment seem easier than ever with their services. These services might lead you to believe they are safe. Sometimes operating via selfies of your mouth, or via scanned images of your teeth. You take pictures then receive aligners in your mailbox. Sounds simple, but the reality is much more unfortunate.
“Before you decide to proceed with a direct-to-consumer orthodontic company, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) believes there are a number of factors and questions you may want to consider. For example, in some instances, direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies do not involve the in-person evaluation and/or in-person supervision of your orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist.”
Give Your Orthodontic Health the Best Chance
It is extremely important that you move forward with an actual in-person consultation. Treatment starts from the ground up. By getting to know individual factors that are unique to your mouth, orthodontists build a relationship with you and understand your mouth. Dr. Andrew F. Lasley is a professional in all aspects of dentistry and orthodontics. Dr. Lasley has a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Boston University. He then completed a three-year residency in orthodontics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and became a certified specialist in orthodontics. By always furthering his knowledge, Dr. Lasley strategizes a plan to give you the best chance at orthodontic success.
Avoid Problems Down the Road
It is important to consider that poor orthodontic treatment can result in more problems down the road. By seeing an orthodontist in-person you can achieve the best results possible. Mail order aligners, DIY and at home orthodontics propose a danger to you. By only focusing on the movement of teeth, these treatments lack in important areas that patients should be considerate of. The overall health of your mouth is quite important, as well as diagnosing potential issues or abnormalities that can only be found through in-person consultation.
See an Orthodontist In-Person
Even though you may think you are working toward your goal through these mail order treatments, you may actually be moving farther away from it. Please familiarize yourself with some of the common areas an orthodontist can treat in person, along with different types of braces that can work for you. Schedule a consultation today, come by our Renton, WA office, or give us a call at (425) 496-7030.