The Perfect Smile: Can You Fix Misaligned Teeth at Home?

Everyone wants perfect teeth, but traditional braces can be a hassle. They require frequent trips to the dentist, can be painful, expensive, and may make some adult patients feel embarrassed, especially in professional work environments.

While no responsible dentist would ever recommend attempting to straighten your teeth without professional help, there are some affordable and convenient options available to consumers who want to fix misaligned teeth at home. Read on to find out what works and what doesn’t.

DIY Braces

Some people think that they can just use DIY methods like rubber bands to move their teeth. There are even pictures and videos on the internet touting the cost-saving benefits of this approach. Unfortunately, the reality isn’t as pretty as these videos make it look.

Attempting to fix tooth misalignment without professional help is dangerous and almost never works. More often than not, the rubber bands make their way under patients’ gums, where they can cause very serious complications. Unless they’re willing to risk spending thousands of dollars on corrective surgeries and tooth implants, people should never try to take measures into their own hands.

A Better Solution

Today’s dentists offer a much better solution. Invisible braces are professionally designed dental devices designed to move teeth slowly and safely into place using a series of clear plastic trays.

Consumers who opt for taking advantage of the Invisalign system will still need to visit their dentists to be fitted for a device. They can find a dentist that offers invisible braces by finding online resources for Invisalign Near Me.

Once patients have been fitted for their invisible braces, they can wear them for 22+ hours a day to get the same results as those provided by traditional braces. Invisible braces can be removed as needed so patients can brush their teeth normally, eat foods that would get stuck in metal braces, or even remove the devices for photographs and special occasions.

Benefits Over Traditional Braces

Traditional braces aren’t just unsightly, they also leave patients prone to developing tooth decay because they make it more difficult to clean the surfaces of the teeth. The metal wires can poke into patients’ gums, and they require frequent adjustments.

The Invisalign system is, as the name implies, nearly invisible. Since it can be removed, patients don’t have to worry about increasing their risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, there are no unpleasant wires sticking out and poking holes in patients’ gums, and the aligners don’t need to be adjusted as frequently.

Best Practices for Home Tooth Alignment

Invisalign aligner trays should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day for maximum effect. They need to be changed roughly once every two weeks, but dentists can provide extra aligners so patients don’t have to schedule appointments every time they need to switch to a new tray. Make sure to remove the aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing, and clean them at least once a day.

The Bottom Line

DIY tooth alignment is definitely not a safe option for any patient, no matter what the Internet has to say about it. Thankfully, advances in technology have reduced the cost of invisible braces to the point where most consumers can afford this advanced system and many dentists offer financing for qualified patients. Schedule an appointment for a consultation to get the process started.