Teeth Straightening at Home: Is It Worth It?

Irvine, CA- When considering orthodontic treatment, there are more options to choose from than ever from traditional braces to Invisalign and now services that allow you to straighten your teeth at home.  You may be wondering, is it worth it? Will these at-home teeth straightening services yield great results like an orthodontist?  Dr. Sophia Updike, an Irvine orthodontist, will address these questions and ensure you make the best decision to achieve your perfect smile.

First of all, what exactly is an “at-home” orthodontic treatment? There are many emerging companies that advertise how you can achieve straight teeth in the comfort of your own home, without an orthodontist.  These services typically offer clear aligners, similar to Invisalign, for a fraction of the price.

Next you may be wondering, how does that work? Many of these companies will provide an online “consultation” where you fill out a form answering questions about your teeth and goals for the treatment, and let you know whether or not you are a good candidate. Once the system has decided if you are a good candidate, you will be able to either order an impression kit for your teeth, or even schedule a 3D scan at a local pop-up shop near you where a remote orthodontist will conduct your consultation and order your first set of clear aligners.  If you choose this option of treatment, instead of monthly orthodontist visits, you will have a remote dual licensed dentist and orthodontist to check in with you through their app every 90 days, and the average treatment duration is 6 months depending on your teeth. These services typically require the candidate to be 12+ years old with all permanent teeth present.  From the information gathered through research, the average price of these at-home services is around $1850 which includes a retainer at the end, and some companies also offer insurance coverage.

Now for the most important question, is this type of treatment plan worth it?  If your teeth are nearly perfect and you are looking to quickly straighten them, it may be worth a try to request an impressions kit.  If you have a medium to severe case such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, unwanted gaps, etc. we recommend seeking orthodontic treatment in office.  Visiting an orthodontist regularly during treatment will allow them to monitor your progress and make the necessary changes efficiently.  There is much more to orthodontic treatment than simply achieving straight teeth.  Your orthodontist will want to help you achieve the perfect smile and bite for your overall oral hygiene.  There is also more peace of mind when you are able to call your orthodontist if any urgent question or problem arises, rather than waiting for a response through an app.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment and are interested in clear aligners or other options of treatment, we recommend giving our office a call at (949) 870-9713 and scheduling your free consultation! Our friendly staff will gladly assist you and answer any questions you may have.