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The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) reports that as high as 75% of dental practitioners have witnessed a surge in adult patients interested in teeth-straightening treatments. In meeting this ever-escalating demand for adult orthodontics, a new market segment has been unleashed on the unsuspecting consumer – DIY orthodontic devices, or as they are also referred to, direct-to-consumer aligners that are available from online companies.
But with such easy availability and with minimum to no consultation with a registered and qualified dentist at all, can these products be really trusted for safe treatments? Will they work as they claim, to produce the results a patient is looking for? Are there risks patients should be aware of?
It is a known and generally accepted fact that many patients avoid seeing the dentist more than other medical practitioners. They may fear bad news regarding the poor health of their teeth or they may be unfortunate enough to have had a previous bad experience. Whatever their fears, they are likely to fall victim to unscrupulous service providers in their quest for quick-fix orthodontic treatment. Patient misconceptions can only be corrected and patient safety assured by having the accurate information on hand.
Common untruths regarding orthodontic treatments
1. You don’t really need to see a dentist for clear aligner treatment
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) has been vocal in its efforts to warn patients about the numerous risks associated with DIY orthodontics. TheOral Health Foundation supports this view by lending its weight to the national campaign. Registered dentists supervising face-to-face treatments are the only reliable way to be sure of safe use of clear braces in Sheffield and desired outcome delivery. For successful outcomes, there has to be a personal examination carried out, access to comprehensive diagnostic records, an assessment of good dental health and critical follow-up appointments.
2. All aligners are created equal
Professional dental practitioners know that this is not true. Some orthodontic devices work better than others which is why they are highly preferred by dentists and patients. It is important to look at the brand that uses innovative technology and has been used successfully in a high number of patient cases.
3. Seeing that aligners are removable, you don’t need to clean them
This is one of the biggest mistakes a patient can make. Keeping removable braces clean is as important as it is to keep traditional braces clean. This is to protect the integrity of teeth and gums, ensure treatment plans are successful and avoid the smell that can sometimes be experienced when using removable braces.
4. Teeth-straightening is purely for cosmetic purposes
Patients may be surprised to find that orthodontic treatments do much more than just enhance smiles. The benefits of braces extend to include: reducing the risk of tooth decay, supporting gum health, improving mouth function, preventing injury to teeth and protection against the uneven wear of teeth. Can patients really run the risk of worsening their dental conditions by opting for direct-to-consumer aligners? Empower yourself with the real facts of orthodontic devices and orthodontic treatments. Speak to a trained dental professional and give them a call to schedule a consultation.