Understanding Teeth Alignment and Orthodontic Treatments
Having a beautiful smile with straight, properly aligned teeth not only boosts self-confidence but also supports good oral health. However, many adults struggle with crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth that require realignment. Thankfully, orthodontic treatments that correct these issues are more accessible and affordable than ever with the rise of quality teeth aligners at home.
Causes of Misaligned Teeth
Teeth become crooked and crowded due to a variety of factors like genetics, losing baby teeth prematurely, mouth injuries, excessive thumb-sucking, and speech problems requiring orthodontic treatment at a young age. As an adult, wisdom teeth eruption, gum disease, normal wear and tear, and improper dental work can also affect alignment.
Benefits of Straight Teeth
Realigning teeth through orthodontic treatments provides many aesthetic and medical perks. Straight teeth support self-confidence with an attractive smile. Aligned teeth are also easier to clean thoroughly, reducing plaque buildup and risk of decay, gingivitis, and other oral health issues. Well-positioned teeth distribute biting forces evenly, improving chewing, reducing strain on jaw muscles, and decreasing likelihood of injury or uneven wear.
Types of Teeth Alignment Solutions
Traditionally, braces were the go-to solution for realigning teeth. Now there are several effective and more discreet options available, ranging from treatments applied by dental professionals to convenient teeth aligners at home kits.
Braces
Dental braces utilize a combination of brackets affixed to teeth and archwires that apply gentle pressure over time to shift teeth into proper position. Braces are highly effective and can correct a wide range of alignment issues. However, they are more invasive and require frequent orthodontist adjustments.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are semi-rigid plastic trays custom-fit to teeth that incrementally move them with each successive aligner. They are nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable than braces. Most treatment programs consist of 20-30 aligner sets worn for 1-2 weeks each. Clear aligners successfully improve mildly to moderately crooked teeth.
Teeth Aligners at Home
Teeth aligners at home provide a budget-friendly and convenient option for realigning mild to moderate crowding or spacing without in-office visits. Many can yield noticeable straightening within 4-8 months. These DIY alignment kits use one of three aligner types:
- Prescription-quality custom-fit clear aligners
- One-size-fits-all clear liners
- Remoldable thermoplastic aligners
At-home aligners cost much less than traditional braces or in-office clear aligners. Prices range from $1,000-$2,500 with options for monthly financing. These devices are removable, largely invisible, and utilize slight incremental movement similar to clear aligner therapy.
Factors to Consider With At-Home Clear Aligners
The DIY teeth alignment market has exploded with AlignerCo, Candid, Smilelove, and other startups offering mail-order aligner kits. With so many choices, narrowing options down can be daunting. Keep the following factors in mind when selecting teeth aligners at home:
Level of Alignment Needs
The first decision point is determining whether your teeth require minor or more complex realignment. Most at-home aligners only treat mild alignment cases safely and effectively.
Common conditions appropriate for direct-to-consumer aligners include:
- 1-5mm of crowding or gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked or overlapped front teeth
- Mildly twisted or rotated teeth
- Slightly narrow arch shape
- Minor shifted bite misalignment
Significant crowding, protruding teeth, crossbites, open bites, and other major alignment problems still require traditional orthodontic treatment like braces.
Approach and Monitoring
Another consideration is the aligner fitting and monitoring process. Some companies take dental molds or impressions and create custom-fit aligners specifically for your teeth. Others utilize one-size-fits-all liner designs or thermoplastic DIY molding aligners.
Custom-fit aligners move teeth more reliably. Most companies provide support through educational resources and remote dental team access. Some even offer progress tracking through smartphone scan technology.
Cost and Financing Availability
Pricing varies among companies based on treatment length, custom vs universal aligner materials, and extra fees like retainers or payment plans. Most direct-to-consumer companies charge $1,500-$2,500 total for aligners-only or comprehensive treatment covering retainers.
Compressed treatment times around 4-6 months cost more monthly than longer 10+ month plans. But faster correction reduces overall expense. Many companies offer monthly financing options at 0% interest to offset costs.
Credibility and Reviews
Buying a medical device like aligners online requires trusting the manufacturer. When researching companies, look for:
- An established history and orthodontic advisory board
- High customer satisfaction ratings and reviews
- Acceptable Better Business Bureau ratings
- Fair company policies like payment plans, guarantees, and warranties
These traits indicate reliable quality and service compared to untested new aligner brands.
Safety and Effectiveness Considerations
Transitioning teeth alignment and orthodontics out of dental offices raises understandable safety concerns over DIY aligners. But at-home clear aligners utilize the same basic treatment principles as in-office aligner therapy under orthodontic supervision.
However, choosing a credible company with custom-fit aligners based on your dental impression along with clinical direction is vital for avoiding complications. Tracking your progress remotely and maintaining good oral hygiene habits also prevents issues.
Potential Risk Factors
Improperly fitted DIY alignersraise a few possible safety issues including:
- Unhealthy bite changes
- Uncontrolled tooth movement and tipping
- Gum, nerve, or tooth root damage from excessive force
- Discomfort, speech impairment, or mouth injuries
These risks mean at-home aligners remain unsuitable for children whose mouths are still developing or complex cases beyond their capabilities.
Key Takeaways on Safety
Adults choosing direct-to-consumer aligners can utilize them safely and successfully by:
- Researching aligner material, design, and movement philosophy
- Confirming your case falls within a company's treatment scope
- Using professional dental impressions for custom aligners
- Following all usage and tracking protocols
High customer satisfaction and before/after photo results for many aligner brands further reinforce their safety and effectiveness.
Top Aligners-At-Home Options
Today's market offers several excellent at-home DIY aligner choices capable of safely straightening mild to moderately crooked teeth. Which solution best fits your needs and budget comes down to aligners type, treatment approach, credibility, financing, and other personal factors.
Below see how today's top-rated aligner companies compare across these categories to make selecting the best home teeth straightening option easier:
AlignerCo
Aligner Type: Custom-fit clear aligners from dental impressions
Treatment Approach: Impressions assessed by orthodontists who create aligner treatment plan. Includes HyperByte device for faster results.
Average Treatment Cost: $1,895 with monthly $99 plan available
Credibility: Over 130,000 members with 95% satisfaction rate. Excellent company policies and reviews.
Candid
Aligner Type: Custom-fit clear aligners from dental impressions or do-it-yourself impression kit
Treatment Approach: Treatment overseen remotely by licensed orthodontists. Unlimited aligner and retainers sets. Access to dental team throughout process.
Average Treatment Cost: $2,400 total or $89 monthly for 2 years with retainers and monitoring
Credibility: Strong company history and ratings for customer service. Over 250,000 members to date.
Smilelove
Aligner Type: Custom clear aligners from impressions or PVS home mold kit
Treatment Approach: Aligner sets developed from treatment plan approved by Smilelove's orthodontics team. Retainers included.
Average Treatment Cost: $1,895 total or $59-$99 monthly payments
Credibility: Aligners created at FDA-audited dental labs. Positive reviews and BBB rating. Price match guarantee.
Achieving a Healthier Smile
Utilizing modern custom teeth aligners at home makes realizing a straighter smile more convenient and affordable than ever. Taking time to understand your specific alignment needs, explore reputable aligner brands that meet them safely, and commit to monitoring your treatment progress lays the groundwork for successfully upgrading your oral health through better alignment.
FAQs
Can I straighten my teeth at home?
Yes, at-home clear aligners are an effective option for straightening mild to moderately crooked teeth. Custom-fit aligners are safest for ensuring proper control over tooth movement. Treatment plans should still be remotely overseen by orthodontists or dentists through clear aligner companies.
How long does teeth straightening with aligners take?
Most at-home aligner treatments span 4-12 months. Plans utilizing custom-fit aligners and more aligners per set usually achieve alignment faster in 4-6 months on average. The initial severity of crookedness also impacts treatment length.
Can aligners fix an overbite or crossbite?
At-home clear aligners can improve some mild to moderate bite issues but cannot fully correct more severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites. These cases require professionally supervised bite treatment planning only available through orthodontic braces or clear aligners from an dentist's office.
What are the maintenance steps after clear aligner treatment?
Successfully maintaining your newly aligned smile requires wearing retainers full-time for 6 months then nightly long-term. An orthodontist or dentist should monitor your bite for at least a year post-treatment through in-office or teledentistry check-ins as well.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment