We’ve seen the advertisements on social media and TV about the new teeth straightening start-ups with a do-it-yourself method. Although the idea is to get straighter teeth with a quick experience and cheaper cost, one local orthodontist says it may not be for everyone.
KRIS 6 spoke with Kennedy Dental Care’s Timothy Kuhlman, D.D.S. on the concerns with these methods. “Things like that concern me as a provider because when you treat yourself, you’re not being supervised by somebody,” Kuhlman says. “So, it’s kind of like going to the gym and doing your own thing but you’re not really sure if you’re getting the maximum workout.”
Kuhlman believes that without proper supervision it can be hard to tell if someone’s teeth are healthy, stable enough for the invisible liners, as well as moving properly while using the trays.
With just a few clicks of the button and some time on a computer, you could have your liners sent to you in no time. However, Kuhlman believes that not everyone is cut out for the do-it-yourself method.
“However from what I’ve been hearing, that’s not the case. That everyone is a candidate, no matter what, no matter how severe. And unfortunately that’s not true, there are some folks that you just can’t treat with that type of a product,” says Kuhlman.
Kuhlman says that although these methods may be cheaper, they could possibly cause bigger health problems further down the road if not done properly. “When you cut out the middle man, the orthodontist and sometimes the general dentist. Your dental health suffers, and when your dental health suffers, it can affect your physical health as well.”
