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I just want to spread some information on online teeth alignment/clear braces kits that you use yourself at home with no dentist or orthodontist supervision. These are currently being heavily advertised online.
You 100% should never do any orthodontic treatment without a check up with a full series of X-rays being taken firstly. If decay or infection is missed on X-ray it can be disastrous. If gum disease is undiagnosed and untreated it can be catastrophic resulting in loose teeth.
Her two front teeth had turned grey within 8 weeks of using the online alligners ( this is not their mouth just an example). On X-ray both teeth had infections of the root and needed root canals. This was caused because alligners were inappropriate for this case.
If teeth are moved too quickly, the nerves of your teeth can die resulting in needing multiple root canals and crowns. This is why braces should be closely monitored with regular check ups and appointments.
Orthodontists have not only studied 5 years of dentistry but also many more years of training in Orthodontics. It is extremely complex and is a speciality for a reason. Teeth aren't just there to look nice. They also need to function and meet correctly where possible.
The reason I want to spread awareness is because I met a lovely patient with loose and very painful teeth while using online alligners. On examination there was rampant decay, untreated gum disease making teeth extremely loose and on X-ray 3 teeth needed root canals.
Your teeth are organs. Each one is a vital alive organ and is precious. None of us should be playing around with our own teeth unsupervised. Please be mindful of having regular check ups to screen for any active disease.
Alligners ( removable retainers) will not correct your bite. Only select few cases are appropriate for these types of treatments and only in very mild cases. They can only do tipping movements and not often the movement required for cases that are severe to correct the bite.
This patient had this type of bite. This would be a specialist orthodontic case and typically would benefit from and require surgery. If you move these teeth back and very quickly the teeth can devitalise and die needing root canals.
This patient informed me that they had not seen a dentist in over 3 years but began with online alligners. They were unaware of the active disease in their mouth when they started.
