Straighten Teeth At Home
Straighten Teeth At Home

Straighten Your Teeth at Home? Learn The Dangers of DIY Dentistry & Mail-Order Orthodontic Kits

Table of Contents

Thinking about straightening your teeth at home?

If you are here, you have likely just seen a Do-It-Yourself dentistry infomercial.

Straightening your teeth at home can be hazardous to your oral health.

Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) issued a warning stating that at-home dentistry can be dangerous to your oral health.

While neither organization outright dismisses DIY orthodontics, they encourage you to consider the possible risks.

First, is your smile worth the risk you might take on one of these at-home teeth straightening kits?

To help you discover the answer to this question and to help you see beyond the cameras, the bright lights, and the celebrity endorsements of the TV commercials, we discuss at-home braces and aligners in detail below so you can better understand how this treatment works — and how it can also go terribly wrong without professional dentist supervision.

Get ready to learn…

  • How Straightening Your Teeth at Home Works
  • Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Online Braces
  • The Dangers of DIY Dentistry & At-Home Orthodontics
  • Safe Straightening Treatments for Your Smile

And, much more.

First, let’s talk about the different kinds of at-home straightening treatments available to you and how they work.

How Straightening Your Teeth at Home Works?

In recent years, straightening your teeth at home has become increasingly popular.

Direct-to-consumer companies like SmileDirectClub and SnapCorrect made it possible for you to order your orthodontic treatment online and get it shipped straight to your door.

Some people like the idea of at-home aligners because at home aligning kits cost roughly half the price of professional treatment and you don’t need to pay extra visits to your local dentist or orthodontist office.

However, when it comes to your oral health, don’t just blindly trust what you see on TV without maintaining a healthy level of scrutiny.

Keep in mind that the only way you can ensure optimal oral health is by seeing your local dental care provider regularly especially when you are undergoing specialized dental treatment.

As far as the price, remember in the end, you get exactly what you pay for and what you don’t pay for.

And, on top of that, at home aligners and clear invisible brace kits place a lot of responsibility on you as the patient.

Here’s how at home teeth straightening kits work.

The Allure of Cheaper Braces: How The At-Home Braces & Aligners Advertising Pitch Preys On You

You are watching your favorite TV show.

Next, up pops a flashy 30-second TV commercial with a celebrity you know that has the type of smile you have always wanted. They go on to share the benefits of how easy it is to straighten your teeth at home in as little as X months!

They sell you the dream – A perfect smile, in less time without the expense of traditional braces or clear aligners.

After all, it makes sense, right? You are cutting out the middleman, and what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot actually.

Your trusted celebrity would never steer you wrong, right? Well, think again.

By thinking you can save a buck or two, you go to the website and self-diagnose your oral care needs all without the help of a dentist.

As instructed, you take a few choice pictures of your smile and send the pictures to a remote orthodontist, who will evaluate your case.

Congratulations! You are approved! Imagine that? Everyone’s a Winner!

Your sight unseen orthodontist determines you’re a perfect candidate for the at home orthodontics treatment based on a photo you shot with your cell phone. Again, what could go wrong, right?

You’re at home teeth straightening kit arrives, and now you are responsible for monitoring your treatment progress.

Does this sound familiar? Do you see the common thread here?

You are on your own, and worse yet, without the supervision of a dental professional directly overseeing your care. For this reason, you should take extra caution and do EXTRA due diligence before you risk starting an at home dental treatment method like this.

If you are still considering pursuing at-home braces or aligners, keep reading to find out what questions to ask before starting your at home dental treatment.

Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Braces Online or By a Mail Order Dentist

Since you will be accountable for your treatment, it’s important to know all the details before you get started.

According to the AAO, here’s what to ask the provider before you order braces online or by mail.

Q: Does the direct-to-consumer company perform diagnostic tests like x-rays before proceeding to your treatment?

A: If the answer is yes, then you should understand whether this is included in the initial price. If the answer is no, ask yourself if you’re comfortable altering your appearance without supportive diagnostic reports.

Q: Does your treatment plan include in-person appointments with a dentist or orthodontist?

A: If the answer is yes, how many visits do you receive as part of the do-it-yourself dentistry option? If the answer is NO, consider the risk involved in undergoing a life-altering dental treatment without any professional supervision. Do you genuinely want to jeopardize your dental health with the hopes it will work?

Q: Do you know the name of your remote orthodontist assigned to you? What are their qualifications and credentials?

A: If you don’t know the name and credentials of your orthodontist, how can you know if they are trustworthy? If you research products before you buy them, don’t you think you should also conduct research before receiving a medical service?

Q: How many treatment options are available to you? For example, do you have a choice between braces or invisible aligners?
A: If the direct-to-consumer company only offers one specific treatment, how can you know this is the best option for you?

Q: What are the risks involved in this method of treatment?
A: Every dental treatment comes with risks. Be sure to evaluate what they are and how they can affect you and your smile. To learn more on this topic, check out the next section of this article.

Now that you know some of the most critical questions to ask before you straighten your teeth at home on your own let’s discuss how DIY dentistry can go wrong.

Don’t Fall Prey To Good TV Advertising: DIY Dentistry & At Home Orthodontics Can Be Dangerous

Can at-home aligners ruin your teeth? Can braces online mess up your mouth?

In short, YES!

There’s a reason why the ADA and AAO both warn against at-home aligners kits. Here are the main risks associated with DIY dentistry and orthodontics.

The Main Risks of DIY Dentistry and Orthodontics

  • Gum damage and gum recession
  • Difficulty biting down
  • Oral infection
  • Tooth loss

As you can see, DIY dentistry can be hazardous to your dental health.

To avoid putting your oral health at risk, we strongly recommend consulting a dental professional before pursuing a dental home treatment. Your trusted oral health care provider will make sure your aligners fit your smile so that you can minimize risk.

If your dental aligners don’t fit properly, these aligners can make your problems much worse. For example, they can push teeth even further out of alignment. Worse yet, this can result in gum damage, or worse, an oral infection.

Some smiles need more care than what your at-home treatment can provide. Allow your trusted dentist to look at your teeth and tell you whether at-home treatment is right for you.

Otherwise, you can subject yourself to botched at-home dentistry experiment. At which point, you might end up needing even more dental work to correct your crooked teeth than you did when you started home teeth straightening treatment; costing you even more money.

Botched DIY Dentistry Can Result In:

  • The need for extensive antibiotic treatments.
  • Unforeseen tooth extractions.
  • Another round of alignment treatment
  • Even more out of pocket expenses.

And much more, which can cause you years of frustration and set you back even more financially!

As you now know, DIY dentistry and orthodontics, as seen in the TV advertising highlight reel, does not always work out so well and they can become dangerous fast.

Read on if you want to straighten your teeth safely.

Safe Straightening Treatments for Your Smile

Luckily, there are ways for you to safely and effectively straighten your teeth. Keep reading to discover what they are.

Your Two Main Options Include:
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign
Braces and traditional orthodontics

To learn more about your treatment options right now, reach out to our Leander dental office.

Safely Straighten Your Teeth

We’re not saying that at-home dentistry can’t be safe. But, you must weigh the risks to your short term and long-term oral health before pursuing. Make sure to speak with your Leander dentist, who has your best interest in mind, before making a commitment to an expensive at home teeth straightening treatment.

Keep in mind that orthodontists study for an average of 10 years in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral schools before they start straightening teeth.

If you want the best results and if you’re going to reduce your risk of infection or worse, then we recommend you see a dental professional.

Entrust Your Smile With Apple Springs Family Dentistry

Providing Quality Orthodontics to Leander, Texas & the Greater Austin Area

Your smile is important to you. And it’s delicate. Treat it with care.

Place your teeth and oral health in trusted hands.

Trust the experts at Apple Springs Family Dentistry, located near the major intersection of Lakeline Blvd. and Crystal Falls Pkwy in Leander, Texas.

See why this dental office is considered the best in Leander dentistry and orthodontics.

To schedule your appointment, click here or call us now at 512-212-9711.

APPLE SPRINGS FAMILY DENTISTRY
OFFICE:
3421 N Lakeline Blvd, Suite 230
Leander, Texas 78641

Phone: (512) 212-9711

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tue: 8am -5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thu: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 1pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

 

Apple Springs Family Dentistry
Excellent
4.9
Based on 545 reviews
Chris N.
Staff was joyful and made the visit fun and painless. Dr Tay was great. Don't normally look forward to going to the dentist, but can't wait to go back for...
Talon P.
My hygienist was the most gentle cleaning experience I've ever had. She took her time F was detail oriented. Dr. Tay is great.
Mark K.
Over the years I've written just a few reviews, because like most folks I'm usually pressed for time. However, I really need to speak up about Dr. Tay's...
Hannah E.
Kelsey was amazing! Such a great cleaning! I felt very comfortable
James B.
Very professional and service was excellent.
Karen B.
So impressed with Apple Springs! Fantastic hygienist, Grace, did an excellent job and I felt the dentist did a thorough and professional exam. Happy I...
Anne K.
Always a great experience at Apple Springs Family Dentistry. The whole family has been seeing Dr. Tay since they opened. He is great with kids and adults alike. Had to have extractions done for my 9 year old today and it was a good experience.
Ashley K.
I love everyone here. They are informative, kind, and I trust them. Dr. Tay never does, or suggests anything unnecessary and is very honest. The ladies at the front, build a relationship with you and are so friendly. It is just an A+ all around.
Jin K.
Staff is awesome and Dr. Tay is great dentist for the community. I highly recommend this practice.
Darrell B.
Our family has been seeing Dr. Tay for years now. They are always timely, friendly, and don’t try to push unnecessary dental procedures like many other practices. I see many new offices popping up that are much closer to home but the extra drive is worth it! Highly recommend!
Erinn H.
This is my favorite dentist in Leander. The office staff, the hygienist and Dr. Tay are the best!
Stoney T.
Staff are always so very friendly, make you feel at home. The office is always super efficient as well. The entire staff is always very informative throughout the process, so never any surprises.
Salena C.
Absolutely love and trust Dr.Tay. I've been going to him for over 5 years and hope to never have to go anywhere else. Also, my husband who is afraid of...
Doug R.
Excellent teeth cleaning and care
Jeff W.
My family and I have been going here quite awhile and love it. Kelsey is awesome and so is Dr Tay. Highly recommend.
Ryan P.
Dr. Tay and his team are absolutely amazing. Everyone is so kind and literally treat you like family. I look forward to my checkups and seeing the friendly faces here. They are always on time, honest and efficient with their care. I give Apple Springs the highest recommendation!
Anna N.
Apple Springs is awesome!! Dr. Tay and the staff are super efficient, professional, and fast. I’ve had cleanings completed in less than 30 minutes, and various treatments done in about 15 minutes. They are the best!! Would highly recommend them!
Kierstin W.
Such a friendly staff! I’ve now been here twice and I’ve enjoyed both experiences. It feels close knit and homey. They remembered details about me from my first visit to ask how things were going. That shows me they care enough to remember details about my life. I can see myself coming here for a very long time.
David T.
Wonderful staff, on time with the appointment, very cordial as well as very friendly and professional!
Bryant P.
Everyone here is friendly and good at what they do!
Bryant P.
Everyone here is friendly and good at what they do! Nice, clean office with modern equipment and amenities.
Brian E.
Dr.Tay and his team are all very personable and great at what they do! They truly care about their patients. I highly recommend them.
Vicky B.
Dr Tay is great! Appointments run on time, he and his staff are very thorough. I had a cavity filled and it didn’t hurt at all. He and his staff are very kind and caring. I have found my dentist finally!!
Kevin W.
Very friendly people
Mark G.
Great family of oral hygiene practitioners. Very thorough, they make sure your comfort and oral health are always the highest priority.
Elyana B
Crisp, clean, professional and efficient. What more could you ask for? Well their team is an absolute delight to talk to. Courteous, friendly, patient, thorough and honest. I've never really minded visiting the dentist but the “Apple Springs Team” and Dr. Tay is special .Never any pain or discomfort & I always walk out with shiny molars 🦷
Christina S
Always a great experience with Dr Tay and his staff. They have TVs on the ceiling which for me, help take the edge off of my dental anxiety.
Shelley H.
I absolutely love this dentist office. Everyone there is so friendly! They are very good at what they do and very interested in their patients!
Delaine M.
Staff was very caring and make sure you feel comfortable. They took their time to explain everything.
Shelley H.
I absolutely love this dentist office. Everyone there is so friendly! They are very good at what they do and very interested in their patients!
lina S.
My husband came in for the first time last week. He really likes Dr. Tay and the team. He referred me to see him. Dr. Tay and everyone is so friendly; the...
Vivek V.
Got great service. The entire team is very professional. Thank you!
Jim M.
All outstanding to include receptionists, hygienist and Dr Tay.
Wilma K.
I love this office and everyone I came in contact with all have great personalities from the front desk to the back personnel! Dr. Tay is wonderful 😊
DBA7167 F.
Recommend Dr Tay and hygienist Kelsey. Dental visits are mostly pain-free and staff is friendly.
Jason C.
I've been a faithful patient here at Apple Springs Family Dentistry for almost 3 years. They are always professional, kind, and the service is top notch....
Austin M.
Everyone is so nice here😭💖
Donn4 R.
The visit was great!
Keri P.
I had the best dental experience of my life during my first visit with Dr. Tay and his hygienist Noelle. Some of my teeth are severely sensitive, and Noelle did the most thorough and gentle cleaning I have ever had. I didn’t realize how easy cleanings can be when you have a good and conscientious hygienist! I appreciated Dr. Tay’s thoroughness during my exam. I left my appointment happier than I have ever left a dental office in the past!
Jodee H.
Very friendly staff, quick service.
Sandra D.
Always a friendly, warm and highly professsional staff and a gentle, highly competent dentist. Always a pleasant experience
Crystal A.
Always a great experience. They are friendly, efficient with their time & gentle with their exams. Highly recommend.
Brooke E.
My cleaning today with grace and Dr. tay was wonderful! Always a great visit at this office! I will be back for my next cleaning. Thank you both, and all of Apple Springs Family Dentistry!
Sarah L.
So glad I found Apple Springs Family Dentistry a year ago! The most pleasant dental experience I've had - gentle cleanings, friendly staff, easy to make...
Justin N.
This was my first visit to Dr. Tay’s office. I had a wonderful experience. Grace did an amazing job on my cleaning and Dr. Tay did a very thorough exam. Couldn’t recommend more highly. Thank you!
Jennifer G.
Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. One of my biggest priorities is healthy teeth and gums. When I walk into this office, I have complete trust in Dr.Tay...
Pragya S.
The staff at Apple Springs Dentistry are not only professional but also incredibly friendly and attentive. They took the time to explain each step of the...
Angelica P.
Kelsey is always very gentle with my dental cleanings as are the other hygiene staff I have had and Dr. Tay is very professional and friendly and never tries to upsell services we don’t need which we appreciate. My husband and I have been going to this office for over two years now and are happy with service.
Pragya S.
Super professional. On time. Amazing staff. High quality dental work. Highly recommended
Terrie K.
I had a dental emergency and my former dentist's office that is now under new ownership did not return 3 calls over 2 days Dr Tays office got me in same...
Amy D.
Dr. Tay has taken care of my family for 3 years now. He and his staff are always welcoming, courteous, and helpful. I've had multiple old crowns that needed...
Jasmine A.
My son needed a rushed crown and they were able to accommodate him last minute. The service and dental work is always exceptional!
Ramon P.
My visit with Dr. Vyna was pleasant and her staff were friendly.Thank you!!
Michelle W.
Love Dr. Tay and his staff! They make you feel like family. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. They are the best!!!
Phil A.
I really enjoy going here. It is a fun environment. I really like how they make you feel comfortable throughout the cleaning. I can't wait to go back.
Alex G.
I just came out of my teeth cleaning and dental exam appointment, and wow, it was excellent. Katie the tech, did an outstanding job, and was very gentle and...
Sally Z.
They attended me very quickly and thoroughly. The doc gave me a referral to an endodontist.
George S.
Great staff and very pleasant experience. Couldn't be happier. Going to the dentist isn't ever something I look forward to, but these folks are amazing.
marlo T.
Dr. Tay is wonderful. He's gentle and caring. He made my very nervous daughter so comfortable. We hit the jackpot with Dr. Tay!
Stephanie E.
We love this place for our Family. Everyone is friendly and professional from the front desk employees to the Dr. Couldn't recommend them enough.
Nicole C.
Very friendly Owner and family!
Queenie T.
Its so funny cause my older daughter loves to see Dr Tay. Not many kids like to see the dentist. Dr. Tay is amazing. He is a very gentle, sweet and honest...
Leena T.
Best dental experience EVER! The staff is so nice and professional. The doctor had a cancellation so he actually cleaned my teeth! It was the most thorough...
Bonnie H.
This is a dentist office that is my favorite so far as any dentist in Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Let me explain......I broke one of my veneers off and a...
Erin J.
Dr Tay is one of the best dentists out there. He repaired my front tooth and it looks better than the other one now. His bedside manner is excellent. He's...
Elana M.
Fantastic customer service! Dr Tay and his team are so kind and welcoming. Everyone in his office is very patient and happy to answer any questions that we...
Christy E.
I'm not a fan of having to go to the dentist but the team at Apple Springs make the experience pleasant. I highly recommend them!
Veronica T.
Awesome service as usual, the whole staff really makes me feel like family. Thank you!
Susana G.
Love the place, the staff, the service. Very friendly and professional. Also my little girl feels comfortable and safe.
Ciril B.
Happy with the yearly check up and replacement of 3 crowns. Grreat staff. Would recommend
Edie O.
Thank you so much for giving me my smile back! Love all of the staff here I have anxiety from previous experience at dentist offices but they have restored...
Lizet G.
Friendly staff and professional service. Efficient in and out, always on schedule, My children and I love going to see Dr Tay and his team!
Terri G.
The entire staff is professional and very kind. I've had some dental challenges from years ago and I am so thankful for Dr. Tay and his very talented...
Jeff K.
I only went once so far. I'll be back. I have had a bad feeling after only one time at other dentists. With this place, so far so good.
Michelle B.
Went very well all things considered. Very clean facility with a polite and courteous staff.
Terri G.
What a great dental office. EVERYONE was so kind, professional and helpful. The office is very clean and I am thankful my daughter and I will be getting our...
Ben H.
Dr Tay and his staff run a clean, modern, an welcoming practice. The hygienist was friendly and efficient, genuinely concerned about my comfort and careful...
Mark W.
Super nice people! Very friendly and accommodating. A big step up from that last place I was at!
Beth C.
Excellent dentist and great customer service! My mother appreciated the gentle care from the dentist and the wonderful staff throughout the office.
Karen T.
Dr. Tay and his entire staff are amazing! I always feel welcomed and everyone is so friendly and professional. I recently moved to the area and had a bad...
Jeny M.
We were at our last dental practice for over 10 years - a family of 6, so when we moved to the area, I was *concerned* about finding a practice we loved as...
Patti M.
Great dentist office..Desi was my hygienist and was so sweet and very informative..Dr. Tay was very nice ..It was a great experience!!
stephanie N.
I have always been afraid to go to any dental office but apple springs family dentistry exceeded all my expectations. Great customer service and its...
Mike B.
Great experience at Apple Springs! Needed to find a new dentist and am glad that I stopped by. The girls in the front were very personable and welcoming!...
Johnny M.
Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. They greet us with big smile and white teeth! Treat us with care, especially my youngest son who doesn't like going to...
Wayne B.
I am in Texas visiting family and working for the next few weeks and one morning while flossing noticed something in my gums. As my dentist is in...
Susana G.
I love this place!!! The Dr. Tay is amazing, good listener, patience, honest and very professional. The staff is incredible and very friendly. My Daughter...
Lyudmila L.
Apple Spring is an amazing dentist! It's clean, modern, and the people are great! Everything was quick and convenient from portable X-rays to a TV mounted...
Stacy W.
I confess. I am a complete coward when it comes to dentistry. Some bad experiences in my youth fostered a fear of the chair that led me to procrastination...
Krystal S.
Incredible staff! Everyone is super polite and friendly. I love how they do X-rays too. It is already uncomfortable having a wedge in your teeth and for the...
Amber H.
I can not say enough about Dr.Tay and his staff. They are truly amazing! I have never been a fan of going to the dentist even at 30! Apple Springs made me...
Carly C.
Dr Tay and all the staff at Apple Springs are amazing. When we moved to Leander I worried that we wouldn't find the same quality care with the cozy,...
Crystal H.
I'm a new patient here and I love this place. The office is very tidy and I've never had a wait at my appointments. The staff is so amazing and they...
Soni K.
Dr. Tay is great! I visited his office for the first time for a cleaning and orthodontic care evaluation. He is super friendly and very smart in his field...
Edie O.
Awesome experience as always! I have had bad in the past (other clinics). They do a great job explaining what they are doing and do everything possible to...
Lauren C.
A comfortable and relaxing place (even though it is a dental office). Everyone was kind and interested in how I was doing. I usually have quite a bit of...
Meagan H.
Everything was great from the start. I was referred to go see Dr. Tay from a friend who worked for him previously and she recommended him very highly....
Carly C.
Dr Tay and staff are amazing, we relocated to Leander and needed to find a new family dentist, we are so thankful we found Apple Springs. The staff are...
Donald K.
Great experience and top notch dentistry. Just moved down from the NorthEast and by far the best dental experience in a long time.
Sarah A.
Dr. Tay and his team are excellent. They go above and beyond. We've had nothing but great experiences with them.
Mark D.
Very friendly people here, nice office (they even have tv's on the ceiling!), very conscious of safety during covid. I will definitely be back!
Sheryl A.
I can't believe I'm actually going to say this but I'll definitely be going back to Dr. Tay. He's awesome!!! As most people do, I have a phobia of going to...
Deneke O.
My cleaning was gentle yet thorough. I'm happy I changed to this office. Overall the service was great including the front desk person.
Yasmeen A.
I always have a great experience at Apple Springs Dentistry. I get appointment reminders, a quality cleaning, and friendly staff. Dr. Tay is friendly,...
Laura J.
I just moved from Austin to the Leander area and did not feel like driving into Austin just to have my teeth cleaned. I did my due diligence and checked out...
Kathi L.
I love our dentist and his staff! They are always happy and inviting. It is never asked, "did you/do you floss?" There is no blame or shame, only happy...
Yvette D.
This was my first appt with this dental practice. From the office personnel to the dental hygienist to the Dr. was a really good experience!! Everyone was...
Donna A.
Everyone was super nice & made sure I was totally comfortable. Price was what I was expecting. Went in for a cracked tooth & was in and out in 2 hours.
Dustin N.
Look, I love this place, and I am saying that about a dentist. Everyone is great and personable. They maintain the highest standard of care and I wouldn't...
Ry M.
My husband & I both had our first exams & cleanings here this week. We are more than impressed - very clean facility, professional & caring staff &...
Chad H.
Great people here! They got me in and out for a procedure in no time. They were very caring and attentive the entire time I was there. My wife and mother in...
Joe P.
I had an abscessed tooth and needed it removed quickly. I received an appointment within a day or two. I received excellent care but was unable to be numbed...
Julie B.
Everyone in this office is so friendly. They seem to all get along so well. It has a very positive and energetic vibe! Jennifer at the front desk was so...
Shannon S.
Absolutely love Dr. Tay and his entire staff. I have high anxiety when it comes to dental work and his entire staff were very understanding and made me...
Tom M.
Really nice people, easy scheduling and convenient location for me. I recently relocated from Georgetown and needed a new dentist. I found the staff at...
John N.
My teeth are sensitive and I often do not feel comfortable seeing any dentist. Though, this time the cleaning went quite pleasant within my comfort...
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