Worcester dentist warns patients over unsafe DIY aligners
A dentist from Worcester has advised patients to avoid unsafe DIY aligners amid a surge in the popularity of adult braces.
Dr Anam Sadozai, from the Shrubbery Dental Practice, issued a warning over DIY braces, which are available to order online. She suggested that using braces that are not properly fitted and undergoing treatment without expert supervision could cause tooth loss and irreversible damage to the gums.
In recent years, DIY aligners have become increasingly popular, with companies offering to provide customers with a set of braces based on moulds created at home. Patients make their own impressions, which are then used to fabricate the aligners. The individual receives their custom braces without having to go into a dental practice or undergo a face-to-face consultation. DIY aligners are significantly cheaper than traditional braces and this is one of the main reasons why they are appealing to consumers.
Dr Sadozai said that straightening the teeth doesn’t always make them healthier and encouraged her patients to seek professional advice and attend a consultation before undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dentists carry out thorough checks and assessments before recommending aligners and they also monitor progress throughout treatment. Without the advice and support of dentists, there is a risk that patients who have DIY braces could develop problems, which are complex and expensive to fix.
Dr Sadozai warned that many people are ordering braces online without going through the necessary checks for gum disease and other dental health issues or learning about how aligners work and what treatment involves. Seeking out cheap solutions can often increase risks, particularly for patients who would be turned down for treatment by dentists offering conventional orthodontics.
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