Would you book yourself in for laser eye surgery without asking an optician if it is suitable for you? Would you attempt to perform laser eye surgery on yourself?
For most people, the answer may sound a little like ‘no, that is far too dangerous, and I could end up with permanent problems’. This is exactly the attitude you also need when considering orthodontics.
Attempting orthodontic treatment at home or without professional supervision could put your smile at risk. The safest way to get orthodontic treatment will always be to see a qualified and registered orthodontist.
When you think about orthodontic treatment, think ACE.
Accountability
One benefit of going to an orthodontist is all dental and orthodontic practices must be registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and have these findings published online.
This holds them accountable for their practice and their treatments and can be prosecuted if found to be in breach of any laws. It also means you can go to the CQC website and look at the report and reviews conducted at your dentist.
You can then make an informed decision about where to get your treatment, knowing these reports are both impartial and thorough. You can also report a dental practice to the CQC if you have a negative experience.
Orthodontics also falls within the legal definition of dentistry, so can only be performed by dentists and dental care professionals who are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). You can search for registered orthodontists on the GDC website.
Care
A good relationship with any care provider is irreplaceable and orthodontics isn’t an exception. Getting to know your orthodontist and their team means you will build a good rapport with them and a sense of trust.
Effectiveness
Orthodontists go through a lot of in-depth training to understand the mouths anatomy and get the best results for their patients. They make bespoke plans for each of their patients to make sure the treatment is as effective as possible and will have long lasting results.
Because of this by far the best way to undergo orthodontic treatment is to see a qualified orthodontist with positive reviews and who you feel confident and comfortable with after your initial consultation.
DIY aligners
You may have seen many companies boast about getting straighter smile at home, without seeing an orthodontist, and with faster results.
This is something we would never recommend. There are many risks associated with orthodontic treatment without medical supervision.
It is unlikely that those overviewing your treatment at home aligner are registered with the GDC or CQC, so it is harder to hold them accountable if something goes wrong. It also means if you get poor results, or suffer health complications, there is less options available to you.
Before having orthodontic treatment, consider the safety of your smile. Always choose to visit a qualified and registered orthodontist.
Read more about the dangers of orthodontics done at home here.
