The difference between at-home and in-practice teeth straightening
You might be familiar with at-home teeth straightening, sometimes known as ‘DIY braces’. In the last couple of years, multiple at-home teeth-straightening kits have come to market and are being promoted as a new solution to straighten teeth.
As experts in teeth straightening, we’ve been asked many times if they’re safe and effective and how they work. We spoke to Richard Jones, a specialist at Total Orthodontics, to understand how at-home braces work, how the experience differs to in-practice teeth straightening and if they’re safe.
How do at-home teeth straightening kits work?
To apply for a teeth-straightening kit, you typically fill out an online form and if you’re deemed suitable by the provider, you’ll receive an impression kit in the post. Using the kit, you take moulds of your teeth and send these back to the provider for analysis. Alternatively, some providers have smile clinics that you can attend for a scan.
Are at-home teeth straightening kits safe and do they work?
At-home teeth straightening kits include clear aligners and are aimed at people with simple teeth straightening needs. Orthodontist Richard Jones explained, “There are many reasons why you might seek orthodontic treatment, for example overcrowding, prominent teeth, gaps or even bite issue. Each case is unique and there are many options to choose from. You need to make sure you opt for a treatment that is safe and best suits you.
“For this reason, I strongly recommend you visit an orthodontist for a professional consultation in practice, so they can talk you through the different choices available. An orthodontist will carry out a thorough clinical examination and take diagnostic records such as scans, photographs and X-ray images as necessary to ensure there are no underlying issues, which might impact the recommended treatment and desired results.
"What concerns me, is that some people are seeking at-home teeth straightening for complex orthodontic issues, which is completely inappropriate and could do more harm than good."
Richard Jones, orthodontist
Choosing the wrong type of orthodontic treatment, or having it when your teeth aren’t suitable, could cause permanent damage to your teeth, so always seek professional guidance from an orthodontist.
What are the main differences between in-practice and at-home teeth straightening?
The most significant differences between at-home and in-practice teeth straightening treatments are:
1. Choice:
At-home teeth straightening kits include clear aligners aimed at simple tooth straightening needs. An orthodontist providing a face to face consultation and examination will give you guidance on all available orthodontic treatments and can treat complex cases.
2. Treatment journey
When you get your teeth straightened at a Total Orthodontics practice, you’ll attend regular appointments and your treatment is closely monitored.
3. Reassurance:
Some people aren’t confident following a teeth-straightening plan at home. Seeing an orthodontist in practice often gives people reassurance that their treatment journey is directly monitored by a professional.
4. One-to-one care:
When you attend a practice you can ask questions; the orthodontist monitors your progress and adjustments can be made to your braces if necessary.
5. Price:
There is a difference in cost, which reflects both the type of teeth straightening technique being used and the personalised and professional care provided.
With orthodontic treatment in practice, you’ll see a specialist orthodontist for an initial consultation, as well as regularly throughout the course of your treatment.
During your treatment, typically you’ll see your orthodontist every six to eight weeks. They carefully monitor your progress and dental health to ensure you get the results you want. It isn’t always easy to predict how the teeth will move during orthodontic treatment, so regular appointments with an expert allow for alterations to your treatment plan if needed.
If necessary, your orthodontist can adjust your braces throughout your treatment, which could involve small tooth-coloured attachments or reshaping your teeth to get the best result.
What are the benefits?
Benefits of having your orthodontic treatment in practice:
The three main advantages of having your teeth straightened by an orthodontist in practice are:
- Clinical expertise - you benefit from a detailed one-on-one consultation by a trained orthodontic specialist and ongoing care.
- Greater choice - you get access to a range of orthodontic treatments, and your orthodontist will help you choose which is the most suitable for you.
- Safety - your orthodontist will take X-rays and clearly explain which type of braces you’re suitable for, so you can decide which is the best option for you and answer any questions you might have.
Benefits of having at-home teeth straightening:
The two main benefits of using at-home teeth straightening kits are considered to be:
- Cost - you don’t have ongoing consultations with an orthodontist and the kits are not used for complex cases, so this affects the price.
- Convenience - you don’t need to find time in your diary for appointments and consultations. You take the moulds yourself at home and receive the braces and retainers in the post.
Who can legally perform teeth straightening, and who regulates at-home teeth straightening kits?
In the UK, orthodontic treatment is carried out by a dentist or orthodontist who is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Will at-home teeth straightening treatment last?
Typically, no orthodontic treatment lasts without an effective retention programme, this means wearing retainers after your treatment to make sure your teeth don’t move back.
I’ve used an at-home teeth straightening kit and it hasn’t worked. What should I do?
You should find out who’s responsible for fixing treatment issues with at-home kits as soon as possible.
If you have treatment in-practice (in the UK) your care is closely monitored by a UK-based GDC registered specialist who takes responsibility for your treatment.
Want to discuss your orthodontic options?
We’d be happy to offer you a free consultation* to discuss which treatment options would suit you.
To learn about what the British Orthodontic Society says about at-home braces visit, www.bos.org.uk/News-and-Events/BOS-Statements/BOS-Statement-Do-it-yourself-braces
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
