How to Straighten Your Teeth Without a Dentist
Teeth Straightening Options
For decades, traditional braces and headgear were the primary orthodontic treatment options for crooked or gapped teeth (malocclusion).
Orthodontists and dental professionals used metal braces to slowly shift smiles and give patients straighter teeth over the course of 16 to 24 months.
In 1998, the FDA approved Invisalign, the first clear aligner treatment. Now, invisible aligners are a common option to straighten teeth without braces.
Types of Clear Aligners
There are two types of aligners available: at-home aligners and in-office aligners.
In-office aligners like Invisalign require you to visit a certified doctor for an initial exam and routine check-ups. These aligners can treat more severe cases of teeth misalignment with the use of 'buttons.'
At-home aligners, also called direct-to-consumer aligners, do not require in-office visits with an orthodontist. However, most at-home brands can only treat mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment like crooked or gapped teeth.
To begin at-home aligner treatment, you'll first order an impression kit online. This kit is sent to your home address, where you'll take the impressions and send them back using a prepaid envelope.
After the company receives the impressions, they'll make a 3D model of your teeth and create a treatment plan.
Throughout treatment, You'll send in progress photos every few weeks to ensure your teeth are moving correctly. All of your aligners are delivered together at the beginning of treatment.
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Some companies like Candid offer in-person scans in many locations around the country.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Straightening?
Teeth straightening treatment not only improves your appearance and self-esteem, but it also has oral health benefits:
- Decreased risk of developing oral health conditions like cavities and gum disease (straight teeth are easier to clean and floss between)
- Better chewing, eating, and speaking abilities
- Better digestion because you can chew food properly
- Reduced risk of developing jaw issues and temporomandibular joint pain
- Decreased neck and head pain (some bite issues can cause chronic headaches)
- Less wear and tear on your teeth (improperly aligned teeth can lead to tooth damage)
Is DIY Teeth Straightening Safe?
No, DIY teeth straightening is dangerous and could cause irreversible damage to your teeth, gum line, and overall dental health.
Several DIY teeth straightening methods have been shared on YouTube and across social media, claiming that it is simple, safe, and effective. However, this is not true.
DIY methods such as "gap bands" are very risky and can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Tooth loss
- Tooth displacement
- Root resorption
- Gum disease
- Pain
- Inflammation
In some cases, the damage is irreversible. There has been such a substantial increase in the number of DIY teeth straightening attempts that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) issued a press release in 2017 stating:
"What most people don't understand is that moving teeth is a biological process that involves bone that dissolves and re-builds as teeth are moved into their new positions," says DeWayne B. McCamish, DDS, MS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). "Moving teeth is best done under the direct supervision of an orthodontist after an in-person assessment, including complete diagnostic records."
— American Association of Orthodontists Press Release
The methods and materials commonly used to attempt DIY teeth straightening include rubber bands, dental floss, fishing line, paper clips, biting on pencils, creating fake retainers, and pushing teeth with fingers.
When are Braces Necessary?
Traditional metal braces consist of small brackets that are fixed to your teeth. Each bracket is connected by a wire, which attaches to the brackets with rubber bands. Braces move your teeth into the correct position by applying pressure over time.
Braces can fix multiple dental and facial problems at once. They also tend to produce better results than other treatments like Invisalign.
In most cases, metal braces are necessary in cases of moderate to severe teeth and jaw misalignment.
For example, if you have an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite, braces are likely the safest and most effective option.
Can I Straighten My Teeth Without Traditional Braces?
Yes, as long as your teethare not severely misaligned.
However, the only safe at-home teeth-straightening alternative currently available to consumers is clear aligners. It is important to note that there is a slightly higher risk for complications with at-home treatment, as it is less predictable without in-person office visits.
At-home aligner treatment is generally considered safe if you follow instructions carefully throughout treatment. According to one study , 87.5% of respondents were happy with their at-home aligner treatment, while 6.6% had to visit their dentist after treatment to fix adverse effects.
Many people opt for clear aligners over traditional metal braces because they are more convenient, cheaper, and easier to maintain.
Keep in mind: most at-home aligners cannot treat severe cases of teeth misalignment. Braces, Invisalign, and/or other orthodontic devices like headgear can safely fix these issues.
5 Top Rated At-Home Clear Aligner Companies
Our team at NewMouth has spoken with dentists, researched medical papers, and read hundreds of online reviews for remote clear aligner companies.
These are the top five clear aligner treatment companies, according to our research:
1. Candid
Candid works exclusively with orthodontists who have 20+ years of experience straightening teeth.
Orthodontists must complete a professional residency program that usually spans 2 to 3 years following dental school.
The same orthodontist that designs your treatment plan will monitor your teeth straightening treatment. Candid also offer in-person consultations in some states around the U.S.
Candid treatment is also monitored 100% remotely through the CandidApp. This app is a complete 'teledentistry service' that allows you to connect to a Candid orthodontist at any time.
You'll send in progress photos every two weeks using the ScanBox (CandidScan) included in your treatment package. The box connects to your phone and is used to take detailed images of tooth movement.
The app will walk you through the entire process during each scan. You can also set up notifications on your phone to make sure you don't miss a scan date.
Once you submit the photos, you'll hear back from your orthodontist within a few hours. They will let you know if it's safe to move on to the next step.
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If your teeth aren't tracking correctly, the orthodontist will provide you with screenshots of your teeth highlighting what went wrong and how to get your treatment back on track.
** No other aligner brand has an in-depth teledentistry platform like Candid.
The average treatment time for Candid is 6 to 11 months. Treatment costs $1,895. You can apply for a monthly payment plan for $65 per month ($199 downpayment) for 36 months.
Read our full review of Candid.
Candid
Best remote monitoring & care
Every treatment plan is overseen by a qualified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience. Treatment is monitored in theCandidApp.
As of October 2021,Candid aligners now cost $1,895 ($505 less than the original price).
You can begin treatment in two ways:
Current Deal: Black Friday - 90% off impression kit + free zoom whitening.
2. NewSmile
NewSmile is one of the most affordable at-home aligners, but they are also one of the newest companies.
Unlike most at-home aligner brands, NewSmile aligners do not touch your gums.
They are trimmed to comfortably sit along your gum line in a 'scalloped fashion.' Not only does this design cause less irritation, but it also makes the trays less visible.
Once you receive the impression kit, you should get an email to book a time with an Impression Specialist . During this video call, they will walk you through the process to ensure accuracy.
NewSmile's Fast Track Aligners are worn for 22+ hours a day. They should only be removed for cleaning, eating, and brushing. Treatment takes between 4 and 6 months, but sometimes up to a year. They cost $1,195.
NewSmile's Night Aligners require less daily wear time (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,295.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe or effective.
NewMouth recommends Candid over cheap aligner alternatives because they offer hands-on remote monitoring. Every treatment case is also overseen by a licensed orthodontist.
Read our full review of NewSmile.
NewSmile
Budget option
NewSmile aligners are trimmed along your gum line to provide an even more visible treatment experience. They also offer live video chats with a specialist to ensure you take accurate impressions.
NewSmile aligners are more affordable than other brands. However, treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan.
Use code NewMouthDeal for $100 off Aligners and code NewMouthKit for $20 off impression kit.
3. byte®
Byte clear aligners can treat minor to moderate cases of teeth misalignment.
Byte offers All-Day Aligners (worn for 22+ hours a day) and At-Night Aligners (worn for 10+ hours a day).
You'll also receive a HyperByte®. This is a dental movement acceleration device that reduces treatment time by approximately 50 percent.
The average treatment time for byte aligners is 3 months for All-Day Aligners and 6 months for At-Night Aligners.
* Keep in mind: There is no scientific proof pointing to the safety and effectiveness of moving teeth quickly. Successful orthodontics requires precise tooth movement.
Byte All-Day Aligners cost $1,895, while the At-Night Aligners cost $2,295. The impression kit costs an additional $95.
NewMouth Recommends
At-Home Clear Aligners
We recommend at-home clear aligners if you have mild teeth misalignment.
These costs cover all of the clear aligners, retainers, remote monitoring, and the Smile Protection Program. They also offer monthly payment plans to help with financing.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe or effective.
Read our full review of byte.
byte®
Quickest treatment time
Byte's All-Day Aligners are worn for 22 hours a day and can straighten teeth in 3 months.
The At-Night Aligners straighten teeth while you sleep and can take up to 6 months.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
4. SmileDirectClub
SmileDirectClub has been a leading provider of clear aligners since 2014.
They have a network of over 250 state-licensed dentists and orthodontists that help create and monitor your clear aligner treatment.
SmileDirectClub offers traditional Clear Aligners or Nighttime Clear Aligners® for the same price: $1,950. The impression kit costs $59, or you can visit a SmileShop and get a free scan of your teeth.
Traditional clear aligner treatment takes approximately 4 to 6 months, while Nighttime Clear Aligners take about 10 months. A retainer for aftercare will cost $99.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe or effective. Learn more here.
Read our full review of SmileDirectClub.
SmileDirectClub
The biggest company
SmileDirectClub is the largest, longest-standing clear aligner manufacturer. With hundreds of physical locations, you can choose an in-person consultation or order a mail-in impression kit.
5. ALIGNERCO
ALIGNERCO offers some of the cheapest invisible aligners on the market. They cost between $1,145 (regular aligners) and $1,345 (night aligners).
To begin the teeth straightening process, the first step is to order an impression kit online. These kits are just $39.99. After you receive the kit, you'll take a dental impression at home and send them back to ALIGNERCO.
ALIGNERCO also sells NightOnly aligners. However, NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe or effective. Learn more here.
NewMouth recommends Candid over cheap aligner alternatives because they offer hands-on remote monitoring. Every treatment case is also overseen by a licensed orthodontist.
ALIGNERCO
Another budget option
ALIGNERCO is another brand that offers an affordable aligner experience. However, treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan.
At-Home Aligners: Brand Safety Comparison
| Candid | Smile Direct | byte | ALIGNER CO | New Smile | |
| NewMouth's Recommendations | ✓ | ||||
| Works exclusively with orthodontists | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Forces pictures prior to treatment | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Proper treatment timeline | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offers regular aligners (safest option) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offers night aligners (unsafe option)* | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social six or full arch tooth movement* | Full Arch | N/A | Social 6 | N/A | Social 6 |
| Orthodontist-directed via remote monitoring | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | N/A |
| In-person option for x-rays and 3D scans | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe. From a clinical perspective, there are also concerns about what could go wrong if aligners are only worn for a few hours each day.
* Social 6 treatment only addresses a patient's cosmetic concerns. It consists of flaring the front teeth out without moving the molars or expanding the dental arch. Full arch treatment addresses function first and cosmetics second. The aligners move all of your teeth, rather than just the front teeth. This is a safer and more comprehensive way to straighten teeth.
How Much Does it Cost to Straighten Your Teeth At Home?
At-home aligner treatment costs between $1,200 and $2,300. Braces and Invisalign can cost up to $8,000.
If you have a dental insurance plan that covers orthodontics, you may be able to receive partial coverage. Many at-home aligner brands also accept HSA/FSA payments.
At-Home Teeth Straightening FAQs
Can I straighten my teeth myself?
No, straightening your own teeth is dangerous and can lead to tooth loss, tooth displacement, gum disease, and other potentially irreversible damage.
All teeth straightening should be done under the supervision of a dentist or orthodontist. You can straighten your teeth at home via remote monitoring with clear aligners.
Does at-home teeth straightening work?
Most at-home clear aligner treatment plans designed and monitored remotely by a qualified orthodontist are safe and effective.
How can I straighten my teeth at home without braces or Invisalign?
DIY teeth straightening is NOT safe or effective. All teeth straightening treatment plans should be created and monitored by a licensed dentist or orthodontist.
At-home clear aligner treatment is available through companies such as Candid.
How to Straighten Your Teeth Without a Dentist
Source: https://www.newmouth.com/blog/straighten-teeth-at-home/
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