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 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 professional. 

When you think about orthodontic treatment, think ACE.

Accountability

One benefit of going to a professional dentist 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.

Orthodontics falls within the legal definition of dentistry, so can only be performed by orthodontists, dentists and dental care professionals who are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). You can search for registered orthodontists and dentists on the GDC website.

Care

A good relationship with any care provider is irreplaceable and orthodontics isn’t an exception. Getting to know your professional and their team means you will build a good rapport with them and a sense of trust. 

Effectiveness

There is a lot of in-depth training to understand the mouth's anatomy and get the best results for patients. A dental professional will make bespoke plans for each of their patients to make sure the treatment is as effective as possible and to have long lasting results.

Because of this, by far the best way to undergo orthodontic treatment is to see a qualified professional with positive reviews and with whom you feel confident and comfortable with after your initial consultation.

DIY aligners

You may have seen many companies boast about getting a 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 proper dental supervision before the treatment starts and during.

It also means if you get poor results, or suffer health complications, and there are fewer options available to you.

Before having orthodontic treatment, consider the safety of your smile. Always choose to visit a qualified and registered orthodontist or dentist.

Read more about the dangers of orthodontics done at home.

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More information

• The basics of orthodontics

• What to expect at your appointments

• The dangers of DIY orthodontics

• General Dental Council - Position Statement on direct-to-consumer orthodontics