Warning for DIY Orthodontics: Smile Direct Club Bankruptcy and the Displacement of Patients

Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

In recent times, the rise of at-home orthodontic solutions has captivated the interest of individuals seeking a convenient alternative to traditional dental care. One prominent player in this space was Smile Direct Club, a company that promised straighter teeth without the need for frequent visits to the dentist. However, with the recent bankruptcy of Smile Direct Club, it’s essential to shed light on the potential risks associated with DIY orthodontics and the displacement of patients.

1. Risk of Do-It-Yourself Braces

One of the primary concerns surrounding at-home orthodontic solutions is the lack of professional supervision, which can lead to various complications. Smile Direct Club’s bankruptcy serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that patients face when attempting to straighten their teeth without proper oversight.

Some of the significant risks include:

• Rapid Tooth Movement: Without professional guidance, the pace at which teeth move can be unpredictable, leading to unintended consequences.
• No Supervision or Direction: DIY braces lack the ongoing monitoring that in-person orthodontic treatments provide, making it challenging to address emerging issues correctly or without the appropriate urgency.
• Gum and Bone Health Compromised: The knowledge of gums and bone is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment, and when you do at home impressions and never see a doctor first it is impossible to make sure your gum and bone health is able to withstand braces at all. This unknown has left patients with severe gum bleeding, tooth loss, and other long-term consequences.

2. Offering of Support

Hamilton Dental Care dentists prioritize patient well-being and provide comprehensive support throughout the treatment process. Recognizing the potential risks associated with Smile Direct Club and similar services, Bloomsburg dentists are extending a helping hand to those who may have been affected. Services include:

Consultation: Hamilton Dental Care, Bloomsburg Dentist are offering new patient consultations to assess the current status of patients who may have used Smile Direct Club. This allows for a thorough evaluation of any issues that may arise during the completion of your at-home orthodontics case, or to get you the end result you were looking for originally in a safe and effective way.

3. The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Six-month checkups are crucial to maintaining good dental health not only for your at-home orthodontics, but just in general. For those who started their Smile Direct braces without professional supervision, it is imperative to seek a dental examination.

The Risks

If you haven’t seen the dentist since you started your Smile Direct Braces your risks of gum disease, bone loss, tooth loss and severe damage to your joints and muscles which affects how your teeth fit together long term and how your joints and muscles react to your new teeth position.

TMD Issues Caused by Unsupervised Clear Aligner Therapy from Smile Direct Club

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is also a potential consequence of DIY orthodontics, such as Smile Direct Club. TMD can result in pain, discomfort, and difficulty in jaw movement. If you are experiencing any of these pain, we advise scheduling a consultation today with our Bloomsburg dentist office.

“It’s very easy to cause harm if you’re not properly monitoring the case,” Dr. Thikriat Al-Jewair, chair of the Department of Orthodontics at the University at Buffalo, said. “I cannot overstate the importance of seeing an orthodontist to monitor the care. (Moving teeth) is a very complex process and also very individualized.”

For more information on the potential risks associated with Smile Direct Club and how we can assist you further contact Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570) 316- 0887 today if you are in the Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania areas. We are ready to offer support through a new patient consultation and exam and get you back on track to ensure the long-term health and stability of your teeth.