August 1, 2026
What are DIY Aligners?
[D]o [I]t [Y]ourself or DIY aligners are a fairly recent product that allows someone to take an impression (mold) of their teeth at home, send it in to a company, and the company sends back a series of aligners to move teeth. At face value this may sound great, and in very simple alignment situations it may actually work nicely.
But what if it doesn't? There are several questions to ask before you embark on the DIY aligner journey:
- Is my treatment simple enough for this approach to be a good idea? To best answer this a comprehensive set of records should be reviewed by a licensed dentist or orthodontic specialist. This ensures that a complete diagnostic process can be followed and a reasonable treatment plan can be developed.
- What happens if something doesn't go right during treatment? If you're going the DIY route, you may be required to solve any complications that arise all by yourself. Some things you may not even recognize until its too late. This may include movements that don't quite go as planned, potential issues of root shortening, gingival problems, or in extreme cases, maybe even moving teeth outside the boundaries of the jaws. With DIY products nobody is actively monitoring treatment. It might work out ok, but it is typically better if someone is regularly checking on progress.
- Are additional aligners available if things to fully move? Are retainers included at the end of treatment? Both questions are important and must be addressed.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are important questions to ask before using DIY aligners. Do your research before you dive right in.
Interested in orthodontic treatment with aligners or braces? Check out some information for new patients, review the services we offer, or send us an appointment request to learn more.