'Do it Yourself' (DIY) Teeth Straightening

There are companies now that will send a custom-made teeth straightening treatment to people without the person having to consult a dental professional. This could potentially raise issues when it comes to civil, regulatory and legislative responses. These mail order services are undercutting the prices on teeth straightening and disrupting the profession. Although there is a view that these treatments are increasing access to professional dental care and it could be seen as a healthy disruption.   

There has been a rise on DIY braces and teens have been making braces out of paper clips and rubber bands, which damage their teeth. The practice of “teledentistry” with orthodontic straightening devices makes sense because there is a huge market of adults who wore braces as children and did not maintain. However, there are concerns about quality of care and this is where the regulatory bodies come in.  

An issue that is coming up is the fact that some of these companies make patients sign away their right to sue and can only bring an arbitration. However, no one can sign away their right to bring a complaint to a regulator.

The American Dental Association strongly discourages DIY orthodontics because there is a potential for harm. The American Association of Orthodontists has filed complaints with state regulators regarding unauthorized practice of dentistry.  There has been an article saying that these at home treatments are damaging after the author described that he kept wiggling his teeth causing damage.

The at home treatment company has brought a defamation suit against the author and has sent cease and desist letters to some dentists over critical YouTube videos. It also filed a suit against the Michigan Dental Association saying its professional journal had defamed them by insinuating the company was practicing dentistry without a license. The Association denied those claims saying there was a legitimate public interest and concern.  Both sides agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case. 

Want a more beautiful, straighter smile?  Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Farinas-Han at Smiles by Bergen Dental! Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes.