In an age focused on convenience, it is becoming increasingly possible to get anything delivered straight to your door. Orthodontic treatment is no exception. In addition to the options offered by your dentist's office, you can choose from a growing selection available online. While the convenience is attractive, it is important to evaluate if an at-home solution will work for you by keeping your mouth healthy and giving you the best results in the shortest amount of time.

The primary drawback of using dentist-mediated orthodontics is waiting for an appointment. You need an appointment to have your mouth scanned for treatment and you'll have to attend regular check-ins to monitor the progress of your treatment and the health of your mouth. 

At-home orthodontic treatments may be a better fit for your schedule and budget at first glance, but you have to weigh the monetary savings against the potential impact on your health. These treatments do not come with dental consultations, so you may not know if:

• You’re a good candidate for treatment. Aligners may not be able to correct your teeth if the misalignment or rotation is too severe.
• Your mouth is healthy enough to sustain treatment. You may have damage to your teeth and gums that is accelerated by using aligners.
• Your treatment plan is proceeding as expected. While your treatment plan is simulated to create your aligners, there is no guarantee that your teeth will actually behave that way.
• Your treatment plan is causing new problems. Your aligners may introduce new gaps or other changes in your teeth or begin to erode your gums.

Both approaches have their advantages. Dental oversight will produce the best results but if you have previously worn braces, see a dentist regularly, and are just looking for minor adjustments to your teeth, at-home treatments could be an option for you.