By Hilarie Steele, RDH CEO Operations and Relationships
at Best Natural Smile, Santa Monica, California
Your smile is worth doing right.
Clear aligners have become incredibly popular—and for good reason!
They can beautifully straighten teeth without the look of braces. But not all aligner journeys are the same. You may have seen mail-order or “DIY” aligner options online promising quick results at a lower cost. Before you jump in, here are a few things to know so you can make the best choice for your smile.
Why Professional Guidance Makes All the Difference
Your smile is more than just teeth—it’s a delicate balance of bone, gums, nerves, and bite alignment. When teeth are moved, everything else responds too. Working with a dentist means:
- You’ll have a thorough exam and digital X-rays to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for movement.
- Your progress will be monitored in person, so any issues can be caught early.
- Your treatment plan will be completely personalized for your smile, bite, and long-term oral health.
What’s Missing With Remote-Only Services
DIY aligner kits often skip the in-person part entirely, which can mean:
- Hidden problems like gum disease or cavities aren’t found before treatment starts
- Bite alignment isn’t checked along the way, leading to discomfort or uneven wear
- There’s no hands-on help if your teeth aren’t tracking as planned
The Truth About Cost
While at-home kits may seem like a bargain, fixing problems caused by unsupervised tooth movement can be much more costly in the long run. Your future smile is worth protecting from the start.
Your Safest Path to a Beautiful Smile
We love seeing our patients transform their smiles—and we want to make sure every step is done safely. If you’re thinking about aligners, come see us for a no-pressure consultation.
We’ll guide you through your options, answer all your questions, and help you choose the safest, most effective plan for the confident smile you deserve.
✨ Your smile is one of your best features—let’s treat it that way.
