The popularity of ‘Do it Yourself’(DIY) cosmetic dentistry has soared over recent years, no doubt due to an increase in at-home self-treatment during the pandemic.
Putting aside a fear of seeing the dentist, seemingly saving time and money by opting to do it yourself, can seem very tempting. Many people want effective dental results quickly and at a low cost. However, DIY dentistry is NEVER the answer. It is more likely to cost you more in the long run. Like putting off regular hygiene, cleaning, and maintenance, DIY dentistry allows small issues to become more complex, more expensive, and often painful problems. Sure, you might get lucky, but the chances are you won’t, and no one wants that!
So, what is DIY dentistry? Are there ANY perks of doing it yourself, and if not, what is the best way to seek those results? (Hint: it involves your cosmetic dentist). Read on to find out!
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) defines DIY dentistry as “the provision of dental treatment direct to the consumer, without professional examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning by a dental practitioner with the necessary education and training to provide the service.” This can involve a consumer or non-dental practitioner taking their own dental records and submitting them to a person or manufacturer who then provides appliances directly to the consumer for self-treatment. Sounds concerning, right?!
To match the rise in popularity of DIY cosmetic treatments, there has certainly been a rise of ‘Direct to Consumer’ (D2C) dental offerings, including the provision of mouthguards, orthodontic treatment, devices for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, and teeth whitening using bleaching trays.
The problem here is, there is minimal regulation of the manufacturers of these home treatment kits. Suppliers are usually unregistered providers of health services, and consumers are unable to follow up with an experienced health professional, nor are they able to seek a fix for any problems or damage caused to their oral health (or finances!) by these kits, especially if they are provided by overseas manufacturers.
Let’s delve deeper into the dangers of two DIY cosmetic dentistry methods: teeth straightening and teeth whitening subscriptions:
Teeth straightening subscriptions promise you the convenience of achieving straighter teeth without in-person visits to a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist. This often seems appealing to consumers; however, there are significant dangers associated. Firstly, there is the obvious absence of direct supervision by a qualified dental professional. In-person visits to your dentist or orthodontist are essential to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and address any complications that might arise during treatment. Without a thorough initial assessment, there’s a risk of incorrect treatment planning in the first place.
Misaligned teeth can have underlying causes that a subscription service won’t pick up. In fact, teeth straightening isn’t just about aesthetics; there might also be other issues with your teeth and gums, which the treatment might exacerbate without professional care. If the impressions you take yourself are incorrect, your aligners may not fit properly and will, therefore, cause damage. There may be unpredictable results, complications and discomfort, and longer treatment times, and one thing is for certain: there is a lack of accountability if the treatment doesn’t go as planned. Need we go on?!
If you are keen to embark on a teeth straightening journey, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified dentist or orthodontist, who can provide a thorough initial assessment and a safe, effective treatment plan. Here at The Dental Room, our team of experienced dentists offer initial consultations to get to know you, your concerns, lifestyle, and provide professional advice on treatment options to ensure a highly effective, stress-free, and safe way to achieve a straight smile!
DIY teeth whitening systems can be found on supermarket shelves, online, or even via your local beautician, and they come with a list of instructions to follow at home. However, with no dentist providing guidance, there can be pitfalls. You can experience uneven whitening as a result of the improper spread of the whitening agent, or potential irritation to your gums during these DIY treatments. The safest way to whiten your teeth is to visit a cosmetic dentist’s office for an in-chair teeth whitening treatment, or obtain a professional whitening system from your dentist, along with their guidance.
At The Dental Room, we offer the trusted Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening procedure to our clients. Not only has it been proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades lighter, but it is also completely safe. Our dentists offer clients two options for ease and convenience:
90-minute in-chair LED whitening procedure
The professional teeth whitening in-chair procedure works by using a unique hydrogen peroxide whitening gel on your teeth. This breaks down the internal molecular bonds making up stains on your teeth, versus a tooth whitening toothpaste, which can only remove surface stains.
The intense LED light-activated brightening system from Philips Zoom shines on the gel, speeding up the process and intensifying the white result. The procedure takes just 90 minutes in the chair (with Netflix provided!), meaning the time commitment is so minimal you could drop in on your lunch break if you wanted to!
Take-home whitening procedure
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, your dentist can provide a custom-made tray designed for your mouth. Throughout the process, your dentist is available to guide you, answer questions, and help you use the whitening system safely. This professional supervision helps reduce risks such as gum irritation or uneven results, which can occur with over-the-counter or online products used without guidance.
While at-home kits bought online may seem more convenient at first, they often lack professional oversight. By choosing a dentist-prescribed whitening system, you can feel reassured that the treatment is tailored to you and monitored for safety. At The Dental Room, we provide support at every stage to help clients work toward a whiter smile in a safe and considered way.
We also offer a range of payment plan options to make our treatment options more affordable and accessible to our clients. We believe in the highest quality care, products and services to achieve those lasting results. To ensure ultimate safety and effective results, seek the help of a qualified cosmetic dentist at The Dental Room.
If you are interested in making an initial Cosmetic Consultation at The Dental Room, please call the clinic on (03) 9857 3988. A $170 pre-payment fee is required to secure.
Results, potential risks, complications, and recovery times can differ for each individual and each procedure. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Refer to thedentalroom.com.au/risks for more information on risks and potential complications.
Before starting any treatment, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Images and videos featured on this page are shared with our clients’ consent and have not been altered with filters, editing, or AI tools.
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About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
