I see your point, but honestly, I've heard some DIY aligner stories that turned out pretty okay. A friend of mine tried them and had decent results—not perfect, but definitely noticeable improvement. Maybe it depends on how minor the issue is...? Still worth researching carefully though.
I get that DIY aligners can sometimes work out cheaper, and your friend's experience sounds promising... but I'd still hesitate a bit. Teeth aren't exactly replaceable (last I checked anyway), and the risk of messing them up would drive me nuts more than the slight crookedness does now. Maybe instead, consider talking to a local dental school? I heard they offer supervised treatments at lower costs—could be a safer middle-ground option without completely emptying your wallet.
Totally get where you're coming from—DIY aligners seem tempting, but teeth aren't exactly IKEA furniture (though imagine if they came with instructions that confusing...). Dental schools are a solid suggestion; my cousin went that route and had a pretty good experience overall. Took a bit longer, but saved her a bunch of cash. Has anyone here actually tried treatment at a dental school? Curious how it compares comfort-wise to regular orthodontists.
My daughter got braces at a dental school last year, and honestly, it was pretty smooth overall. Sure, appointments took a bit longer (students double-checking with supervisors), but comfort-wise she never complained...and trust me, she'd let me know if something was off, lol.
Dental schools can definitely be a solid option, especially if you're looking to save some cash. The slightly longer appointments you mentioned are pretty typical—students need extra time to consult with supervisors and make sure they're on track. But honestly, that extra oversight can actually be reassuring because you're getting multiple sets of eyes on your treatment.
If your teeth are just slightly crooked and it's bothering you, have you considered clear aligners? They're a less noticeable alternative to traditional braces and work well for minor adjustments. You'd still need regular check-ins, but they're usually quicker visits overall. Plus, comfort-wise, most people find them easier to handle day-to-day since they're removable for eating and brushing.
Either way, whether you go the dental school route or opt for aligners at a private practice, the key is staying consistent with your appointments and following instructions closely. Minor misalignments usually respond pretty quickly once you start treatment...so hang in there!
