DIY braces and teeth-straightening kits have exploded in popularity recently as a way to save money. However, the results are not nearly as effective or long-lasting as professional braces or Invisalign, and can even cause more damage to your teeth in the long run. Dental care is best left to the professionals, as they understand the proper way to take care of your teeth. Here are 6 reasons why you should leave teeth straightening to the professionals.

According to a study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, an estimated 40 million Americans (1 in 8 people) have sensitive teeth. This condition can result in discomfort when certain types of food are consumed, including those that are cold, hot, spicy, sweet or sour. Avoiding these triggers is an easy solution, but the cause of tooth sensitivity is more complicated and can signal an underlying dental issue. In this post, your emergency dentist explains why your teeth may be sensitive and what signs to look out for to avoid a dental emergency.