When in Doubt, Do it Yourself?

So, if you’re like me and spend way more time looking at your phone and staring into a screen that’s way smaller than the 55-incher you used to dream about, you’ve probably started noticing a few interesting things.

It’s like, people who yesterday wouldn’t change their own tire or pull their own weeds (let alone use dental floss) have opened a door into a space as vast and timeless as infinity; a middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition lying between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This Neverland dimension of imagination is an area we call the Online Do it Yourself Zone.

And I’ve changed my own tire…twice, about thirty years ago. And I carry my own golf clubs, scrub my own floors (not THAT often), and even park my own damn car at pretentious restaurants (I DO have some trust issues.) The stuff I let other people do for me mostly consists of things like washing my clothes, preparing Lasagna Bolognese (or anything I can’t microwave), or accomplishing any kind of repairs that don’t involve teeth.

But if a self-representing lawyer has a fool for a client, what do you say about the dental consumer who bypasses the dentist or orthodontist on his way to straightening his own teeth. And I say “his” because 85% of family health choices are made by women and a growing minority of way less-informed health decisions seem to be coming from my knuckle dragging, denial practicing brothers and the women who mistakenly and inexplicably follow their lead.

These days, a trip to the dentist followed up by consistent diagnostic, active, and preventive care can, more than ever, add years of life and impact the quality of life. And the sooner a commitment to total health is made, the better. In many instances, dental visits are more likely than a visit to a primary care physician. From early detection of airway challenges affecting the growth and development of toddlers to teenagers and the management of chronic oral infections compromising general health by way of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer; the connection between oral and general health has become stronger by the day.

But today, the quiet time I share with my thumbs and my phone, is bombarded with ads promoting all kinds of do-it-yourself orthodontic adventures, all of which emphasize the advantages of creating a beautiful smile…for a fraction of the cost of Invisalign in Mississippi and without any inconvenient visits to the dentist or orthodontist. Who needs supervision when all you need is a selfie and a perfect impression (you’re gonna take on yourself) …and beautiful unsupervised, marginally guided orthodontic care?

And I used to wonder, if he wasn’t so dang awesome with cards, a gun, and a knife; how John Henry “Doc” Holliday, DDS would’ve handled Delta Dental …or “colleagues” who steal away health from friends and family with cost concerns, using near baseless promises and cut-rate prices.

Thankfully, my dental activist approach comes courtesy of my opposable thumbs and four out of my other eight fingers. I mercilessly question do-it-yourself orthodontics on social media. I basically challenge the purveyors of “do-it-yourself” to scan themselves in search of a conscience, professionalism, and respect.

Invisalign care is a true innovation and currently the result of over 20-years of continued research and development; it’s a service that positively impacts the total health of patients we see as friends and family.

And friends don’t let friends double dip, speak with their mouthful, or pay $2000 to impersonate a dentist or orthodontist without a license…when it’s not even Halloween.

50% of Americans do not have a comfortable dental home; please don’t shortcut your journey to total health. Relationships begin with a conversation and dentists should be doing most of the listening…in the same room.