Imagine achieving the perfect smile from the comfort of your own home, all with a few clicks and the latest DIY orthodontic kit. After all, we’re living in a new age of technology, apps, and AI, right?
While going the DIY route for the perfect smile might sound tempting, there are some major flaws in this approach. What if this seemingly innovative shortcut could lead to irreversible damage?
The Truth About DIY Orthodontics
Beneath the allure of “simple and cheap” lies a minefield of hidden dangers that could jeopardize not just your smile, but your dental health as a whole. Take a look at what the ADA says about DIY Dentistry.
From tooth misalignment to jaw complications, the risks are real, and the consequences are dire. So let’s discuss why taking orthodontic matters into your own hands might leave you with more than just a crooked smile.
DIY Orthodontics Braces
Think about it, you wouldn’t set a broken bone, or stitch up a serious wound yourself, would you? So why would you consider DIY braces?
Please be wary of any suggestions to move teeth with rubber bands, dental floss, or other objects ordered on the Internet. Or items found around your home.
The proliferation of misinformation led the American Association of Orthodontists to issue this consumer alert:
“Beware of Internet videos and websites that encourage people to try straightening their own teeth. Moving teeth is a medical procedure and needs personal supervision by an orthodontist.” Source
Orthodontists receive years of specialized education beyond dental school and are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning the bite. They also offer a thorough examination to ensure the proper treatment needed for the patient.
Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which would result in expensive and lifelong dental problems. DIY orthodontics can cost you more than just money.
The American Association of Orthodontists believes that it is in the best, and safest, interest of the public to have orthodontic treatment conducted under the direct and ongoing supervision of a licensed orthodontist.
For orthodontic services in the Waxhaw-South Charlotte area, give us a call. 704-727-6868
DIY Orthodontics Kit – Dangers Hiding in Plain Sight
You’ve probably seen these DIY braces kits all over the internet. Here are a few you “teeth hacks” might have run across:
- DIY Braces or DIY Braces Kits
- Click to Order Clear Aligners
- Elastic Bands or Rubber Bands
Many of these are nothing more than DIY orthodontic gimmicks. A modern-day “snake oil” with all the risks found in actual snake oil. The only difference is they are peddled on Tik-Tok.
Thousands of online videos offer purported “advice” and “instructions” on do-it-yourself (DIY) orthodontic care. These offer various materials you have around the house to construct your own braces. Let’s take a look at a few:
- Rubber bands
- Paper clips
- Fishing line
- Electrical wires
- 3-D Printers
- Super glue (Sounds crazy, but it’s out there)
Now let’s look at some of the serious medical problems that can occur when using these materials and following DIY video advice:
- Root strangulation
- Permanent damage to tooth enamel
- Bone damage
- Serious infections
- Larger or new gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth and even Tooth loss
Watch eye-opening stories and cautionary tales featured on this news segment:
Watch: DIY Braces
Orthodontic treatment is serious business. It should be left to the medical professionals who are trained in this specialized field. It takes 4 years of college, 4 years of dental school, and then 2 to 3 years of specialized training in Orthodontics.
Clearly, orthodontics is not DIY-safe. So when it comes to teeth straightening, don’t do it yourself.
Parents and teachers: You should watch for signs that a child or teenager may be attempting do-it-yourself orthodontics. These things may include:
- Foreign objects around teeth, including paper clips, rubber bands, dental floss or the backs of earrings glued to teeth.
- Extruded upper front teeth.
- Loose permanent teeth, especially upper front teeth.
- Swollen or bleeding gums.
- Unexplained oral or facial discomfort.
If you encounter these signs and suspect that the child or teenager is engaging in DIY orthodontic care, please alert the parent/guardian of the risks of permanent and lifelong dental problems that can arise from DIY orthodontic care. If you’re the parent or guardian, put a stop to it, fast.
Then schedule a consultation with an experienced local orthodontist.
DIY Orthodontics vs. Professional Ortho Care
You should always seek professional orthodontic care when considering treatment for loose or crooked teeth. Seek insights from experts in the field of orthodontics or other dental health experts, such as orthodontists or dentists.
Their expertise can help educate you about the best practices to treat your condition without the risks associated with DIY orthodontics. They can also provide practical advice for maintaining overall oral health.
Beware of DIY Orthodontics: Final Thoughts
The allure of DIY orthodontics may seem tempting as a cost-saving measure, but the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. No matter how much you think you’ll save in money, the serious consequences will be a far greater cost in oral health.
Through expert insights and cautionary tales, we’ve explored the dangers lurking behind this DIY trend. From irreversible dental damage to serious health complications, the consequences of DIY orthodontics can be severe.
It’s clear that when it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, professional care is not just recommended – it’s essential. Don’t gamble with your dental health. Choose safety and expertise over shortcuts and risks.
At Three Leaf Orthodontics we offer complimentary consultations and Dr. Shane Markey will tailor a custom treatment plan that addresses the orthodontic needs specific to you or your child.
Contact us at 704-727-6868 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
FAQs Regarding the Hidden Dangers of DIY Orthodontics
Do DIY braces work?
DIY braces do not work, and they are very dangerous. You risk permanent damage to your teeth.
Can I fix braces by myself?
You should always contact your orthodontist whenever you notice a problem with your braces or when you experience pain. Never try to fix loose brackets or re-attach them with glue.
What are the disadvantages of DIY aligners?
DIY aligners ordered over the Internet don’t take your overall oral health into account, or the specifics of your case. The disadvantages range from poor results to making your smile even worse. Homemade DIY aligners can result in bone loss, loss of teeth, and swollen or bleeding gums. In short, it is not worth the risk to use DIY aligners.