Have you seen or heard about DIY braces? They’re a recent trend that’s all over the internet. Proponents of DIY braces boast a cheap and fast method of straitening teeth. However, do-it-yourself braces may not be the best for your teeth and your oral health. Some things like painting or building a deck can be fun DIY activities, but your oral health is something you should leave to a professional. Read on to learn 6 reasons why you should avoid straightening your teeth using DIY methods from your local orthodontist.
What Are DIY Braces?
Do-it-yourself braces have become popular, especially with teens on the internet. People have made Youtube videos and tutorials on how to straighten teeth using:
- Superglue
- Rubber bands
- Orthodontic wax
- Hair elastics
- Dental floss
- Paper clips
These materials aren’t medical grade quality and they’re not sterile either. Vloggers and other influencers are instructing teens on how to straighten their smile using these methods. Most of the time it hurts more than it helps. Keep reading to learn some reasons on why you should avoid DIY braces.
The Affected Teeth Can Move Back
DIY braces aren’t medically tested, and they offer no guarantees so even if you are able to align your teeth to your desire, the results probably won’t last. Quick adjustments have a greater chance of shifting back, which is why professional braces move your teeth in slight increments over time.
You Could Lose Your Teeth
Makeshift braces can destroy your teeth and their roots. Using rubber bands or some of the other materials listed above can restrict your blood flow and cut off the circulation your teeth need to stay healthy. That’s why after using DIY braces, your dentist may need to pull your teeth out all together to improve your oral health.
You Could Develop Gum Infection
Because DIY braces use non-sterile materials like rubber bands and paper clips, it’s easy to develop an infection. These materials can cut into your gums, cause infection, and your gums won’t be able to heal while you continue to use makeshift braces. A gum infection, if not treated, can lead to more serious issues like gum disease and eventually bone loss.
You Could Change the Way You Talk
DIY braces affect the entire mouth, whether you want them to or not. Make shift braces can change the way your upper and lower jaws fit together, which affects your ability to speak and chew normally.
You May Face Emotional Trauma
Whether you know it or not, your smile can affect your emotions and self-confidence. Damaging your smile with DIY braces can lead to mood swings, lack of confidence, avoidance of activities, depression, and more.
You Could End Up Paying More Than You Saved
The biggest reason why people even use DIY braces is to save money, but you can cause damage to your mouth that will end up costing you a lot more than professional braces would have. Tooth replacement is expensive, time consuming, and gum disease treatments can last for a lifetime.
Now that you know some of the reasons you should avoid DIY braces, you can see they’re not worth the risk. Contact your local orthodontist to talk to them about braces or Invisalign treatment for a beautifully straight smile.
Meet the Orthodontist
Dr. Anas Athar enjoys caring for his patients in Carrollton to help them achieve their smile goals. He stays up-to-date on all the latest dental techniques through continuing education. He can’t stress enough the importance of seeking professional help to straighten your teeth. He currently practices at Bringing Smiles where he can be contacted through his website for any questions.