There are lots of things you can do yourself. Fixing your own teeth should not be one of them!
The orthodontic community is aghast at the latest teeth-straightening trend – do-it-yourself braces. From clever “inventions” developed by the children, themselves, or “quick fix” solutions offered online, DIY braces are an undeserving, yet real, alternative to traditional treatment by a trained orthodontist.
An attempt to fix one’s own teeth poses more than just a threat to the income of your local orthodontist – there are genuine health and safety issues. The American Association of Orthodontists was concerned enough to issue this recent public service announcement…
Very real hazards from DIY braces
An article in Healthfeed from the University of Utah’s Health Sciences Department spells out the dangers…
- Rubber bands placed around the teeth can likely cause tooth fractures, damage to gums, root damage, loss of teeth, or
- Unsanitary materials in the mouth can absorb into local nerves and arteries/veins, causing local or general infections
- Online companies now offer to take bite impressions using a kit they mail to customers. Customers mail back the impressions, and are recommended corrective braces. However, without an orthodontist’s exam and x-ray, serious, unseen, complications never get discovered.
- Finally, “black market” braces often contain unsanitary or dangerous materials that can cause serious health issues.
According to an article in Today notes that, back in 2012, a short YouTube video played a major role in promoting DIY braces. Posted by Shalom DeSota, under the username singerforeverlove, the video demonstrated how Shalom, who was 14 at the time, corrected the gap between her two front teeth all by herself with some simple materials she found at home (Click to see the video – it’s a little disturbing!)
We think the message here should be, don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your health, and your looks. Avoid potentially dangerous complications. Visit an experienced orthodontist to get the smile you want.
Written by Clifford S. Yurman
