Do it yourself, or DIY projects, have become a popular trend, especially among younger adults and millennials. Unfortunately, this DIY sensation has extended into orthodontics, with a wide-variety of Youtube videos and tutorials on DIY braces. Claims have made for beautifully straight smiles in a much shorter amount of time than traditional braces with very little cost. If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is. Keep reading to learn why you should always leave orthodontics in River Oaks to the professionals.
What Are DIY Braces?
DIY braces are homemade from various materials to straighten teeth. People have tried to make braces out of items like:
- Superglue
- Rubber bands
- Orthodontic wax
- Hair elastics
- Dental floss
- Paper clips
- Jewelry-making bracelet beads
These items aren’t clean or healthy for your mouth, which can cause infection and tooth loss. Many Youtube personalities and other people on social media have tried to use these products to straighten their teeth, which is why the trend has only grown bigger.
DIY braces promise fast results, and the cost compared to traditional braces makes it really enticing, especially for teens and young adults. However, they can affect your health and smile in a variety of negative ways.
Your Teeth Can Shift Back
Professional braces are designed to shift your teeth into alignment little by little to create a lasting change. Quick adjustments have a much higher chance of shifting back, which is why DIY braces can lead to teeth moving to their original position.
You Could Lose Teeth
Using rubber bands or other tight DIY braces can destroy your tooth roots, which can lead to tooth loss. DIY braces often restrict blood flow and cut off the circulation your teeth need to stay healthy. If your teeth and roots become destroyed, your dentist will have to pull your teeth out—much worse than an uneven smile.
Your Gums Can Get Infected
Because many DIY braces are made with unsterile materials, infection can develop easily. Paper clips, rubber bands, and other products cut into your gums, leaving them susceptible to infection. This infection can spread, cause bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
You Could End Up Paying More in the Long Run
The main reason for people choosing DIY braces is the cost, but repair for the damage you do to your smile can be much more expensive than traditional braces in the first place. Additionally, besides the cost of restoring missing teeth, it’s better for your overall health to keep as much of your natural teeth as possible.
Now that you know the serious risks that come with DIY braces, it’s important that you leave shifting your teeth and other dentistry to the professionals. Talk to your dentist to see how you could benefit from braces in River Oaks for a great looking and feeling smile.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. John H. Krell is a native Houstonian who takes pride in providing quality care for the patients in his community. He offers Invisalign clear braces for patients who want to straighten their smile in the most discreet way possible. He currently runs his own practice, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (713) 877-1775 for any questions.
