DIY braces are a rising trend where a person creates their own braces through paper clips, rubber bands, etc. One reason why some people risk using this do-it-yourself method could be because having perfectly straight teeth can enhance their appearance and boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Since not everyone is gifted with a killer smile, many people are choose to correct their crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth. However, some individuals simply can’t afford braces, so they resort to shortcuts such as trying DIY methods to straighten their teeth. They hope that it would save them a lot of money. But the truth is, the consequences of wearing them can cause more harm than good.
DIY braces have actually reached the attention of the American Dental Association, and they strongly oppose these due to their harmful effects. Here are some of the reasons why one should never try DIY braces.
They Can Cause Misalignment in Teeth
Braces remain to be the most common solution to crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth. They apply consistent pressure so your teeth move slowly over time. Your jaw will also gradually adjust and adapt according to the pressure from the moving teeth.
DIY braces also put pressure on the teeth and cause them to move. But because the process isn’t performed by a professional, the person trying out this “DIY hack” wouldn’t be able to control how much pressure they should put on their pearly whites. This causes them to close tightly together, causing more problems in the alignment of the teeth.
Additionally, these “alternative braces” can cause teeth to move in the wrong direction. So, as a result, the person may not be able to chew properly and even develop a speech impediment or lisp since the upper and lower teeth no longer fit together.
They Can Damage Your Teeth, Gums, Roots, and Bones
Using items such as paper clips, plastic molds, dental floss, or rubber bands to pull the teeth closer together is a very bad idea. Not to mention, they can induce a lot of dental pain. For example, using rubber bands to tie the two front teeth together to close a gap may cause the bands to slip through and get stuck in the gum line.
This process interrupts the blood flow to the gums, leading to gum irritation, infection, and, eventually, bone loss. Additionally, without an adequate blood supply, the tooth roots die, causing the teeth to fall off or require extraction. Dying nerves may also irritate the neighboring teeth.
They Can Lead to More Expensive Dental Treatments
A person trying DIY braces to save money will likely spend more due to dental complications. A rubber band or a paperclip that gets stuck inside the gums may require oral surgery to be removed.
Teeth can also fall out or need extraction due to severe infection caused by wearing DIY braces. They will likely need a bridge or dental implants to be replaced.
Turn to Afdent Patient Friendly Dentistry
DIY braces aren’t worth the hype or the risk. If you’re planning to have your teeth straightened, it’s better to talk to a highly-trained and qualified orthodontist at Afdent so we can examine the condition of your teeth first and provide a treatment plan customized to your needs.