There are many misconceptions surrounding adult orthodontic treatment. Many people think orthodontic care is painful or will be too expensive. While it’s true that some treatment options can be an investment, most orthodontists are concerned with giving patients healthy, beautiful smiles. So, many offer payment plans or other options to work with your budget.
Unfortunately, these misconceptions still exist, and they’re leading people to take part in a popular trend: DIY braces.
Homemade DIY items seem to be all the rage these days, especially online. Yet, when it comes to the health and safety of your teeth, there are some serious risks to consider if you’re just trying to avoid going to the orthodontist or paying a big bill.
Let’s take a look at some of the dangers of DIY braces and why you should always see a family orthodontist for any type of braces treatment.
What Are DIY Braces?
As you might have expected, DIY braces are aligners that are typically delivered right to your door. Most “kits” include rubber bands that you put on your teeth to pull them together and straighten them. Some people have even suggested they closed their “gap-tooth grin” in just over a month with DIY braces.
However, because they are really nothing more than bands that go around your teeth, there could be some serious risks to consider.
Risking Your Oral Health
So, what are some of the potential problems associated with DIY braces?
First, there’s more to orthodontic treatment than just getting straight teeth. While we do want you to have a beautiful smile, your oral health is important, too. When an orthodontist looks at your teeth during an initial consultation for braces, they’ll be able to see if you have any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
For example, x-rays are extremely important before getting braces because they give the orthodontist an idea of what’s going on with your teeth, even when you can’t see certain things on the surface. X-rays can reveal if there might be more shifting, if a tooth is impacted, etc. All of these play a part in a treatment plan for straightening your teeth. When you order a DIY solution online, you don’t get that extra care, and you don’t know what you might be dealing with beneath the surface.
Potential Hazards of At-Home Braces
Because you aren’t getting the expert treatment and advice from an orthodontist, some of the potential hazards you could face with DIY braces include:
● Damage to your teeth and gums
● Infection
● Pain
● Tooth loss
If any of these issues do occur, you’ll need to go to an orthodontist to fix them. Because they are quite serious, you’ll probably end up spending more money than you would have on braces to begin with.
Should I Try DIY Braces?
We can’t recommend using DIY braces when there are so many options for straightening your teeth today. There is something to fit your needs, your wants, and your budget. If you do decide to go the DIY route, we recommend at least coming in for a consultation first, to learn more about your teeth and what type of orthodontic treatment they need.
At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we treat all of our patients like family, and we want what’s best for you and your smile! If you have questions about braces or other orthodontic treatment, feel free to schedule a free consultation today.
