Even though it can seem easier and more convenient for your wallet to give yourself braces than visit your dentist for orthodontic treatment, this choice will most likely leave you with permanent oral damage and countless dental bills down the road. When something seems too good to be true, it often is, and DIY braces are no exception. Read on for five reasons you should leave fixing orthodontic problems to your dentist.
The DIY Braces Trend
You’ve likely seen the trend of people giving themselves braces on popular social platforms such as blogs and YouTube. What they don’t show you is all of the permanent damage they’re likely to face after weeks of wearing orthodontic appliances mottled together with household office supplies, including:
- Superglue
- Orthodontic wax
- Rubber bands
- Hair ties
- Dental floss
- Jewelry beads
- Paper clips
These supplies aren’t sterile, and when you place them in your mouth to make an orthodontic system with no background knowledge of dentistry, you’re only asking for a disaster to happen. That’s why your best bet is to leave it to the professionals that have been highly trained and are experienced in straightening teeth.
5 Reasons to Leave Braces to Your Dentist
Without the proper treatment, you’ll likely be causing your mouth more harm than good if you attempt DIY braces. Here are five reasons it’s worth it to get Invisalign instead of ruining your oral health with homemade orthodontic appliances.
Risk of Tooth Loss
DIY braces can alter your blood flow to your gums and jawbone, which could impact the roots of your teeth. When not enough blood gets to your gums, it will likely cause the roots to die, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.
Development of Gum Infections
Using non-sterile items that can irritate and poke your gums, such as paper clips, can cause oral wounds. Because they aren’t sanitized, a small cut could progress into a severe infection that spreads to other areas of your body and causes permanent oral damage.
Altering Your Speech
Dentists spend years at school learning about how each part of your mouth works together to allow you to effectively speak and chew your food. Using their knowledge, they’re able to fix orthodontic issues with professional treatments and make these tasks easier to complete. When done incorrectly using DIY braces, you could put yourself at risk of permanently developing a speech impediment by creating a bite problem.
Paying More Than You Would Save
Although the thought of saving money by giving yourself braces may be a motivating factor, you’ll likely end up spending way more money down the road due to permanent oral damage. Replacing missing teeth and treating infections can be costly issues, which is why it’s a good idea to make a smart investment in professional orthodontic treatment from the start.
Emotional Trauma
Physically altering your mouth yourself can cause emotional trauma due to even worse issues than you originally started with. The emotional effect can impact cause mood swings, confusion, and even avoidance of social situations.
Even though DIY braces may seem tempting, they’ll likely only cause you severe issues, which is why it’s a good idea to invest in Invisalign instead. With professional treatment, you won’t be taking a gamble on your smile or oral health. You’ll also be able to know what results you can expect, giving you peace-of-mind throughout your treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Edwards is dedicated to providing each of her patients with high-quality and trusted dental care. She offers discreet, effective, and comfortable Invisalign treatment to fix a variety of orthodontic issues without using cumbersome metal brackets and wires. She is passionate about cosmetic dentistry because she enjoys watching her patients’ gain confidence in their smiles. For questions or to schedule a consultation for Invisalign treatment, visit Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry’s website or call 904-272-0800.