Orthodontists warn against dangers of DIY braces
An editorial in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics has revealed that a growing trend of do-it-yourself orthodontics has caused orthodontists and doctors to worry. The author of the editorial, Rolf G. Behrents, who is also a spokesman for the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), has warned patients and orthodontists alike against the use of ponytail elastics to help close gaps between teeth.
Although it seems unlikely, searching for DIY braces online finds multiple videos on YouTube demonstrating how to use elastics as a cheap alternative to braces applied by orthodontists. This low-cost option is an appealing one to those who believe that braces put in place by orthodontists are costly.
However, although the DIY elasticated braces are cheap, they are also dangerous; DIY braces can lead to tooth loss as a result of elastics submerged in gums. As well as this, attempting to alter teeth without the regular care provided by an orthodontist can lead to root decay.
Although DIY braces are potentially dangerous to the health of your teeth, there is an irony to it, as dentists themselves used to use elastic as a way of removing teeth from patients who had bleeding disorders or other conditions, as they believed pliers were too dangerous to patients. Behrents explained that with this method, which would take 4-6 weeks, bands worked to slowly break down tissue and bone until a tooth fell out on its own, without losing blood. This means that it could take as little as a month for DIY braces to cause permanent damage.
Although the cost of prescription orthodontics may be high, there are alternatives to using DIY kits to improve your dental health. If a person is interested in straightening their teeth, they should proceed cautiously and discus their options with their dentist.
Although the cost of prescription orthodontics may be high, there are alternatives to using DIY kits to improve your dental health. If a person is interested in straightening their teeth, they should proceed cautiously and discus their options with their dentist.
