What You Should Know About the DIY Braces Trend
What You Should Know About the DIY Braces Trend
Have you heard about the woman in Washington State who claims to have closed a gap in her front teeth in 44 days using DIY braces—specifically, five dollars worth of hair elastics?
“I’ve got some news for you,” Jamila Garza proudly proclaimed in a video she posted on YouTube in 2012, flashing a toothy grin. “My gap is officially closed.”
Apparently all that cost-efficient tinkering struck a cord; there were multiple videos documenting the various stages of the process, which got more than 100,000 views, ABC News reports.
Tempted to go all MacGyver with your own chompers? Don’t even think about it, say those in the orthodontic community, who warns that people can do major harm to their mouths, not to mention open themselves up to a world of pain.
“An awful idea” is how New York City cosmetic dentist Gregg Lituchy (one part of Lowenberg Lituchy & Kantor) describes Garza’s resourcefulness—or, as he calls it, “unsupervised orthodonture.”
The problem, Lituchy says, is that the average person doesn’t know what’s going on underneath their gums (at the roots of the teeth they’re trying to move) and that can lead to a host of issues.
For example, if one of the teeth you’re trying to adjust has less bone around the root, it may move more easily (read: at a faster rate) than the other tooth, meaning they won’t line up evenly. Or, you could end up with spaces between other teeth. “An orthodontist who is constantly adjusting the elastics will take all of these factors into consideration,” says Lituchy.
What’s more, he explains, the rubber bands could slip under the gum, causing it to become inflamed or infected, which could lead to loosened teeth or even tooth loss. You’re getting the not-so-pretty picture, right? The American Association of Orthodontists even issued a consumer alert in the fall on so-called “gap bands.” (Beware: Not for the easily icked-out.)
Look, at-home hair highlights and manis are one thing, but this is one area of beauty—and health, for that matter—that’s best left up to the pros. Mess around with your mouth and there is no amount of laminating or drilling that’s going to make things right.
If you want to have your teeth straightened, have an appointment with your dentist for a general checkup to assess what type of treatment will best suit you. Minor crooked teeth can be fixed with Porcelain Veneers, wherein a more advanced case would need Braces or Invisalign.
Read the original article here.
Written by Barbara Stepko
DISCLAIMER:
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Melton Dental House does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.
Services Mentioned
More Dental Articles
The Longevity Of Teeth: Are DNA or Lifestyle Factors Implicated?
Examining the longevity of teeth, are DNA or lifestyle factors implicated? Like the longevity of our organs, or even our memory …
Pouches & Snacks For Babies & Toddlers Decays Teeth, Delays Speech & Undernourishes Them
If parenting was hard, people wouldn't do it. There. All parents duly stopped in their tracks. You need to be. You absolutely need to know the lies, damn lies and statistics that are impacting the health of your newly minted kids. That parenthood is far from easy is a...
How Flossing Can Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke?
Flossing associated with 22% less risk of ischemic stroke.- Flossing associated with 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (blood clots from the heart).- associated with 12% less risk of AFib
Grinding Your Teeth: Bruxism & What You Can Do About It
If you want to get back in touch with your roots and your primitive self then teeth are your portal. Our teeth and jaws are ancient biotech in human terms. That we grind our teeth under stress and even in our sleep is testament to this. Grinding your teeth is known as...