Dentists are warning the TikTok generation to stay away from DIY braces.
Many use TikTok as a way to find innovative tips, trends, and tricks that can make day-to-day practices easier but not all of these trends are harmless fun — especially when it comes to dental health.
One trend which has been doing the rounds on the video streaming platform is adding a bit of shine to your smile with DIY braces.
But dentists are warning against these fake fashion braces because, although they are bizarrely meant to add a bit of glam to your mouth, the unnecessary metal can cause painful and irreversible tooth damage in the process.
Dr. Joana Ferreira, a dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice with a special interest in orthodontics, explained why the DIY brace trend is so dangerous to your oral health and how it could damage your teeth in the long run.
She said: “We have seen a worrying new trend doing the rounds on TikTok recently—known as ‘DIY Braces’ or ‘fashion braces’.
“These essentially are non-medical, decorative braces that are applied at home and without the help of a dentist.
“Some might think that they look stylish and are a low-cost way to straighten the teeth but the reality is that they pose serious health risks to your oral health. “They are advertised as a cheaper and faster way of aligning your teeth without the fees of a dental professional.
“This serious risk to health comes because the braces are not being fitted by a qualified dentist who can ensure that your teeth remain safe and healthy. “Instead, the trend is seeing people putting unnecessary metal in their mouth with adhesive, non-medical grade glue, meaning that the wires and brackets can become loose, causing the potential to cut the mouth and jaw and causing infection or gum problems.”
Using a substance like superglue instead of the proper medical grade material can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in significant amounts and can also irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, such as your gums, tongue, and throat.
The glue also roughens the surface of the teeth, making them more susceptible to tartar and decay.
She said anyone wanting to straighten teeth should consult with a dentist.
“In the initial appointment, the dentist or orthodontist will assess your teeth, diagnose them, and establish the best treatment plan for your specific case. This is the only way to guarantee the procedure’s safety and best outcomes.”
She pointed out that teeth need to be moved in a controlled and gradual way, that is planned and coordinated by a dentist depending on the severity of the problems.
Trying to fit or remove them yourself can cause damage to the roots and gums of your teeth, as well as potential jawbone damage.
“This is because applying them yourself puts incorrect pressure on the teeth. Not only can this cause significant pain and discomfort in the mouth, it can harm bone structure or lead to receding gums, which can eventually cause the teeth to become loose and fall out.
“If these devices become loose and/or fall, it can cause severe harm like cuts, lacerations, or even choking.
“They can also have the opposite of the desired effects of DIY braces.
“The trend is supposedly designed to help straighten your teeth, but without the help of a professional, you can actually end up causing your teeth to move to the wrong place in the mouth, which may mean that you end up needing complex, expensive treatment further down the line to realign the teeth correctly.
“If the rubber bands or metal tracks you put on your teeth initially close the gaps or appear to straighten your teeth, they do not address the underlying alignment issues and can in fact worsen your bite and lead to future dental problems.”