The Risks Of Do-It-Yourself Orthodontia

People who wish they could straighten their teeth or fill a space between teeth without orthodontics may be intrigued by do-it-yourself techniques. Individuals who claim to have improved their teeth alignment without professional assistance can be found on Internet videos, message boards and blogs, but dentists are worried about this trend. DIY orthodontic care can damage teeth and leave people regretting they ever went this route.

If you're tempted to try realigning your teeth on your own, be aware of the risks involved.

About DIY Orthodontia

The devices used by individuals claiming to have improved their teeth alignment range from cheap elastic hairbands that move teeth closer together to mail-order invisible aligners provided by dentists.

To acquire invisible aligners, customers first make an impression of their teeth with a DIY kit. They send that mold and pictures of their teeth and gums to the dental company and receive a custom-crafted aligning device. 

Risks of DIY Orthodontia

Elastic Bands

Using elastic bands to move teeth closer together is said to achieve dramatically faster results than professional orthodontic care. However, when teeth move too rapidly in the mouth, the body may react by causing the tooth root to gradually break down and become reabsorbed. Teeth may become loose and even fall out. 

If one tooth root moves faster than another, the adjacent tooth may become crooked. 

If an elastic band slides under the gums, the individual may need dental surgery to remove it. If he or she doesn't do this, the band can cause inflammation, infection, gum disease and tooth loss.

Although the bands may fill one gap, another may develop at an adjacent tooth. 

Mail-Order Aligners

The mail-order device process at least has the advantage of being overseen by dentists.

However, the dentists supplying the aligners cannot know whether the customers have gum or teeth problems that should be resolved before wearing orthodontic devices. There are no precise measurements taken of the person's bite, as is the case with in-person orthodontics. That could cause bite and jaw problems in the future.

In addition, the products may not work for some people because of their own particular dental structure. Without X-rays, a dentist cannot see what's happening beneath the gum line. The customer may spend hundreds of dollars on the process and get little or no results. 

Concluding Thoughts

Before you opt for DIY orthodontia, have a routine checkup to make sure your teeth and gums are in optimum health. Talk with the dentist, such as Bonnie Marshall S, about the problems involved with DIY dental care. When you have all the facts, you can make an informed decision.