Braces are expensive, but having straight teeth is a
desirable trait. This has led to a lot of people trying to straighten their
teeth at home. These DIY braces may seem like an affordable choice, but they
can be extremely dangerous and cause long-term problems.
DIY braces are commonly created with small elastic rubber
bands or hair bands, but some teens use small items like paperclips to move the
teeth. If you are considering DIY braces, check out these risks and
complications so you can rethink your decision.
Root Resorption
Root resorption happens when your roots start to dissolve.
Without roots, your teeth drastically lose stability, so they can easily fall
out, especially when eating or grinding your teeth. Root resorption is a real
threat with any braces, but a skilled and trained orthodontist should know the
needed amount of force to properly and safely move teeth.
However, if you try to DIY your braces, you aren't going to
have the knowledge or experience to know how much force is required to move the
teeth. You could easily irritate your teeth and ligaments too much, leading to
root resorption. Too much force can actually rip the ligaments that hold your
teeth in place.
When root resorption starts, it usually begins at the gum
line and appears as pink stains. The pink is caused by certain cells that
actually cause the resorption process. Root resorption can be treated but only
if your dentist catches it early. Your dentist can remove the pink cells before
they begin to spread and destroy the root. If they've already affected the
pulp, however, you’ll need a root canal.
Damage to Gums and Enamel
Gum disease is another potential complication with DIY
braces because of the irritation to your gums from the elastic bands or other
"tools" you use to straighten your teeth. Repeatedly poking your
teeth and gums with various items can cause the gums to bleed and eventually
develop gingivitis.
If caught early, gingivitis is reversible, but if it
advances to periodontist, expect painful, swollen gums and lots of tooth loss.
Even if you don't get gum disease, the irritation to your gums can cause them to
pull away, leading to pockets, which harbor cavity-causing bacteria.
If you use rubber bands, the bands can also get stuck below
the gum line, causing irritation and letting bacteria to attack below the gum
line.
Finally, depending on what type of item you are using, you
can actually ruin your teeth. This is more common if you are using metal items
like paperclips to move your teeth. The force and the sharpness of the metal
can scratch off your enamel. Teeth with damaged enamel are more likely to
experience discoloration and decay.
Infections
When your dentist or orthodontist treat your teeth, they use
sterile equipment in a clean environment to prevent infections. Your home and
the items you use to DIY your own braces aren't clean. In fact, they may be harboring
many types of bacteria that should not be in your mouth.
If a dirty paperclip or rubber band cuts the gums, an
abscess may form, which can cause pain, bad breath, and pus in the mouth.
Because of the potential for damage to teeth and exposure of the tooth roots,
you may also get a tooth infection, which will require extraction or a root
canal treatment.
Infections can be expensive to fix, especially if you have
an infected tooth that may need treatment or replacement. If left untreated,
the infection can spread to other parts of your body.
The only way you want to straighten your teeth is with the
help of a licensed orthodontist. Trying to move your teeth yourself at home
leads to expensive complications and pain. If you would like to know more about
why you shouldn't DIY your braces, or if you want to start talking about
getting braces, contact
us at Donald E. Snyder Orthodontics today.
