Whether it's creating a mural in your bedroom, repurposing furniture, or creating a homemade beauty product, everyone loves to indulge in a DIY project every once in a while. If you can think of it, there is likely a YouTube tutorial or Pinterest board that will teach you how to do it. Some people even go so far as to believe they can DIY early orthodontics in Winnipeg.
The problem with DIY orthodontics is that it can sometimes end up doing more harm than good. At Greenwoods Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to offer our patients compassionate, high-quality dental care. It is important to keep this in mind when considering DIY orthodontic treatment, because choosing DIY methods may not provide you with the same results. Read on to learn more about DIY orthodontics.
Everything You Need to Know About DIY Orthodontics
There are many videos that rack in an incredible amount of views showing teenagers and children attempting to align their teeth using DIY methods for early orthodontics near you. Some of these videos show individuals using rubber bands, bobby pins, and paper clips in an attempt to get a straighter, healthier smile. While the methods shown in these videos and tutorials may seem appealing due to their seemingly easy and cheap nature, they end up causing more problems in the long run, and most people find themselves running to a Pediatric dentist in Winnipeg for help.
The most commonly used DIY orthodontic method is to use a pack of store-bought elastics to close the gaps between your teeth by pulling them together. Most of the time, clear hair elastics are used. The idea is to wrap these clear elastic bands around misaligned teeth, and after a certain amount of time of consistent wear, the gaps will close and your bite will be aligned. This method is very affordable and a lot of those who endorse the method claim you can see results in as little as 45 days or sooner. Given all the time, money, and effort that goes into getting braces put on by a professional orthodontist, it is understandable that many people are attracted to this seemingly easy and cheap fix. However, when it comes to orthodontics, the phrase “you get what you pay for” really matters.
Why Are DIY Orthodontics Dangerous?
The use of elastics when it comes to orthodontics is nothing new. At one time, dental practitioners extracted teeth using rubber bands that they would place over problem teeth. Over time, the rubber band would work its way down and up the tooth, reaching the roots and destroying the soft tissues and bones until the tooth fell out. While this was once considered an effective and safe way to extract teeth, even that method was done under the supervision of dental professionals.
The biggest danger of DIY orthodontics is the potentially disastrous results associated with this practice. Since the shapes of your teeth differ so much, it is very easy for the rubber bands you use to slide into the soft tissues of your mouth and become embedded. If left untreated, these rubber bands will make their way to the root of the tooth and cause nerve and tissue damage. This will cause the teeth to become loose, and in the worst case scenario, it will cause the teeth to fall out.
It may be surprising to find out that the above terrifying consequences are not the only problems that can arise from DIY orthodontics. Here are some more of the potential problems that DIY orthodontics can cause:
● Snapping bands on to teeth can lead to cracked tooth enamel
● Choking on DIY brackets such as beads and earring backs, or small bands that come loose around the teeth
● The gums can become infected and require invasive treatments, sometimes leading to tooth extraction
● A more crooked smile than one began with due to teeth shifting in the wrong direction
● Pain and discomfort from the rubber bands cutting into the tissue
The bottom line is that often, expensive and complex dental procedures are necessary to replace and repair missing or damaged teeth and bones due to DIY methods for aligning your teeth. An experienced pediatric dentist near you and their orthodontics team understands what it takes to move the teeth slowly and safely into new positions.
Visit an Orthodontist Today
Quality orthodontic treatments are not cheap, quick, or easy, but they garner stunning results. To get the smile of your dreams, you need to work with someone who has the skill, education, and training in the movements of teeth. Many people are not aware of the complex biological processes that require the bone to dissolve and rebuild as the teeth shift into their new spots in the mouth. It is a lot more intricate than just encouraging the teeth to move closer together to align your teeth, and it is best done with supervision of a trained orthodontist.
At Greenwoods Pediatric Dentistry, we work hard to make it as easy as possible for each of our patients to achieve the stunning smile of their dreams that will last a lifetime We are happy to work with you to determine the best orthodontic treatment plan and payment options to meet your individual needs and wishes. With our dedicated team of dental professionals, you will know what to expect before, during, and after your treatment for a smooth process.
If you are interested in aligning your teeth, don’t simply take the word of YouTubers, beauty bloggers, and avid Pinterest board makers, visit a trained and experienced orthodontist near you. If you would like to learn more about how our team can help you achieve a radiant, healthy smile for years to come, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team off dental professionals at Greenwoods Pediatric Dentistry today. We look forward to seeing your stunning smile.
