Youtube do it yourself (DIY) videos are great for many things, but one thing they shouldn’t be used for is orthodontic care. At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics, we want to promote and provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment in the Chapel Hill, Durham, and Hillsborough areas, and we want to discourage all patients from any type of DIY braces. Our orthodontists and staff understand that braces or Invisalign can be a right of passage for any young person, but that doesn’t mean you should ever experiment with DIY braces. Unfortunately, there is a new trend occurring online where videos of how to make your own braces at home are surfacing. Many preteens and teenagers are trying to do this and severely damaging their teeth and mouths. Learn why this trend can be quite harmful to your oral health with our Chapel Hill orthodontists.
How Do You Make DIY Braces?
DIY braces are made primarily by teenagers at home after watching videos on YouTube. Your teen may use household items like dental floss, rubber bands, earring backs, paper clips, fishing line, or more to fashion their own braces. Videos have been posted on the internet including any combination of these items to move an individual’s teeth or fill in the gaps of their current teeth.
Why Are DIY Braces Dangerous?
Braces or Invisalign are not one-size-fits-all appliances. At the orthodontic office of Drs. Clifton and Mauney, we customize each patient’s orthodontic treatment plan to make sure that it is safe and effective, taking each patient’s individual age, lifestyle, and case into account. Braces and Invisalign are customized to align the upper and lower teeth, reduce pressure on the joy, keep teeth from wearing on one another, and straighten them for function and aesthetics. into the desired position, by a trained professional.
If your child tries to straighten their teeth at home with DIY braces, they will not take any of these factors into consideration. All of the following situations could happen if your child attempts DIY braces at home:
- Household items may get lodged underneath the gums
- The ligaments that hold your teeth to the bone may break
- You may damage the enamel on your teeth which can lead to cavities
- Gum cuts and potential for infection
- Bacterial infections that begin in your mouth and ultimately infect your bloodstream causing negative effects on your bodily health
If you have questions or concerns about DIY braces or your child attempting this at home, please never hesitate to ask our orthodontists in Chapel Hill about braces.
Call Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics For Professional Braces & Invisalign Today!
If you or your child desires a straighter, more confident smile, call or visit Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics today. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions about treatment, financial information, insurance questions, and anything else on your mind. No child should make their own braces at home, no matter the budget. At Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics, we have affordable options and payment plans to make professional braces and Invisalign in Chapel Hill a reality for your family. Contact us today – we look forward to seeing you and providing your child with a beautiful, straight smile!
