Risks of DIY Braces

Categories: Orthodontics

risk of diy bracesSanta Cruz and Scotts Valley, CA

With practically everyone having the Internet at their fingertips, you can do just about anything, from learning how to change your own motor oil to renovating a bathroom. But, have you heard about the newest craze of people making their own braces to straighten their teeth? While many projects are great for tackling yourself, any type of medical procedure or treatment including orthodontics should be left to the properly credentialed medical professionals.

While saving money may seem like an attractive reason to try DIY braces, here are the risks.

Ineffective

While the idea of DIY braces may seem like a money saver option, it’s not. Instead, it may end up costing you more money in the long run. The process of straightening teeth requires precision as to where and how each bracket is placed on every tooth. A certain amount of pressure is to be applied and going about this the wrong way could mean that you end up with temporary results or no results at all.

Inaccurate

Shifting teeth into proper alignment means using precise amounts of pressure. While not enough pressure may result in ineffective treatment, applying too much pressure could loosen your teeth or even make them fall out completely! With DIY braces, you have no control over the bands and how much pressure is applied to each specific tooth, something that is undoubtedly necessary to achieve desired results in a safe manner.

Dangerous

The act of DIY braces is simply dangerous. Not only do you run the risk of completely ruining your teeth, and even result in your teeth falling out, but these cheaply made components could break apart or fall off your teeth posing a choking hazard. Professionally designed and placed braces do not run this risk.

How to get straight teeth

Instead of putting yourself up against these risks, see a dentist in Scotts Valley that can safely, and effectively straighten your teeth without causing irreversible damage. Scotts Valley cosmetic dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry offer various means of straightening your teeth.

We offer traditional braces, and Invisalign, which allows you to achieve straighter teeth without anyone noticing. There is also the option of cosmetic veneers, which can give you the appearance of straight teeth while also providing you with a perfectly white smile for decades.

Deciding which option is best for you will entail several factors. We will assess your oral health and consider your desires for straight teeth. Depending on your specific needs. The timeline is also a consideration. For instance, if you have a special event that is quickly approaching, a faster solution such as veneers may be a better option. However, if you are dealing with TMJ disorder as a result of your misaligned teeth, then traditional orthodontics may be better suited for you.

Orthodontics in Scotts Valley

While going to the dentist for braces will seem like the more expensive option, it’s worth it, and you get what you pay for. Limit DIY projects to bathroom renovations instead. For a consultation, please contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 824-5111.

Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry serves patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.