With the rise of social media, DIY trends have increased. Consumers love to save some money and work on projects at home — and they now have access to both experts and beginners for any topic you can think of…orthodontics included as an adult orthodontist can explain!

What Exactly Is DIY Orthodontics?

DIY or do-it-yourself orthodontics is exactly what it sounds like: a person tries to make their own type of braces or supports for teeth at home. Common tools include rubber bands, paperclips, and some people have even tried to 3D print their own braces. Many people turn to these kinds of treatments in the hopes of saving money and having to avoid any stress they may feel visiting an orthodontics office.

However, there is more that goes into getting a straight smile than just making your teeth move. Orthodontists take images of your teeth to determine if they should be moved, create a careful, custom plan that will help put them in place without damaging your body, and more. Attempting to do this on your own without knowing the science behind it for your mouth in particular can end up costing you more in the long run.

DIY Treatment Damages

You can actually lose teeth if they are not moved properly. Creating your own braces can lead to long term damage where you lose teeth, hurt your gums, or even destroy the integrity of your jaw. Not to mention the fact that nerves can be damaged, and if your tools are not properly sanitized, you run the risk of infections that can affect your entire body, not just your mouth. 

This can also damage your entire bite. And all of these problems might be permanent, leading to more expensive procedures down the line that end up costing you even more money. As much fun as DIY treatments might be, it is best to leave orthodontics to the experts as our friends at PORTH Personalized Orthodontics can attest.
Remember, professionals have access to tools that you do not have at home. While YouTube University is a fun place where you can learn more about orthodontic treatments, it should not be used as a blueprint. Orthodontists have machines that can take x-rays, impressions, and properly sterilize all equipment to be used in your mouth.

If you are worried about the financial aspect of these treatments, talk to your orthodontist! Most offices have financial payment plans in order to make treatments accessible for everyone. Each office is different, so be sure to do some research. Ask if they use a third-party service to finance your visits or if it is done directly through their office. Additionally, ask how the payment plan is structured to understand how many payments you will make, and how often they will need to be made. After contacting a few offices, you can compare how they have their plans structured to find what fits best into your budget.

If you have a child, it is a good idea to discuss with them to not follow social media trends they see online. It is becoming increasingly common for kids to try DIY orthodontics leading to lasting problems. If your child is anxious about visiting an orthodontist, you can contact an office near you to let them know this, and they can work with you and your child to overcome any fear they may have. Most of the time, kids don’t know what to expect so they are nervous. Your local orthodontist will be more than happy to explain all the procedures and demonstrate how they are done to ease any anxiety your child (or even you!) may be feeling.

Interested In A Straighter, Healthier Smile?

Use Google and other sources to learn as much as you want about orthodontics, but when you decide you are ready to improve your smile, contact a professional orthodontist near you. Their expertise will save you money and possible pain from DIY treatments that might appear easier to do at home. Contact an office near you to get started today!

‍