Would you trust a YouTube user’s video to perform surgery on yourself? Not likely, which is one of the reasons we find it so surprising that so many people have watched – and potentially followed – the suggestions of myriad videos that are online about do-it-yourself braces.
In these videos, individuals place rubber bands around their teeth with the hope that doing so would be an effective DIY option to draw their teeth together in the same way as conventional braces. However, in almost every case, this can lead to irreversible damage to the mouth, notes a recent article on WIVB in Buffalo.
Whereas braces keep the teeth in position and use precise adjustment to subtly shift the position of teeth into an exact position, rubber bands offer no control over movement of the teeth in other directions. This means that while braces control motion from side to side, forward and back and even up and down, rubber bands can lead to teeth moving unexpectedly, potentially even leading to teeth developing a crooked angle. Extreme cases could even damage the bone structure in the mouth or require teeth be removed altogether, says Indiana Dr. Karen Cottingham, an orthodontist in Indianapolis quoted in the article.
While it seems at first glance as though this might only be a passing trend, the situation was perceived to be serious enough for the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics to issue a consumer alert warning against this practice, and encouraging dentists to reinforce this with their patients and advise them against engaging in this kind of risky dental behavior.
The best way to address any concerns you may have with the appearance or positioning of your teeth is now – and always will be – through consulting with a dental professional. Our office works with countless patients to devise a carefully selected solution to minimize gaps or straighten teeth to improve their smile. Let us figure out the best option for you. Schedule an appointment with us online now, or call us today at 585-343-1113 to discuss your situation.