A popular trend has taken the internet by storm, but unlike a selfie challenge we don’t want you trying this at home. “Do it yourself” (DIY) orthodontic treatment is a new, dangerous trend.
A series of YouTube videos have appeared showing users how to create their own braces. We want you to know that anyone trying this is putting their teeth, gums and bones of the jaw at risk for serious damage. This quick fix offers rubber bands as the DIY orthodontic solution. Consumers are being told that by simply putting a special rubber band around teeth their spaces or gaps will close. Because of the known risks, orthodontists consider the unsupervised movement of teeth using just elastics to be below the standard of care, and it can result in permanent tooth loss.
Any time a dental procedure is undertaken by an untrained, unsupervised individual there is a substantial risk for irreparable damage. For the health and safety of the public The American Association of Orthodontists is urging anyone considering any type of teeth straightening procedure to see an orthodontic specialist.
Dr. Beim is a trained, qualified specialist who can diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. If you are seeking orthodontic treatment please contact our office and never consider do it yourself dangerous short cuts.
