DIY Dentistry?? What not to do!

We live in a DIY-saturated society.

Entire TV series are dedicated to the art of the “life hack.”  Social media is ablaze with lists of DIY birthday parties, holiday decorations, home organization – it goes on and on.

The world of Do-It-Yourself is, for the most part, a very handy one.  People are able to save time and money like they never have before, thanks to tricks-of-the-trade becoming public knowledge.

BUT, there are instances when the Average Joe doesn’t need to “do something himself.”  Sometimes, Average Joe needs to pay a professional…especially in areas concerning one’s health!

The words “do-it-yourself” and “dentistry” are ones that should never be used together.  Major dental treatments and procedures should be performed by a dentist.

Unfortunately, a dangerous trend is taking root across America.  Hundreds of teenagers are jumping on board with the idea of DIY Dentistry. 

Teenagers of parents who are unable to afford braces are taking matters into their own hands by attempting to straighten their own teeth.  Using hair ties, they will literally tie their two front teeth together to close the gap.

This is extremely dangerous.

It seems innocent enough:  a teenager trying to correct the gap in her teeth without spending much money.  But the consequences of these DIY Braces are severe.  Whereas braces that are professionally installed by a dentist are designed to take into consideration gradual movement of the teeth, the tying together of teeth with a rubber band causes drastic movement that disrupts the root. 

Tooth loss can and does occur.

When the teeth are essentially “dragged” to a new position by the constant tightening of hair bands, the roots are dislodged.  A teenager who simply wants to improve his or her appearance is setting himself up for a devastatingly worse situation.

Please share this information with any young people whom you think would benefit.  And please contact us at Montgomery Dentistry if you have any questions or concerns about your own child’s dental health.

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