Crafting and DIY have become more popular in the last few years. Between crafty TikTok tips, Pinterest DIY, and an emphasis on “reduce and reuse,” we’re seeing everyday objects used for everything from holiday decor and wedding favors to….braces? It’s sad but true–DIY orthodontics is the perfect example of a good trend gone bad! Here at Dietrich Orthodontics, we love being resourceful and thrifty, but the dangers of DIY treatments far outweigh any potential benefits. When it comes to something as important as your smile, you should leave treatment to the experts!
Our team takes oral health seriously, and we’re proud to offer top-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages throughout Canton and Alliance. We offer affordable and effective braces options, so you never need to experiment with dangerous DIY methods that aren’t backed by science or skill.
Keep reading below to learn more about the dangers of DIY orthodontics and why you should only trust your smile to an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Dietrich!
What are DIY braces?
Do-it-yourself braces are the latest social media trend, with people of all ages believing they can do braces themselves. Videos show people wrapping tiny rubber bands around their teeth to pull them together, gluing mail-order brackets to their teeth, and stringing wires through to mimic traditional braces.
People use everything from twine to string to try and straighten their teeth without visiting an orthodontist, but it’s incredibly dangerous to attempt to move your teeth alone. Only a trained orthodontist like Dr. Dietrich should apply braces to your teeth to avoid potential harm.
The dangers of DIY treatments
We know it can feel intimidating to start orthodontic treatment in a professional office. If you have dental anxiety, stepping foot in an orthodontic clinic may fill you with dread. If you’re worried about the financial aspect, you may think DIY braces are a more affordable fix. Either way, our Dietrich Orthodontics team is here to help make treatment as comfortable as possible.
Let’s look at some of the dangers of DIY treatments and how our team can help you safely straighten your smile.
No examination before beginning treatment
A good orthodontist goes beyond simply straightening teeth. They can also identify and treat a wide range of oral conditions, a process that begins with a comprehensive orthodontic examination. Along with high-quality digital photos and X-rays, this evaluation gives orthodontists like Dr. Dietrich the opportunity to create your personalized treatment plan based on your unique smile and needs.
This information is also used to create your ideal bite. Although it can be a tricky part of treatment, it’s important. That’s because a misalignment of the teeth and jaw can cause pain, discomfort, and uneven wear and tear to the teeth. When you try orthodontic treatment yourself, you never know what issues lie below the surface. Cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth (teeth that can’t or won’t come through the gum line), jaw issues and other problems can’t be seen by looking in the mirror, which can be problematic since the teeth and gums should be in good shape before attempting tooth movement.
At Dietrich Orthodontics, you’ll get personalized service and one-on-one time with your orthodontist at every appointment. This type of service helps you get through treatment quicker than when you attempt to do it yourself or rely on mail-order companies.
Lack of supervision throughout the process
Whether wearing metal or clear braces, routine check-ups are essential to the treatment process. These visits allow Dr. Dietrich to observe how your teeth are moving and check that everything is proceeding according to your treatment plan. This also allows us to make adjustments at any point if they become necessary.
When you lack the proper training to provide orthodontic treatment, you could end up with results that are worse than when you started. Lack of supervision can result in:
- Additional gaps and misalignment
- Gum disease
- Infection
- Root resorption
- Loss of permanent teeth
Treatment is not customized the way it should be
Every smile is different, and each tooth needs to be moved precisely to get the results you want. When you don’t have the years of education it takes to become an orthodontist and understand how to move teeth properly, you can cause severe damage to your smile.
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Dietrich knows how to assess your smile and consider your lifestyle and goals to create a treatment plan that’s perfect for you. Dr. Dietrich and his wife, Courtney, work hand-in-hand to give you the best experience from the moment you enter the office, and throughout your entire treatment. Personalized service, while understanding your personal smile, goals and oral anatomy, will net the best results for you. An internet DIY company or DIY at home treatment cannot provide those results for you.
Trust the experts at Dietrich Orthodontics to deliver the best results
DIY treatment may seem like a cheap and quick fix for crooked smiles or gapped teeth, but we guarantee the risk is not worth the (unlikely) reward!
The good news is that our offices in Canton and Alliance will work with you to help make orthodontics work for you. Our team has the experience to guide you through treatment and ease any anxieties that come up along the way. If you have financial concerns, we’ll work with you to make treatment affordable with payment options that fit your budget. Your first consultation with us is always free and includes a complete examination with Dr. Dietrich and an explanation of the options available!
You can’t escape the fact that a smile that looks good and feels great will require an investment of your time and funds. But when it comes to orthodontic treatment, you should only trust your smile to the experts!
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Dietrich have the education, training, and skills necessary to provide you with the most effective treatment options and the best results! If you’re in Canton or Alliance and want to learn more about safely achieving a beautiful smile with our expert team, get in touch with us today and schedule your free consultation!