6 Reasons You Should Leave Braces to the Professionals

According to the Internet, everything can be do-it-yourself these days. People are even creating their own versions of braces and Invisalign to straighten their smiles. However, these DIY treatments can actually do much more harm than good. Read on as we talk about 6 reasons why you should leave teeth straightening to the professionals.

1. Your Teeth May Shift Back

Even if you somehow manage to craft your own braces and successfully straighten your teeth, the results are not likely to last. This is because braces and Invisalign gradually move the teeth over the course of several months or years. Quick DIY treatments may provide fast results, but they will very easily move back into their previous crooked state.

2. You Could Lose Your Teeth

Many DIY braces are tighter than what your dentist would prescribe. This could restrict blood flow to your teeth that they need to be healthy. You then risk destroying your teeth and roots. Eventually your dentist may need to extract your teeth. Having crooked teeth is much better than having no teeth.

3. You Might Contract Gum Disease

When you don’t use sterile, medical-grade supplies to create your braces, it’s all too easy to get an infection in your gums. This is especially true when you use items like paper clips that could cut into the gums and leave sores that may not heal properly. A gum infection, when not treated, can spread to other parts of your body, including your heart, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. You Could End Up with a Speech Impediment

With DIY dental care, it’s very easy to mess things up and cause your teeth to shift in a way that makes it difficult to pronounce certain words. Your upper and lower jaws might not come together the way they once did. You could develop problems such as a lisp without meaning to.

5. You Might Develop Emotional Trauma

Your smile is a big part of who you are. If you damage it, you might end up having self-confidence issues that could lead to low self-esteem or even depression. You may not enjoy going out with friends as much as you used to. Avoid harming your mental health by leaving braces to the pros.

6. You May End Up Paying More Money in the Long Run

Many people attempt DIY braces because they want to save money. However, they often end up paying much more later. You could lose your teeth and have to pay for not only extraction, but replacement with either dentures or dental implants. Both options are expensive, much more so than if you had simply stuck with professionally made Invisalign or braces.

As you can see, making DIY braces is just not worth it. Leave it to the professionals.

About the Practice

At STEC Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. Drs. Steven Stec, CJ Stec, and Jacob Stines treat patients of all ages in the Grand Island, NE community. They offer professional Invisalign treatment to treat crooked teeth without any of the risks of DIY treatments. To get started on your journey to a straighter smile, contact them at (308)-382-4440.