DIY is all the rage – from home improvements to crafting, you can just about DIY for anything these days! However, stuff like dentistry is best left to the professionals. DIY dentistry and at-home orthodontics are frighteningly gaining popularity as people are looking for a quick fix that doesn’t break the bank, or so they think.
NEWS FLASH: DIY Dentistry is Dangerous
We are inundated with online ads and commercials of how we can achieve a Hollywood smile from the comfort of our own home. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Mail order kits and video tutorials all promise good results, but the outcome is usually anything but that. You might think you are saving money with DIY dental kits, but in reality, it could cost you more in the long-run to correct problems, some of which can be irreparable.
DIY dental work that you should NEVER try at home:
Direct-to-consumer products: We see you Smile Direct Club. Although you make think stuff like this is legit, think again! Clear aligners shipped to your door at half the cost of Invisalign may sound appealing, but don’t fall for the marketing schemes. Direct-to-consumer dental products like this rely on you (the non-dental professional) doing the work of taking molds and measurements of your mouth. Yeah, no thanks!
Filling kits: Attempting to fill a decayed tooth is like putting a band aid on a wound that requires stitches. You have no way of knowing how deep the decay is or if it’s affecting the root of the tooth. While they do sell dental cement kits to repair a broken filling in a pinch, it’s only intended to be used temporarily (aka until you get to the dentist ASAP).
Orthodontics: Gap bonding is a scary trend among the young as seen on numerous YouTube videos. It consists of using elastic rubber bands (“gap bands”) to close gaps between teeth. First off, small movements of the teeth can cause big problems, leading to a slew of issues such as infection, inflammation, and even tooth loss.
Tooth extractions: According to statistics, 20 percent of people would prefer to pull their own teeth. Say what? A tooth extraction is considered oral surgery. Now would you try to remove your own appendix? I think not, so let’s leave the tooth pulling to the dentist.
Whitening: From activated charcoal to baking soda and lemon juice to hydrogen peroxide, you’ve probably seen it all. While these whitening hacks might seem simple enough, some of these ingredients can hack away at your tooth enamel, causing it to erode and wear down. Bleaching trays from the dentist will yield the best results, but it’s also safe to use stuff like Crest Whitestrips if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly.
Prevention is Key
Dentistry is all about preventative care. The only DIY dental care you should be doing is regular brushing and flossing. If you visit the dentist twice a year and if any problems arise, you will save yourself time and money in the long-run. Always remember that dentistry is not expensive, neglect is!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding DIY dentistry, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.