From at-home straightening techniques to self-whitening, there’s been a steady increase in DIY dental trends within recent years. Despite the availability of tutorials and other online resources, it’s simply never a good idea to attempt dental procedures on your own. As a leading dentist in Avon OH, Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates is here to weigh in on the dangers of following DIY dental trends.

The Perils of DIY Dentistry

First, there’s the issue of homemade teeth straighteners. Some vloggers hail the use of “gap bands,” or DIY braces incorporating household items like hairbands, to bring teeth into alignment. There are numerous problems with this approach: for one, the bands can slide into the gums, causing irreversible tissue damage and even bone loss. Further, the alignment typically winds up being incorrect anyhow, thereby causing bite issues and further complications.

At-home braces aren’t the only DIY dentistry endeavor people have tried. Some children use charcoal to whiten their teeth; others use string to forcefully extract loose ones. However, these tools and materials were not designed for dental procedures; as such, they always carry risks like injuries or damage to your enamel, gums, and other parts of the mouth.

Choosing a Dentist for Safe & Successful Procedures

Braces are an investment, but the amount of time and money spent on professional-grade dentistry solutions and treatments pales in comparison to what it costs to fix issues from DIY approaches. Orthodontics requires strategic planning, proper tools, and years of specialized training and education. The devices and techniques employed by professionals to remedy bite issues, misalignments, and gaps are thoughtfully arranged, thereby guaranteeing the best possible results. You simply won’t achieve the same results at home; worse yet, you could cause serious pain and damage in the process.

Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates understands saving money is a concern for families today, which is why they work with several dental insurance companies to make high-quality care as affordable as possible. The dentist also offers payment plans for families without insurance and can discuss special payment arrangements for those needing it on a case-by-case basis. Above all else, their practice is committed to preserving oral wellness in children and ensuring a comfortable experience for patients, from toddlers to teens. To schedule an appointment for your child, call (409) 934-0149 or learn more about the practice’s services by visiting their website and Facebook page.