DIY Braces: The Dangers of Fashion Braces and What You Need to Know About Their Safety

In recent years, DIY and fashion braces have become quite popular, with many people keen to get a perfect smile without going through traditional orthodontic treatment. While the bright colours and custom designs may seem fun, it’s important to look beyond the trend and consider the real risks involved. From poor fitting to potential dental damage, DIY braces can cause serious harm, especially without proper professional guidance. The polished images on social media don’t always show the full picture. In this post, along with Dr Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRCS, and Principal Dentist here at The Neem Tree Dental Practices, we’ll discuss the safety concerns around fashion braces, helping you understand the risks before diving into this DIY trend.

Introduction to DIY Braces and Fashion Trends

In recent years, DIY and fashion braces have become increasingly popular, especially among young people looking to achieve a perfect smile. Social media, full of influencers showing off their straight teeth, has played a big part in making these braces trendy. Often seen as a cheap and stylish alternative to traditional braces, DIY options have sparked a lot of debate.

But while the idea of improving your smile might seem tempting, it’s important to think about the risks that come with these DIY methods. Many people, drawn in by online tutorials and trendy posts, may not realise the dangers of using braces that are self-fitted or cheaply made. A beautiful smile should never come at the cost of your dental health.

Dr Mehra explains: “We have seen a worrying new trend doing the rounds on TikTok recently – known as ‘DIY Braces’ or ‘fashion braces’. These essentially are non-medical, decorative braces that are applied at home, and without the help of a dentist.”

Many DIY braces kits sold online don’t come with proper advice from qualified professionals, which can put users at risk of harming their teeth and gums. As this trend gains popularity, it’s important for consumers to understand the hidden dangers of using DIY braces.

The Risks of DIY Orthodontics

In today’s world of quick fixes and DIY solutions, DIY orthodontics has become more tempting for many people. The idea of getting that perfect smile without paying for expensive dental visits sounds appealing, but it’s important to know the serious risks that come with it.

Dr Mehra said: “When it comes to braces, the teeth need to be moved in a controlled and gradual way, that is planned and coordinated by your dentist depending on the severity of the problems. Trying to fit or remove them yourself, without consulting a professional, can cause damage to the roots and gums of your teeth, as well as potential jawbone damage. This is because when applying them yourself, you will be placing incorrect pressure on the teeth. Not only can this cause significant pain and discomfort in the mouth, it can harm bone structure, or lead to receding gums, which can eventually cause the teeth to become loose and fall out.“ She continued: “They can also have the opposite of the desired effects of DIY braces. The trend is supposedly designed to help straighten your teeth, but without the help of a professional, you can actually end up causing your teeth to move to the wrong place in the mouth, which may mean that you end up needing complex, expensive treatment further down the line to realign the teeth correctly.”

Consider some risks of DIY orthodontics:

1. Unregulated products: DIY braces or homemade aligners are often unregulated, leading to serious dental issues.

2. Risk of tooth damage: Unlike professional braces, DIY products don’t have the precision to align teeth correctly. This can cause:
   Teeth shifting in unpredictable ways
   Misalignment
   Root damage or even tooth loss

3. No professional supervision: Without an orthodontist, underlying issues like cavities or gum disease can go unnoticed. DIY braces can worsen these problems, leading to painful and costly treatments.

4. Injury risks: Ill-fitting DIY devices can harm the soft tissues in your mouth, causing cuts, infections, or sores.

5. Long-term health matters: While DIY braces seem like a quick, cheap fix, your safety and long-term dental health should come first. Consulting a qualified orthodontist is the best way to achieve a beautiful smile without risking your teeth.

6. Harmful material: Fashion braces may look fun with their colourful designs, but safety is often overlooked. They’re made from materials like plastic, metal, and rubber, each with its own risks:
   Plastic: Can irritate gums and break easily if not fitted properly.
   Metal: This may cause cuts or discomfort, especially for those with metal allergies.
   Rubber bands: Can stretch or snap, leading to injuries or misalignment.
   Adhesives: Some may contain harsh chemicals, causing irritation or allergic reactions.

7. Gum infection: Dr Mehra explains: “When it comes to DIY braces, gum infection can also be likely to occur if unsanitized tools or materials are used to carry out the procedure at home. This is because the tools may contain harmful bacteria, which can lead to painful infections in the mouth.”

8. Harmful chemicals: Dr Smita adds, “Whilst DIY may be popular for photos or a so-called fashion statement, using such strong chemicals on your teeth to stick the braces down can cause a whole host of dental issues. Superglue, for instance, is not for dental use and contains chemicals that can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in significant amounts. These chemicals can also irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, such as your gums, tongue, and throat. Using strong adhesives to keep the braces in place can also make it extremely difficult to remove them and often requires professional dental intervention. The glue acts as a plaque retention factor, in other words, it roughens the surface of the teeth making them more susceptible to tartar and decay. Trying to remove them at home if they aren’t having desired results or become loose can result in chipped or broken teeth and further damage to your gums.”

Dr Mehra explains: “Some might think that they look stylish and are a low-cost way to straighten the teeth, but the reality is that they pose serious health risks to your oral hygiene in the long term and are not a safe alternative to braces or getting the teeth looked at and straightened by a professional.

“This serious risk to health comes because the braces are not being fitted by a qualified dentist who can ensure that your teeth remain safe and healthy. Instead, the trend is seeing people putting unnecessary metal in their mouth with adhesive, non-medical grade glue, meaning that the wires and brackets can become loose, causing the potential to cut the mouth and jaw and causing infection or gum problems.”

Signs That Your DIY Braces Are Causing Problems

DIY braces might seem appealing, offering a cheap and easy way to get a perfect smile, but it’s important to watch for signs that they could be causing harm.

• Pain or discomfort: If your mouth feels sore for more than a few days, the braces may be too tight, misaligned, or poorly applied.
• Swelling: Swollen gums or cheeks are a sign that your dental tissue is reacting badly to the pressure from the DIY braces.
• Sores or ulcers: Rough edges from DIY materials can cause painful sores or ulcers, potentially leading to infection. Constantly applying treatments to ease the pain is a red flag.
• Teeth misalignment: If your teeth aren’t shifting as planned or are becoming more crooked, it indicates that your DIY braces are not working properly and may be worsening your dental health.
• Oral health decline: Bad breath or increased plaque buildup could result from difficulties in cleaning properly around DIY braces, leading to poor oral hygiene.
• Take action: If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek professional dental advice. While aiming for a great smile is admirable, your oral health should always be the top priority.

Alternatives to DIY Braces for Aesthetic Appeal

DIY braces might look like a quick way to fix your smile, but they come with risks. Luckily, there are safer and more effective ways to get the smile you want without harming your teeth or gums. Let’s look at some professional options that don’t just improve your appearance but also keep your oral health in check.

• Clear Aligners (like Invisalign):
  These are clear, custom-made trays that fit over your teeth and slowly move them into place. They’re almost invisible, so they’re a discreet option for both adults and teens. Plus, you can easily remove them when eating or brushing, which makes keeping your teeth clean much easier.
• Ceramic Braces:
  These work like regular metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets, so they’re less noticeable. They’re perfect if you want the effectiveness of braces without the obvious metal look.
• Cosmetic Dental Options (like Veneers):
  Veneers are thin shells placed over the front of your teeth to hide imperfections in shape, size, or colour. They’re a quick fix for a perfect smile, without the risks of DIY braces.

In short, while DIY braces might seem like a fast solution, the risks aren’t worth it. Professional treatments protect your teeth and guarantee long-lasting results. So, choose safety and invest in your smile properly!

Dr Mehra says, “For those looking to get help with straightening teeth, we would always recommend consulting with your dentist. That way, they can advise on what you may need to straighten your teeth. You may not even require braces in the first place, but if you do, a dentist can make sure any treatment is done safely and will not cause any further damage to your teeth.”

As we wrap up our look into DIY and fashion braces, it’s important to highlight the risks that come with these trendy choices. While everyone wants a perfect smile, your dental health and safety should come first. Professional orthodontic treatments not only make your teeth look better but also protect the long-term health of your teeth and gums.