Orthodontists warn against making DIY braces at home

Adding to the list of “odd” trends followed by teenagers, a set of YouTube videos are going viral over the Internet that explains how to use an elastic band to straighten teeth. The videos, which mostly feature girls, are being highly criticised by practicing dentists.

A simple YouTube search yields hundreds of videos teaching children how to create a DIY brace at home to close a tooth gap. However, doctors say that the result of this experiment could be catastrophic as it can severely damage the gums, leading to teeth loss.

The Inquisitr reports that the American Association of Orthodontists has put up a warning against the use of DIY braces. Pointing out that there is a reason why dentists undergo extensive training and practice for doing the same job, the association says that it is far better to get a set of braces from the doctor than to conduct the experiment at home by watching the video.

“It seems very attractive that you could possibly move your own teeth, but when you move a tooth, the colour of the tooth might change because you are damaging the blood supply. You’re also going to have problems with your gums,” explained Juan Rendon of Jefferson Dental Clinics in Texas, reported Morning Ticker.

“When the gums are subject to pressure, the blood supply is cut, which changes the shape of the gums and can cause severe inflammation and infection.”

The YouTube videos are trending primarily in the United States, where dental care and braces may cost up to $5,000. Since almost 40 percent of the people do not have dental care covered under their health care plan, teenagers tend to get attracted toward DIY videos, which sound cheap and effective to them.

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