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The Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Home » Blog » The Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Whether it is repurposing furniture, using items at hand to create cute decor, or concocting homemade beauty products, everybody loves a little DIY project. There is a common human desire to make something with our own hands, to stretch resources to their limit, and to do it all with little to no expense—  DIY taps directly into the heart of this. If you can dream it, there is probably a Youtube or Pinterest tutorial for it! DIY orthodontics is a perfect example of that great collective creativity, but like everything else, it can sometimes be taken too far.

To provide quality care, compassion, and a variety of options to each patient considering braces or other orthodontic treatment, our team at Craig & Streight Orthodontics goes above and beyond. You are in trusted hands when you visit us, something that is important to remember when considering the trend of do-it-yourself braces, because this alternative method does not have any proven skills or experience backing it. Here at Craig & Streight Orthodontics we take your oral health to heart!

What Are DIY Orthodontics?

There are videos racking up hundreds of thousands of views showing children and teens attempting to straighten their teeth using DIY methods like rubber bands, paper clips, bobby pins, and even aluminum foil all across YouTube. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) felt compelled to issue a consumer alert because these videos have gained so much attention online. A survey among AAO members showed that nearly 13% of its members are seeing patients who have tried DIY methods, with some attempts causing irreparable damage. The alert states in part:

“The American Association of Orthodontists is urging consumers to beware of Internet videos and websites which encourage people to try and straighten their own teeth. Moving teeth is a medical procedure and needs personal supervision by an orthodontist. Please be wary of any suggestions to move teeth with rubber bands, dental floss, or other objects ordered on the Internet.”

The most popular method of DIY orthodontics is to use rubber bands to close gaps and straighten teeth. These are nothing more than generic hair elastics, usually clear. The idea is to wrap these elastics around your misaligned teeth, and after an indeterminate amount of time of daily or nightly wear, gaps will close and your bite will be straightened. A small package of hair elastics will not cost more than $5, and some of these DIY plans claim users will see results in as little as 45 days. Given all that goes into having braces put on by an actual orthodontist, we can understand the attraction to this kind of cheap and easy fix. But this is truly a case of getting what you pay for— and what you do not!

broken retainer

The Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Using elastics in dentistry and orthodontics is not a new phenomenon or development. Practitioners once extracted problem teeth by placing rubber bands around them. Over time, the rubber band worked its way up and down the sides of the tooth roots, destroying the bone and soft tissues until the tooth simply fell out. While this was considered a safe and effective way to remove teeth at the time, even it was done under supervision!

The potential for truly disastrous results is the biggest risk associated with gap bands. Because the shape of teeth vary so greatly, it is very easy for rubber bands to slide into the soft tissues. Once embedded there, it becomes difficult if not impossible to retrieve without the help of a dental professional. If left untreated, it will continue along its path causing nerve damage as it goes into the roots. As the processes continues the teeth will begin to extrude, the crowns will fan out as the roots are pulled together, and the teeth become increasingly loose, sometimes to the point of falling out. Possible loss of teeth and nerve damage are not the only risks associated with DIY orthodontics. Just a few of the charming potential problems are:

  • Choking on makeshift brackets such as earring backs or beads, or on small bands.
  • The metal used in paper clips and other such materials can be toxic if left in the mouth for an extended period of time.
  • The snapping of bands directly on the teeth can crack enamel.
  • The gums can become infected, resulting in the need for serious treatment, including tooth extraction.
  • Ending up with a crooked smile due to teeth being moved at the wrong angle.
  • Pain and laceration from bands sinking into the soft tissues.
  • Pain and possible long-term issues from moving teeth too quickly.

Complex and expensive dental procedures are often required to repair and replace missing teeth or bone due to gap bands, or other ill-advised DIY methods for straightening teeth. An experienced orthodontics team like the one at Craig & Streight, know the importance of moving teeth slowly and over a longer period of time in order to ensure the health and integrity of the entire mouth.

Girl at doctors office

There Are No Shortcuts

Quality orthodontic work is not quick, easy, or inexpensive. Creating the perfect smile is an art form! It requires education, training, and skill in the physics of moving teeth. Many people do not understand that shifting teeth is a biological process that involves bone dissolving and rebuilding as they move into their new positions. It is much more complicated than simply encouraging teeth to move closer together to close a gap or straighten a smile, and is best done under the supervision of an orthodontist after an in-person consultation that includes complete diagnostic records.

At Craig & Streight Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on making it as easy as possible for everyone we see to achieve a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. We offer various payment plans and options since we know the cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on your individual needs and treatment, so we always discuss this with you first. Our team will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget, and you will know what to expect before treatment ever begins.

Do not trust your smile to beauty bloggers and YouTube tutorials, when affordable orthodontics are available from Craig & Streight Orthodontics! If you are in the Norman or Oklahoma City area, stop by one of our three convenient locations or call us today! We want to travel with you on your road to a straighter, healthier, safer smile.

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicole C.
We had such a great initial visit at C&S! My kids can’t wait to go back!!
Response from the owner:Hi Nicole. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a great first visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Melanie M.
Staff is always so kind, informative and they answer all the questions you may have. Both doctors are amazing and do not rush you out. They explain everything and take their time with each patient. They are a 10/10
Response from the owner:Hi Melanie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff and doctors made such a positive impact during your visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Teri J.
Great place! Everyone is friendly. Great experience for all 3 of my kids. They did awesome with my autistic son.
Response from the owner:Hi Teri. We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had such a positive experience with our team. Creating a welcoming environment for all families is our priority, and it’s heartening to know that your son felt supported. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you all again!
Jaidyn S.
Had a great experience! They were quick and helped me decide the best option for me!
Response from the owner:Hi Jaidyn. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you efficiently and help you find the best option. :)
Jessie W.
Easy to work with and very flexible with scheduling! Orthodontists and staff are very kind and thorough as well!
Response from the owner:Hey Jessie. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your experience smooth and accommodating. Your kind words about our staff and their thoroughness mean a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care!
Amanda H.
We had the best experience. They were all so kind and patient with my girl!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
Blair B
I'm a fairly new patient but the office staff provides a very warming, thoughtful environment and I love the app and feedback I receive with my Invisalign process. I've been quite impressed with the clinic and Dr thus far and can't wait to receive my final results... a beautiful smile!!!<3
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Sharkbait M.
I had a fantastic experience at this clean and modern orthodontist office! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the bright, welcoming atmosphere and the state-of-the-art equipment. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. The orthodontist took the time to explain my treatment options clearly and answered all my questions with patience and care. I truly appreciate the attention to detail and the commitment to maintaining a spotless environment. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for top-quality orthodontic care in a contemporary, inviting setting!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience in our office. Creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing attentive care are top priorities for us, and it’s great to know that our team made your visits comfortable and informative. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent orthodontic care!
Christian R.
We can’t say enough great things about this place. Dr. Streight has helped a few of my family members and he actually cares.
Response from the owner:Hi Christian. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! It’s wonderful to hear that Dr. Streight has made such a meaningful impact on your family. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!
Shannon T.
Everyone we have encountered over our 2 year adventure with Craig and Streight has been so amazing! I never left wondering about anything. My son had expanders and then braces. Dr. Kiel at the South OKC location has been wonderful. She is thorough, patient and so sweet with my little guy. I appreciate her and all the staff members for all their help throughout his treatment!
Response from the owner:Hi Shannon. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that you and your son have had such a positive journey with our team. We’re dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate care, and it’s great to know that Dr. Kierl and the staff have made a lasting impression. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to strive for excellence in patient care.
Anne L.
Staff is great. 😊 Virtual scans can be a pain but it is certainly better than going in for an office visit every week.
Response from the owner:We feel you! The scans hopefully will keep getting better and better but it’s definitely a nice step in the right direction!!!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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Norman, OK 73069

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Mustang, OK 73064
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