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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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Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Jason
Overall experience was great. Everyone was welcoming and professional. We left the office very satisfied with the services we received.
Joe A.
Your people have done an exceptional job with my daughter and her braces. She just had them taken off and we couldn’t be happier.
Response from the owner:Hey Joe. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter is happy with her braces and the care she received. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service, and it's rewarding to know we made a positive impact. We appreciate your support!
Amber S.
We’ve had a great experience from start to finish. Everyone there is super friendly and made my daughter feel really comfortable every step of the way. The whole process went smoothly, and her smile looks amazing now! Definitely recommend them if you’re looking for a place that takes great care of their patients.
Response from the owner:Hi Amber. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made your daughter feel comfortable and that the process went smoothly. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care to all our patients. We look forward to seeing you again!
Cathey N.
I was recommended to Craig and Streight in Mustang several years ago for my boys to start their orthodontist journey. We absolutely love them!! I could not of asked for a better experience for myself and my boys! 💗 Cathey, Carson & Ethan
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5-star review!
Don J.
All three of our kids have had braces from Craig and Streight, and it’s been a very positive experience with all three.
Response from the owner:Hi Don. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that your children have had such a positive journey with us. It's wonderful to know that our team has made a difference for your family. We appreciate your trust and support!
Jessica C.
Absolutely loved the atmosphere of this office! Every single interaction we had was nothing short of superb! So thankful to have found a great orthodontist to work with over the next couple years!
Response from the owner:Hi Jessica. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere and had such positive interactions with our team. We're excited to be part of your orthodontic journey and look forward to providing you with exceptional care in the coming years!
Barbara F.
My only issue with today’s appointment was the 30 minute I had to be seen. Once I was called back, my hygienist was calm and considerate and showed me how to use my Invisalign.
Response from the owner:Hey Barbara. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad to hear that your hygienist provided calm and considerate care during your appointment. We appreciate your feedback regarding the wait time, as it helps us enhance our patient experience. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to reach out to our office manager. Your input is invaluable to us!
John N.
Great place with excellent service for kids, but the wait was too long.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5-star review!
Lillian Maxey (.
awesome staff! so sweet and helpful and had a great experience with my invisalign and them!
Response from the owner:Hi Lillie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made such a positive impact during your Invisalign journey. Your kind words motivate us to continue providing exceptional care. We look forward to seeing you again!
Ladan M.
We had a great experience. Professional and caring personnel and super amazing Dr. Straight made it an easy choice to work with.
Response from the owner:Hi Ladan. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team, including Dr. Streight, made such a positive impact. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. We look forward to seeing you again!
Kelly P.
Just started my fourth kid in treatment today. No where else we would go…from the front desk gals, fresh coffee for this tired momma, the hygienist, the dentists…it’s always been a great experience. Wonderful staff making amazing smiles!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Kelly. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family feel at home with us. Our team is dedicated to creating a positive environment, and it’s great to know that our efforts are making a difference. We look forward to continuing to support your family's journey to amazing smiles!
Artoya
Staff and the doctor were very friendly and they explained everything in detail.
Response from the owner:Hey Artoya. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team provided friendly service and thorough explanations. Your experience is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share it!
David B.
Took my twin girls in for braces today and we had an amazing experience. The entire staff went out of their way to answer all of our questions and they were so sweet with the girls. The girls left with new braces and big smiles and I left with confidence in my desicion. I highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:Hi David. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team made such a positive impact on you and your daughters. It's great to know that everyone left with smiles and confidence. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide excellent care for your family!
Melissa M.
We love Craig & Streight! They have always been so friendly and helpful!
Response from the owner:Hi Melissa. Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're so glad to hear that you love our team at Craig & Streight. Providing friendly and helpful service is our priority, and your kind words inspire us to keep delivering the best experience possible!
Chuck K.
I've had nothing but the best-ever experience at CSO; from check-in to the clinics, the staff is all one one page, professional and SO very friendly. They're living the corporate ethos, and it shows! If you need orthodontics, it's CSO for me from now on!
Response from the owner:Hi Chuck. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. It's great to know that our commitment to professionalism and friendliness is making a difference. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care in the future!

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Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

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12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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