This blog post has been adapted from the American Association of Orthodontists' Consumer Alert, "Beware of Do-It-Yourself Orthodontics."
Thousands of online videos offer purported “advice” and “instructions” on do-it-yourself (DIY) orthodontic care. The proliferation of misinformation led the American Association of Orthodontists to issue this consumer alert.
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.
Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems. Orthodontists receive two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school and are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning the bite.
Be aware of signs that a child or teenager may be attempting do-it-yourself orthodontics, such as:
> Foreign objects around teeth, including paper clips, rubber bands, dental floss or the backs of earrings glued to teeth
> Extruded upper front teeth
> Loose permanent teeth, especially upper front teeth
> Swollen or bleeding gums
> Unexplained oral or facial discomfort
Content courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists