Access to basic preventive dental care is available to many Americans, but more complicated procedures can come with a price tag. To compensate for convenience and cost, some Americans are opting for “Do-It-Yourself dentistry.” Whether through instructional videos or mail-order kits, adults of all ages are trying teeth DIYs.
The truth is that most dental DIYs are downright dangerous. Learn how they can cause complications:
Pulling Teeth
1 in 5 people would rather pull out their own tooth than see a professional. If you don’t think that’s insane, consider this: When Adele cancelled her Phoenix concert last summer, did you take her place? You can’t be the songstress and you can’t replace your dentist either. Even if you’re not rolling in the deep (dough), seeing a professional will save you money in the long run.
Fillings
Marketed as a temporary option, many are opting to utilize dental cement kits as a permanent solution. Skipping the dentist is not wise on this one, as you put yourself at risk for a variety of problems. However, in a pinch, it’s perfectly permissible to DIY a temporary filling.
Braces
DIY braces started with rubber bands, but now mail-order aligners are a multi-million dollar industry. We get how it’s appealing. Braces and their alternatives aren’t as budget-friendly as a clearance coffee table at HomeGoods. Orthodontists are more than experts—they have a deep understanding of the biology of your teeth and the physics of moving them. DIY kits aren’t a substitution for an orthodontist—you can do significant damage trying to move your teeth on your own.
When it comes to your teeth, ditch DIY for DIATD (Do it at the dentist). The only hack in DIY dentistry is the hack job you’ll do on your smile.
