If you've had braces, the recent trend for fake DIY braces might seem like insanity. Wish Want to look like you have metal stuffed in your mouth? Like all trends, metal mouths reminiscent of the Y2K era are gaining popularity, and young people these days will make anything a trend, even braces.
But how safe is it to use kitchen scissors and glue on your teeth? That's not the case…Your dentist agrees.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Joe Kravitz is a cosmetic dentist based in Rockville, Maryland.
- Dr. Joseph Field is a cosmetic dentist based in Los Altos, California.
- Sonia Wintzel, DMD, is a cosmetic dentist based in Huntsville, Alabama.
DIY braces for fashion
“It's a terrible idea,” says Dr. Joe Kravitz, a cosmetic dentist in Rockville, Md. “I'm not a fan, and it could easily do more harm than good.”
In theory, the trend isn't meant to correct your bite or straighten your smile. Like grills, they're clearly a fashion statement. There are custom-made versions and even a WikiHow with instructions on how to make slip-on temporary grills that look like metal braces for costumes and cosplay. And even those come with stern warnings, including not wearing them for long periods of time, not using lead-based products, and being aware of the potential for tooth damage.
But recently, a video has gone viral that's sparking a trend of fake DIY braces — and, of course, they involve glue and kitchen scissors.
“I get about 15 to 20 direct messages a day asking where they can get it,” said Chelsea Ochulo, 18, a former poster. The Wall Street Journal.
Dentists warn of serious toxicity issue
“We use adhesives that are designed to fit your teeth and be compatible with the environment inside your mouth,” says Los Altos cosmetic dentist Dr. Joseph Field. “Adhesives should never be put in your mouth. Not only can they damage your enamel and gums, but adhesives are highly toxic.”
According to the Missouri Poison Center, products like superglue typically pose a moderate risk and are also a choking hazard. The glue itself doesn't stay in your mouth for long either. “If you do get superglue in your mouth, don't try to force it out,” the site explains. “Rinse your mouth out with water. If the glue gets stuck in your mouth, vegetable oil or peanut butter can help soften the glue in your mouth. If the glue gets stuck on your teeth or tongue, it won't stick for long; the warm, moist environment in your mouth helps loosen it.”
“I've had patients try to glue broken crowns back together with superglue, but that's never a good idea,” says Dr. Field. “It can cause further problems.”
Another serious cause of concern with this trend is tooth damage and shifting. “With homemade fashion devices, you can unintentionally cause shifting,” says Dr. Field. “That's a big problem.”
And tooth movement done without professional attention is never a good thing. “There's a reason why orthodontists take an additional two to three years of training after dental school,” says cosmetic dentist Sonya Wintzell, M.D. “Tooth movement is a difficult and delicate biological process that should only be treated and monitored by a professional who fully understands the process.”
DIY Orthodontics: Teeth problems at home
Managing your own dental care is almost always a bad idea. “I've seen patients try a variety of at-home orthodontic treatments,” says Dr. Wintzell. “Some have tried to replicate the method of using rubber bands to close gaps in teeth that they saw in viral videos. One patient even wrapped wires around her teeth. The wires caused infections around the teeth and gum loss, which led to gum surgery.”
Wearing fashion braces for extended periods of time can leave you vulnerable to the same problems: “This can lead to direct damage to the enamel, gum loss, infection, and even fractured teeth,” says Dr. Field.
“DIY braces accelerate tooth movement and cause tooth resorption, which is irreversible and can lead to tooth loss,” says Dr. Wintzell. “We also see problems such as gum disease, infections and jaw problems as a result of DIY braces.”
what goes around comes around
Just as other Y2K and '90s fashions are making a comeback, Dr. Field says he's seeing an increase in visible cosmetic dentistry procedures.
“Grills are making a comeback,” he explains, “and it's not uncommon to also get a request for a gold tooth or some jewelry. If done professionally, there are no negative consequences.”
But it's still a bit surprising that metal braces are back in vogue. “We've been moving away from visible dental appliances for so long that many dentists are stocking less metal braces and mostly just carrying clear aligners,” says Dr. Field. “If you go into a dental office and ask for metal braces, there's a good chance they'll tell you they don't carry them anymore or that they'll have to order the materials.”
So, at least in the short term, demand may outstrip supply in some cases, but it all depends on how long the fake DIY braces last.