If you’ve ever had braces, it may seem like certified madness to see fake braces go viral. WHERE wants look like they have a mouth full of stuff? Just like all trends, we’re seeing statement metal mouths gain traction in a burst in our Y2K past. And kids these days will make a trend out of anything—even braces.
But how safe is it to take kitchen scissors and glue to your own teeth? If you thought: is not…your dentist agrees.
Featured Experts
- Joe Kravitz, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Rockville, MD
- Joseph Field, DDS is a cosmetic dentist based in Los Altos, CA
- Sonya Wintzell, DMD is a cosmetic dentist based in Huntsville, AL
DIY braces for fashion
“This is a terrific idea,” says Rockville, MD cosmetic dentist Joe Kravitz, DDS. “I’m not a fan and they could easily cause more harm than good.”
In theory, this trend isn’t about trying to correct your bite or straighten your smile. It’s clearly a fashion statement, like a grill. And there are custom-made products, even a WikiHow that walks you through making a temporary grill that looks like metal braces for costumes or cosplay. And even these come with serious warnings, including not using them for too long, not using lead-based products, and being careful about possible tooth damage.
But recently, a viral video has sparked a new round of fake DIY braces. And yes, it includes glue and kitchen scissors.
“I get about 15 to 20 direct messages a day from people asking me where they can find them,” said Chelsey Ochulo, 18, and the original poster. Wall Street Journal.
Dentists warn of serious, toxic problems
“We use adhesives that are designed to work with the teeth and be in the oral environment,” says Los Altos cosmetic dentist Joseph Field, DDS. “Glue doesn’t belong in your mouth – don’t do that. In addition to damaging the enamel and gums, the glue can be very toxic.”
According to the Missouri Poison Center, products like super glue usually have a moderate risk and include a choking hazard. The actual glue bonds themselves also won’t stay in the mouth for very long. “If someone has superglue stuck in their mouth, DO NOT try to remove the glue,” the site explains. “Rinse the mouth with water. If glue is stuck inside the mouth, vegetable oil or peanut butter can help soften the glue inside the oral cavity. If there is any glue on the teeth or tongue, it will not stick for long. The bond loosens due to the warm, moist environment of the mouth.”
“I’ve had patients try to reattach broken crowns, and it’s not a good idea,” says Dr. Field. “You are likely to create more problems.”
Another serious cause for concern with this trend is tooth damage and movement. “You can induce movement without trying with any homemade fashion device,” says Dr. “And that’s a huge problem.”
And any move that isn’t done carefully by a professional is a bad idea. “There’s a reason orthodontists have an extra two to three years of training after dental school,” says cosmetic dentist Sonya Wintzell, DMD. “Tooth movement is a difficult and delicate biological process and should only be handled and monitored by someone who fully understands the process.”
DIY braces: A dental disaster at home
Taking charge of your dental care is almost never a good idea. “I’ve seen patients try a lot of home straightening methods,” says Dr. Wintzell. “Including trying to replicate closing a gap using tires, based on viral videos. One patient used a wire wrap around his teeth. This led to gum surgery as this wire caused infection and gum loss around the teeth.’
Wearing even modern braces for any significant amount of time can easily lead to these same problems. “I see immediate enamel damage, gum loss, infection and maybe even broken teeth as a result of doing this,” says Dr.
“DIY braces can also cause the tooth to move too quickly, causing tooth resorption, which is irreversible and leads to tooth loss,” says Dr. Wintzell. “We also see issues like gum disease, infections and jaw problems as a result of DIY nails.”
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
Just as other Y2K and 90s fads are making a comeback, Dr. Field says he’s seeing an uptick in visible cosmetic dental work.
“The grill is coming back,” he explains. “And it’s not unusual to get requests for a single gold tooth or embedded ornament. It’s done by a professional, none of it has negative consequences.”
However, metal braces are a trend that is still surprising. “We’ve been moving away from obvious dental hardware for so long that many practitioners have reduced their stock of metal braces and carry clear aligners almost exclusively,” says Dr. Field. “It’s very likely that you’ll come in and ask for metal braces only to be told that the office no longer makes them or needs to order the supplies.”
So there is a possibility that demand will exceed supply in some cases, at least in the short term. But it all depends on how long-lasting the DIY fake braces will be.
