They try to fix these DIYers.
Dentists advise against applying fake, decorative braces at home — also known as “one-of-a-kind braces” — because the unnecessary heavy metal can cause painful tooth damage, damaging misalignment or oral infections.
“Tooth enamel does not grow back,” said Dr. Samuel Lee, a Southern California-based orthodontist. he told “Today” on Monday. “Once it’s broken and when it’s broken, it’s over.”
“Modern braces” aren’t new — warned a 2018 medical journal entry that non-medical devices were taking off in Southeast Asia as teenagers sought to achieve a certain “standard of luxury.”
Thailand even banned fake braces after two Thai teenagers developed infections from them and died.
Despite concerns that fake braces are made with inferior materials and can damage teeth, gums, lips and surrounding bones, the “single braces” movement has spread to other parts of the world.
Now, the proliferation of TikTok tutorials showing how to glue or fix jewelry to teeth is prompting new rebuke from orthodontists.
In a July blog postDr. Paul DiFranco reported that cosmetic brackets and wires may contain toxic chemicals such as cadmium or lead, and the glue in the kits is usually not medical grade.
“This increases the risk of the wires and brackets coming loose and possibly cutting your gums and jaws,” wrote DiFranco, who practices in Palos Hills, Illinois. “They can even become a choking hazard if they fall out completely, potentially leading to a trip to the nearest emergency room.”
In May, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) warned that Fashion braces could have “serious consequences” for oral health, including heavy metals leaching from the material into oral tissues and leading to infection.
The AAO also highlighted another problematic trend – “basement braces”. That’s when people who need dental work look to unlicensed or unqualified providers to avoid the expensive cost of oral equipment.
“Today” reports that metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000 on average, but payment plans or more affordable options may be available.
“It’s really important if people are looking for some kind of cosmetic improvement to their teeth that they talk to a dentist and look at what those options are,” Lee told the outlet.
