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DIY Braces Are Dangerous

Live Life Smiling

diy-braces
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • April 27, 2022

 

SOME DO-IT-YOURSELF projects leave us in awe of the sheer ingenuity and creativity involved. Others…not so much. DIY braces definitely fall into the latter category. There’s a reason it takes years of specialized training on top of dental school before orthodontists begin practicing. Teeth are complicated; moving them into a better position is even more complicated.

Only the Experts Have the Right Knowledge and Tools

To design a treatment plan for a patient, we have to factor in growth patterns in the bones and facial tissues, how wisdom teeth will affect the positions of the other teeth, the patient’s overall health, and more. A kid with paper clips and rubber bands lacks the knowledge and tools to do any of that planning.

DIY Braces Can Go Horribly Wrong

Anyone who attempts to correct their own orthodontic problems risks an outcome like David Campbell’s. He tried to close the gap between his front teeth with rubber bands. When the rubber bands mysteriously vanished overnight, he added new ones, not realizing that the previous rubber bands had crept beneath his gums, where they worked their way up the roots and strangled his teeth.

Root strangulation isn’t the only way DIY braces can go wrong. They can cause permanent damage to tooth enamel, create tooth sensitivity, create new gaps between teeth, and damage the teeth, gums, and jaw. Leave braces to the experts!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Christina S.
My daughter loves going to Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! Very nice staff, personable, great with all ages!
Christina S.
My daughter loves going to Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! Very nice staff, personable, great with all ages!
JimSara H.
My daughter was very nervous about getting braces but they made her feel so comfortable that she relaxed and was laughing by the time we left. The process was quick and we were out in no time.
JimSara H.
My daughter was very nervous about getting braces but they made her feel so comfortable that she relaxed and was laughing by the time we left. The process was quick and we were out in no time.
Ownlee S.
Helpful and knowledgeable staff that have made the process of getting braces for the first time as easy as possible. They seem to truly care about the comfort of the patient during the whole experience.
Ownlee S.
Helpful and knowledgeable staff that have made the process of getting braces for the first time as easy as possible. They seem to truly care about the comfort of the patient during the whole experience.
Evon T.
Wonderful office!! Everyone is so friendly and really took their time explaining everything to my very nervous 10 yr old daughter, they put her mind at ease and made her feel comfortable. I would highly recommend them.
Evon T.
Wonderful office!! Everyone is so friendly and really took their time explaining everything to my very nervous 10 yr old daughter, they put her mind at ease and made her feel comfortable. I would highly recommend them.
PortablePlayz
We were very pleased with the office and the staff. Thank you for making this process wonderful
PortablePlayz
We were very pleased with the office and the staff. Thank you for making this process wonderful
Alison W.
Wonderful staff and atmosphere! Everyone is friendly and takes time to explain every step! Highly recommended!
Alison W.
Wonderful staff and atmosphere! Everyone is friendly and takes time to explain every step! Highly recommended!
Amanda S.
Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics is amazing! My daughter, Natalie, loved the staff there...always friendly and helpful.
Amanda S.
Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics is amazing! My daughter, Natalie, loved the staff there...always friendly and helpful.
Amanda S.
Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics has such an amazing staff! My daughter, Natalie had a great experience there and we 100% recommend!
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  • Charleston, WV
  • 867 Oakwood Road
    Charleston, WV 25314
  • (304) 343-3672
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  • Hurricane (Teays Valley), WV
  • 3659 Teays Valley Road Suite 200
    Hurricane, WV 25526
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  • Huntington, WV
  • 451 Kinetic Drive Suite 200
    Huntington, WV 25701
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  • Ashland, KY
  • 2000 Carter Ave.
    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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