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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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Lola D.
We absolutely love Holmes & Palmer..horrible experience elsewhere, and was leary... they go above and beyond from the moment you step in the door.
Lola D.
We absolutely love Holmes & Palmer..horrible experience elsewhere, and was leary... they go above and beyond from the moment you step in the door.
Sarah M.
From the first step in the door we were impressed!! Professional, friendly, explained everything thoroughly. So happy we chose Holmes and Palmer. Highly recommend 😀
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Ilissa P.
Wonderful and caring staff. My kids don’t mind going to the dentist, which is huge and speaks for itself.
Ilissa P.
Wonderful and caring staff. My kids don’t mind going to the dentist, which is huge and speaks for itself.
Carrie B.
We have been very impressed with the staff and orthodontists here. They communicate with us as the parents and treat our daughter well while she is here for treatment. We will definitely choose them again when it’s time for our youngest to get her braces.

Sarah B
Carrie B.
We have been very impressed with the staff and orthodontists here. They communicate with us as the parents and treat our daughter well while she is here for treatment. We will definitely choose them again when it’s time for our youngest to get her braces.

Sarah B
Lenon H.
This is the best orthodontist office in the tri-state! A very nice and efficient staff! Getting braces was quick and easy!
Lenon H.
This is the best orthodontist office in the tri-state! A very nice and efficient staff! Getting braces was quick and easy!
Francesca H.
We always have the best experience here! Such a clean and friendly environment. They are patient and understanding and will walk my daughter through any of her fears or concerns. 100% recommend!
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!
Shawna B.
My son is a patient and everyone is so nice and very Great with Patients.Dr is amazing and always so good at explaining everything...I would refer these Drs and Nurses 100 times over...Thank You all for everything you do to make sure my babys have a beautiful smile...😁
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    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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