They're trying to set these DIYers straight.
Dental experts are advising against fake, decorative braces that you can apply at home – plus Known as “fashion braces” – Because unnecessary heavy metals can cause painful damage to teeth, harmful misalignments or oral infections.
“Tooth enamel doesn't grow back,” says Dr. Samuel Lee, a Southern California-based orthodontist. told “TODAY” on Monday“Once it's broken and once it's fractured, it's completely gone.”
“Fashion braces” are nothing new — A 2018 medical journal entry warned Non-medical devices were a growing trend in Southeast Asia, as teens sought to achieve a certain “standard of luxury”.
Thailand even banned fake braces Two Thai teenagers contracted the infection and died.
Despite concerns that prosthetic braces are made of inferior materials and that they can damage teeth, gums, lips, and surrounding bones, the “fashion braces” movement has spread to other parts of the world.
Now, a flood of TikTok tutorials showing how to glue or clip jewelry onto teeth is drawing fresh criticism from dentists.
In a blog post for the month of JulyDr. Paul DiFranco explained that cosmetic brackets and wires may contain toxic chemicals such as Cadmium or leadAnd the adhesive in the kit is usually not medical-grade.
“This increases the risk of wires and brackets coming loose and possibly cutting your gums and jaw,” wrote DiFranco, who practices in Palos Hills, Illinois. “They can also become a choking hazard if they fall out completely, possibly requiring a trip to the nearest emergency room.”
In May, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) stated that, warned that Fashion braces can have “serious consequences” on oral health, including heavy metals from the hardware leaching into oral tissues and causing infection.
The AAO also highlighted another problematic trend – “basement braces.” This is when people in need of dental treatment seek out unlicensed or unqualified providers to avoid the expensive cost of oral appliances.
Metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000 on average, “Today” reports, but payment plans or more affordable options may be available.
“It's really important that if people want any type of aesthetic improvement to their teeth, that they talk to a dentist and learn about those options,” Lee told the outlet.
