While do-it-yourself orthodontics may seem easy and cost-effective to straighten teeth, not consulting an expert may have serious consequences. Take it from an 8-year-old boy whose DIY attempt seemed to fix his teeth, only to lead to costly complications.
The First Attempt: Trying to Straighten Teeth at Home
The December 2018 issue of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics reports on an 8-year-old boy with a gap between his two permanent front teeth. According to that article, his parents did not consult an orthodontist. Instead, taking matters into their own hands, they used a tiny rubber band to pull their son’s teeth together. The gap was gone after two days, but so was the rubber band. The parents assumed it broke. They were happy with the outcome and unconcerned about the rubber band.
The Problem: Missing Rubber Band
On the surface, the DIY treatment seemed like a quick, easy, and inexpensive approach to closing the gap. Unfortunately, the DIY treatment resulted in a long-term, complex, and costly fix. While one little rubber band eliminated the gap in a matter of days, that same rubber band caused extensive damage below the surface.
Instead of breaking, the rubber band worked its way up the teeth and under the gums, destroying the tissues that held the teeth in place. In addition, the patient experienced pain and swelling in the gum tissue around those teeth.
As the pain became unbearable, the youngster visited a dentist, where he was diagnosed with acute, severe gum disease, and X-rays showed that he had lost more than 75% of the bone that held his teeth in place. Gum surgery revealed the culprit: the missing rubber band. With the cause of the problems determined, the boy’s next stop for treatment was the orthodontist.
Sadly, even with professional help, the boy’s two front teeth could not be saved, but this story has a happy ending. The youngster sports a healthy and beautiful smile today thanks to the high quality of care provided by dental specialists, including orthodontists, pediatric dentists, periodontists, and dentists specializing in operative dentistry.
The Takeaway: Avoid DIY Braces and Trust an AAO Orthodontist
It took three years and nine months of treatment to repair the damage caused by an elastic band that well-meaning parents had their son use to close a gap between his front teeth. Consulting an orthodontist before fixing tooth alignment is essential to saving time, money, and dental pain in the long run.
One of the article’s co-authors, Dr. Ross Brenner, said, “Patients and parents should know that using an elastic gap band to close a space between two teeth may result in severe periodontal destruction and eventual tooth loss. Prior to any tooth movement, patients are urged to see an orthodontist to determine their best plan.” The American Association of Orthodontists wholeheartedly agrees.
Read the article and view photos for the whole story.
When you choose an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can rest assured that you have selected a highly skilled specialist. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – proper alignment of teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you or your child a healthy smile. Locate AAO orthodontists through our Find an Orthodontist page and schedule a consultation to take the first step towards a healthier bite.
