It was nearly a year ago that the American Association of Orthodontists released a public service announcement warning people not to attempt to do orthodontic work on themselves. That warning is back in the news following a study by the Association, released in February of this year, finding that thirteen percent of its members have treated a person who tried to straighten their own teeth through unprofessional methods. These practices are much more likely to do severe damage to a person’s teeth than they are to help them.
One of the purported benefits of DIY orthodontics is that it works faster. But the reason professional orthodontics is slow is not because the patient is being milked for money, but because there is a careful balance to maintain in moving teeth through other bones without making them come loose. Teeth that are moved very quickly could easily migrate back or fall out completely. DIY guides also frequently encourage people to use bonds without cemented brackets to keep them from sliding into their gum pockets. The bonds are also frequently of a biodegradable material which will rot in the user’s mouth while strangling their teeth.
Our office offers free initial exams and consultations. Orthodontic treatment is an investment—it prevents a lifetime of dental problems resulting from a bad bite, but only when overseen by an expert.
Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit DrCynthiaWong.com and send a message.
No comments:
Post a Comment