In recent years, a strange trend has spread on social media – young people have begun to make homemade “braces” with kitchen scissors, glue, and even metal wire, and wear them as fashion accessories.
However, dentists have issued severe warnings, saying that this practice may bring serious health risks.
“I can’t believe that people are still doing this now,” said Dr. Joe Kravets, a cosmetic dentist in Rockville, Maryland. “This trend may look cool, but the hidden harm is far more than you think.”
These DIY braces are not for teeth correction, but a trend similar to the “millennial style” in the 1990s.
There are even instructional websites on the Internet, such as WikiHow, which guides people on how to make temporary braces for costume modeling or role-playing.
However, although these products may be designed for short-term use, they usually come with serious health warnings, such as avoiding the use of lead materials, not wearing them for a long time, and the possibility of causing tooth damage.
Recently, a video has set off a craze for DIY braces, in which household glue and scissors are used.
In an interview, Chelsey Ochulo, the 18-year-old creator, revealed: “I get 15 to 20 private messages a day asking me where to buy these braces.”
However, the imitation behavior inspired by such videos is causing concern in the medical community. Dr. Joseph Field, a cosmetic dentist in Los Altos, pointed out: “These glues have never been designed for oral use. Not only will they damage tooth enamel and gums, they may also contain toxic substances.”
The Missouri Poison Center also confirmed that adhesives such as super glue pose moderate or even serious health risks, including choking.
They are also difficult to maintain in the warm and humid environment of the mouth. Once they stick to the teeth or tongue, tearing them off forcefully will only worsen the damage.
The center recommends using vegetable oil or peanut butter to soften the glue, but it is best to avoid contact with such substances in the first place.
“I have seen some people try to use super glue to stick the crowns that have fallen off,” Dr. Field added, “This behavior may cause more serious problems, such as infection and tooth damage.”
There is another more dangerous consequence of DIY braces: accidentally causing tooth displacement. “Whenever teeth are forced to move, even small movements can set off a chain reaction,” Dr. Field warns.
Orthodontic treatment requires professional knowledge and years of training. “Orthodontists don’t simply extract teeth, they are people who specialize in the biomechanics of teeth.”
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonya Wintzell said, “We spend two to three years specifically learning how to move teeth safely.”
Dr. Wintzell also shared some real cases: some patients imitated online videos and clamped gaps with rubber bands, and some even wrapped wires around their teeth, which eventually led to gum infections and severe periodontal disease.
“I have witnessed these DIY behaviors causing broken teeth, damaged enamel, gum recession, and even whole teeth to fall out.”
One particularly dangerous phenomenon is the so-called “tooth resorption,” in which the roots of the teeth are absorbed by the body, an irreversible process.
Doctors emphasize that this is caused by teeth moving too quickly without monitoring, and may eventually require extraction.
In addition to DIY braces, some trends in cosmetic dentistry have also returned in recent years. “More and more people want to have their teeth braced, have gold or have gemstones inlaid,” Dr. Field said. “These are not dangerous if they are done by a professional doctor.”
However, he also admitted that the “fashion resurgence” of metal braces was surprising. “We rarely offer metal braces anymore, and many clinics prefer invisible braces,” he said. “If you want traditional metal braces now, you may have to order them specifically.”
In short, although DIY braces look great on social platforms, dentists unanimously agree that such practices do more harm than good, and the consequences may be difficult to make up for for a lifetime. While pursuing fashion, don’t forget that health is the most important capital.