The latest teen trend is a hard one for people to sink their teeth into.
Refinery29 reported this week that teens are making their own DIY braces. In fact, some teens, like YouTube user singerforeverlove, are spreading the trend by creating YouTube videos that teach others how to create the braces. Teens are instructed to take a rubber band and an elastic band and wrap it around their teeth.
"I wanted to get braces but, of course, braces are really expensive, the teenage YouTube user says. "So today, I'm going to teach you how to make [them at home]. It's gonna hurt, especially the first few days but don't [give up], because it's totally worth it in the end."
Though the video above was posted three years ago, teens followed the same formula in 2014, and its become a recent trend too, as American youngsters feel pressure to have perfect teeth, according to Refinery29. Fake braces are even considered a fashion trend in some countries overseas.
Teens are mostly doing this because their parents cant afford to pay for actual braces, which cost about $5,000 on average, according to KidsHealth.
Though DIY braces will save families money, dental professionals dont recommend this trendy DIY hack.
"It seems very attractive that you could possibly move your own teeth, but when you move a tooth, the color of the tooth might change because you are damaging the blood supply," Dr. Juan Rendon of the Jefferson Dental Clinics in Texas told Refinery29. "Youre also going to have problems with your gums. When the gums are subject to pressure, the blood supply is cut [off], which changes the shape of the gums and can cause severe inflammation and infection."
The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics released a consumer alert in 2014 about the trend, too, saying that some Americans may face latex allergies from the elastic bands in the DIY braces.
In some cases, the bands could slide into ones gums and cause permanent damage to the jaw tissue, which could make your teeth fall out, according to the alert.
[T]he use of elastics in orthodontic tooth movement can be advantageous, but their use is also associated with disadvantages and risks, according to the AJODO. This should be known and appreciated by practitioners and consumers alike.
Instead of making your own braces to avoid the costs, KidsHealth recommends parents apply for the Smiles Change Lives program, which allows children between the ages of 11 and 18 to apply for discounted braces at $250 or $500 a pop. There are income requirements for the program, and your teeth have to be moderately to severely crooked, according to KidsHealth.
Teens can also get discounted braces at dental schools, which are always seeking patients for their student to train with, according to KidsHealth. Dental professionals always advise any training.
Parents are also advised to reach out to their communities, state insurance programs and a wide range of dentists until they find an affordable option, KidsHealth reported.
If the cost of braces is a concern, it's worth the effort and patience it takes to find an orthodontist who will treat you. Straight teeth are more than just attractive, according to KidsHealth. They will hold up better throughout your life. That's a lot of eating, smiling, talking, and laughing!
Refinery29 reported this week that teens are making their own DIY braces. In fact, some teens, like YouTube user singerforeverlove, are spreading the trend by creating YouTube videos that teach others how to create the braces. Teens are instructed to take a rubber band and an elastic band and wrap it around their teeth.
"I wanted to get braces but, of course, braces are really expensive, the teenage YouTube user says. "So today, I'm going to teach you how to make [them at home]. It's gonna hurt, especially the first few days but don't [give up], because it's totally worth it in the end."
Though the video above was posted three years ago, teens followed the same formula in 2014, and its become a recent trend too, as American youngsters feel pressure to have perfect teeth, according to Refinery29. Fake braces are even considered a fashion trend in some countries overseas.
Teens are mostly doing this because their parents cant afford to pay for actual braces, which cost about $5,000 on average, according to KidsHealth.
Though DIY braces will save families money, dental professionals dont recommend this trendy DIY hack.
"It seems very attractive that you could possibly move your own teeth, but when you move a tooth, the color of the tooth might change because you are damaging the blood supply," Dr. Juan Rendon of the Jefferson Dental Clinics in Texas told Refinery29. "Youre also going to have problems with your gums. When the gums are subject to pressure, the blood supply is cut [off], which changes the shape of the gums and can cause severe inflammation and infection."
The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics released a consumer alert in 2014 about the trend, too, saying that some Americans may face latex allergies from the elastic bands in the DIY braces.
In some cases, the bands could slide into ones gums and cause permanent damage to the jaw tissue, which could make your teeth fall out, according to the alert.
[T]he use of elastics in orthodontic tooth movement can be advantageous, but their use is also associated with disadvantages and risks, according to the AJODO. This should be known and appreciated by practitioners and consumers alike.
Instead of making your own braces to avoid the costs, KidsHealth recommends parents apply for the Smiles Change Lives program, which allows children between the ages of 11 and 18 to apply for discounted braces at $250 or $500 a pop. There are income requirements for the program, and your teeth have to be moderately to severely crooked, according to KidsHealth.
Teens can also get discounted braces at dental schools, which are always seeking patients for their student to train with, according to KidsHealth. Dental professionals always advise any training.
Parents are also advised to reach out to their communities, state insurance programs and a wide range of dentists until they find an affordable option, KidsHealth reported.
If the cost of braces is a concern, it's worth the effort and patience it takes to find an orthodontist who will treat you. Straight teeth are more than just attractive, according to KidsHealth. They will hold up better throughout your life. That's a lot of eating, smiling, talking, and laughing!
