Alarming trend of ‘fashionable dentures’ leads to warning from health experts: ‘Don’t DIY’

They are trying to fix these DIYers.

Dental experts are advising against fake, decorative braces applied at home – also known as “fad therapy” – because the unnecessary heavy metal can cause painful tooth damage, harmful misalignment or oral infections.

“Tooth enamel does not grow back,” said Dr. Samuel Lee, an orthodontist based in Southern California, told “Today” on Monday. Once it’s broken, and once it’s broken, it’s completely done.”

“Fashionable braces” are not new – a 2018 medical journal entry warned that non-medical devices were taking off in Southeast Asia as teenagers strive to achieve a “standard of luxury”.

Thailand even banned fake braces after two Thai teenagers contracted them and died.

Despite concerns that artificial braces are made of inferior materials and can damage surrounding teeth, gums, lips and bones, the “fashion braces” movement has spread to other parts of the world.

Now, the proliferation of TikTok tutorials showing how to attach or attach dental jewelry is drawing fresh criticism from orthodontists.

In a July blog post, Dr. Paul DiFranco reported that cosmetic brackets and wires may contain toxic chemicals such as cadmium or lead, and the glue in the kits is usually not medical grade.

“This increases the risk that the wires and brackets will come loose and possibly cut into your gums and jaw,” wrote DiFranco, who practices in Palos Hills, Illinois. “They can even become a choking hazard if they fall out completely, possibly leading to a trip to the nearest emergency room.”

In May, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) warned that fashionable braces can have “serious consequences” for oral health, including heavy metals leaching from the hardware into oral tissues and leading to infection.

The AAO also highlighted another problematic trend – “basement dentures”. This is when people who need dental work seek unlicensed or unqualified providers to avoid the expensive cost of oral appliances.

Today reports that metal braces cost an average of $3,000 to $7,000, but payment plans or more affordable options may be available.

“It’s really important if people are looking for some kind of cosmetic enhancement to their teeth to talk to a dental professional and explore what those options are,” Lee told the media.