You may have seen television commercials or social media ads involving do-it-yourself or DIY dental treatments. The ads feature stunning before-and-after photos and promise their method will be easier, faster, and less expensive than a professional treatment. Vibrant Square Dental is here to clear up any misconceptions you may have about DIY dental work.
Why Do People Turn To DIY Dental Treatments?
It’s no news that dental work and orthodontics can be very expensive for those who aren’t lucky enough to have comprehensive dental insurance or a thriving bank account. Because of this, people sometimes try home remedies and procedures to fix dental problems, but without the supervision and guidance of a professional, these treatments can go very wrong. Instead of solving the problem at hand, they can make it worse or create new, more dangerous problems.
Specific At Home Dental Treatments
There are several at-home dental treatments available and some are more dangerous than others. Below we will describe 3 dental treatments you should completely avoid doing at home.
- Orthodontic Care: Although having straight teeth in less than six months is appealing, attempting DIY dental treatment with at-home braces or aligners is not recommended. These devices may cause teeth to move too quickly, damaging bones and gums. Additionally, the treatment may not be successful, and the teeth could move back to their original position. Orthodontic care is expensive, so DIY aligners may seem like a good way to get the same results at a lower cost; however, it is important to remember that you get what you pay for. Orthodontists have undergone two to three years of specialized training in addition to their dental training. With DIY dental kits, there is no access to a dentist with the same level of professional training.
- Cavity filling: There are DIY fillings on the market, but before you use them think twice. Going to the dentist allows them to check your teeth and gums for serious problems. You may think you know where the cavity is because of the pain, but what you don’t see is how close the cavity is to the root. You also don’t know how it affects the other teeth in your mouth. If the decay is severe, other methods may be needed to repair it, such as a root canal treatment. Only a professional should make the decision, and skipping a visit to the dentist could mean tooth loss. Restoring a tooth with a foreign object is dangerous unless you are a professional. If the DIY goes wrong, you could end up with a painful infection.
- Tooth extraction: Patients typically only go to the dentist when they are in pain. If you are considering removing a painful tooth on your own, it is best to reconsider. Tooth extraction is a type of oral surgery, and it is best to allow a dentist to evaluate it first. Dentists possess the expertise and training to determine how far the damage has gone and if it can be saved. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the dentist has the proper tools, including anesthesia, to make the procedure as easy and painless as possible.
How Can We Help You?
If you need help with tooth extractions, aligners, tooth-colored fillings, or other dental work Vibrant Square Dental can help. Our team provides general, restorative, and cosmetic treatments to Vaughan and the surrounding communities. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our dentists, please call 905-553-3004.
