DIY Orthodontics?

Two slightly bizzare things happened yesterday.

I saw a lady who had braces fitted elsewhere about four years ago. Following a disagreement with her orthodontist she had not returned, so had not seen a dentist or orthodontist for about three years! Eventually she got fed up with the braces and removed most of them herself. She was unable to remove the upper ceramic braces or the remaining adhesive so had asked me to finish the job.

I later had a phone call from a man asking about using elastic bands bought over the internet to close the space between his teeth. He didn't want me to do the treatment, just to tell him if it was a good idea. You might guess my response. This was the first I had heard of self-treatment with elastics but a check on the internet shows that a lot of people have tried it.

Please don't attempt any sort of DIY orthodontics or dentistry. Dentists train for five years and orthodontists a further six at least (three of those just devoted to orthodontics) and understand all the drawbacks and risks to treatment. Orthodontics is NOT simple, it might appear so but damage to teeth, gums and bone can occur and teeth do not necessarily stay where you put them. Similarly there are a lot of "quick" options springing up that many general dentists are being encouraged to try without detailed orthodontic knowledge. If you find a cheap or quick option that seems too good to be true then it probably is!

About a year ago I introduced low cost intitial consultations for both adults and children who want to find out if treatment is possible without spending large amounts. They have proved so popular they are continuing indefinitely, £30 for age 16 and under, £40 for adults and I can usually tell you what type of treatment will be needed and an approximate cost. Please contact us if you'd like either a full consultation or a short one.