Are DIY Replacement Teeth Harmful?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you know how challenging it can be to complete tasks that you once found easy. Tooth loss can also lead to additional oral health issues, like bone loss, misalignment, and more. You may have heard about some DIY tooth replacement options some people have been opting for as opposed to seeing a dental professional. Continue reading to learn why this isn’t the best solution.

How Does DIY Tooth Replacement Work?

While it is never recommended to try to fix a tooth without the help of a dental professional, many people do attempt to do this on their own. Here are some DIY tooth replacement methods that have been attempted:

• Melted Polymers: Many DIY products come in the form of “beads” that are melted into shape. This way, the customer can mold the soft material into the shape of a tooth.
• Moldable Wax: This works similarly to melted polymers except no melting is necessary. It is simply molded into the shape of a tooth.
• Orthodontic Wax: This material can be purchased at your local drug or grocery store. It is generally used to prevent brackets and wires from poking and irritating the soft tissues in the mouth during orthodontic treatment. However, some people use a tooth-sized chunk of this wax and place it into the spot where they lost a tooth.

Why Is DIY Tooth Replacement a Problem?

DIY alternatives may sound like a tempting option in order to save money. However, seeing your dentist is always a better option than trying to recreate your smile on your own.

• Unhygienic: Melting beads or using other unconventional materials to replace your missing teeth is a bacteria-ridden disaster waiting to happen. All sorts of food and bacteria will accumulate around them and get stuck. It can even infect the nearby teeth, making additional dental treatment necessary and even increasing your risk of losing additional teeth.
• Temporary: Materials used for DIY tooth replacement are not durable like traditional tooth replacement options from your dentist. While the cost may be more initially, you can benefit from dentures, a dental bridge, or a dental implant for many years down the road.
• Dangerous: When you don’t properly replace your missing teeth, you can experience a variety of additional issues. For instance, the teeth surrounding your missing tooth will eventually shift around to fill in the missing gap. This causes misalignment and bite issues that aren’t easy to correct. When you are missing teeth, you will also experience bone loss in the jawbone, increasing your probability of additional tooth loss in the future.

DIY tooth replacement options have a variety of different consequences. If you’re missing one or more teeth, the best way to resolve this is by visiting your dentist. This way, they can put together a treatment plan for you to meet your dental needs and fit into your budget!

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we have a team of three skilled dentists serving the Lynchburg community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you’re missing one or more teeth, they would be happy to help you get your complete smile back. To learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (434) 847-5331.