Many people want a “quick fix” for their tooth loss. That much is natural – having gaps in your grin isn’t pleasant. Still, you shouldn’t try any do-it-yourself options. The fact is that DIY replacement teeth just aren’t safe. Due to the effects of these substitutes, seeing a dentist for smile restoration is better. Your Saint Peters dental practice can tell you more. So, here’s a primer on DIY replacement teeth, their risks, and to see a dentist instead.
Wait, What are DIY Replacement Teeth?
On many social media sites, users like to promote a kind of self-made dental care. Major examples of the latter are DIY replacement teeth.
Per their name, DIY replacement teeth are store-bought stand-ins for missing pearly whites. They often get praised for being cheaper than dentists’ prosthetics. At the same time, these replacements tend to be accessible – one can easily find them in drugstores, websites, etc. Even so-called “influencers” will advertise them at times.
DIY replacement teeth usually come in three types. These are:
- Melted Polymers – These meltable beads are made of a polymer material. As such, one can easily mold them into the shape of teeth.
- Moldable Wax or Paste – Unlike melted polymers, moldable wax can be shaped without melting. It’s applied to (and thus fills out) a broken tooth.
- Orthodontic Wax – At times, people may place ]orthodontic wax where they’ve lost a tooth.
DIY “Teeth” Are Risky
While their fans say otherwise, DIY tooth replacements simply aren’t safe. Such “alternatives” cause oral issues and don’t address your mouth’s needs.
For starters, DIY “teeth” tend to have unsafe ingredients. It’s to the point that the FDA doesn’t approve most. In other words, you could have an adverse reaction by putting them in your mouth.
Furthermore, these products don’t stop the side effects of tooth loss. Polymers and waxes don’t stimulate your jaw enough to preserve bone tissue. Plus, they aren’t sturdy enough to keep your other teeth from tilting or falling out.
See a Dentist for Smile Restoration
Given their risks, it’s best to avoid DIY replacement teeth. You’ll benefit much more by seeing a dentist for help.
You see, a dentist’s restorations are made of safe materials. Dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants are all non-toxic and won’t harm your mouth. That means they won’t leave you worried about adverse reactions.
Even better, dentists’ restorations are highly effective. Devices like dentures and dental bridges look lifelike and blend with your grin. Similarly, dental implants fuse with your jaw to work like natural teeth.
Since DIY replacement teeth aren’t safe, you shouldn’t rely on them. Instead, find better options with your local restorative dentist!
About the Practice
Klassik Smiles is based in St. Johns, FL. Led by Dr. Kamlesh Makwana, our practice wants each patient to get the best smile possible. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental care and sedation services. Our office is also a fine provider of quality tooth replacement options. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (636)-928-9693.
