In recent years, sites like Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube have made it easy for people to repair and replace everything from leaky faucets to broken headlights. But one particular “DIY” trend that has been gaining traction has dentists worried. Do-it-yourself dentistry is becoming increasingly popular among patients looking to save money and restore their smile themselves. But unfortunately, while it may seem like a great idea in theory, DIY restoration is more dangerous than you might think. Here’s a closer look at this troubling trend, and why, when it comes to your oral health, you get what you pay for.
Flipper Frustrations
An emerging TikTok trend many dentists are seeing are the DIY “flipper” videos. Flippers are removable acrylic partial dentures or prosthetic teeth that are more affordable than dental implants. In most cases, they range between $300 to $500, but some influencers have bene making their own using InstaMorph beads, which are available online for around $15.
Unfortunately, while this may seem like an economical solution to replace missing teeth, there are several dangerous issues with this type of hack. First, InstaMorph beads are not designed for internal use. This means that they are not safe to put in your mouth. Furthermore, they do not adequately correct the problems associated with missing teeth: namely tooth drift, where your remaining natural teeth shift out of alignment, jawbone deterioration from lack of stimulation, and the increased risk of decay and infection caused by bacteria buildup on the prosthetic.
Safe Solutions
While yes, trusting a dental professional to restore your smile will cost more than a DIY hack you learned online, the good news is that when it comes to your smile, you get what you pay for. Dentist approved options like dental bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants are safer, more realistic, and more durable than cobbling together a plastic prosthetic.
What many budget-conscious patients may not realize is that in many cases, dental insurance may cover a portion of treatment, and your dentist may even offer flexible financing options to break up the cost of your restoration into smaller monthly payments with little to no interest. These can make replacing your teeth the right way much easier to afford, providing you with a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts longer and won’t put your existing teeth and gums at risk.
Remember, while it may seem like a good idea to save a few dollars on a DIY smile, the truth is that when it comes to your health, cutting corners can cost you much more than you realize. If you’re missing teeth, don’t go it alone. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your replacement options, and you’ll have healthy, beautiful smile that’s worth every penny!
About Dr. Modarres
Dr. Shahram Modarres earned his dental doctorate at the New York University School of Dentistry, and since graduation has taken a keen interest in a variety of oral health topics including dental implant placement and restoration. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, just to name a few. To schedule an appointment for dental implants at Rockville Family and Implant Dentistry, visit our website or call 301-816-9400 today.