Orthodontists Warn Against DIY Braces Trend

A Do-It-Yourself trend teens are using to straighten their teeth is gaining popularity. Now, orthodontists are sending a warning about DIY braces.

There are probably a lot of kids going back to school this year with braces. But for some, those braces may not have been put on by doctors, instead, themselves.

It's a new trend of DIY sweeping the nation. Teens put plastic rubber bands around their teeth, hoping it will close any gaps.

But the American Association of Orthodontists promises a graphic image to brace yourself for instead. The photo shows a rubber band that worked itself into the gum line and then into the bone.

Doctors say what starts as a small gap can turn into an even bigger one because the trend of "DIY braces" can cause you to lose your pearly whites for good.

"so what you started out hoping would be a really quick fix to close that little space is now costing you thousands and thousands of dollars in surgical fees and now you have to have two implants to replace those front teeth, and it's just not a good situation,” said Dr. Steve Astuto, Orthodontist.

Orthodontists say when it comes to perfecting your smile, leave it up to the professionals.