While people who are missing some or all of their teeth should seek restorative dentistry, many feel that dental treatment will be too expensive for them. This is one of the reasons there’s a growing trend of people using do-it-yourself approaches to renew their smiles. Although these may seem more convenient and cost-effective, they can pose risks to your oral health in the long run. Read on to learn why DIY dental implants and other prosthetic products should be avoided and how professional treatment from your dentist is the better choice.
How Are People Replacing Missing Teeth At Home?
Did you know that people can order items on Amazon that are then used to fix or replace a tooth? While there are a variety of products that can be found online or in local drugstores, the majority of them share similar methods. Here are the three categories they commonly fall into:
- Melted Polymers – Certain products consist of beads that need to be melted for use, such as InstaMorph. They then become soft enough to be molded with your fingers to create a tooth-shaped object.
- Moldable Paste or Wax – Though similar to melted polymers, molded wax products don’t require being melted to be shaped. This item, however, is mainly utilized to repair dental damage like chips and cracks.
- Orthodontic Wax – While this item is mostly used to protect soft oral tissues from the metal wires and brackets in braces, some people use a sizable chunk to place in the socket where they lost a tooth.
The Issues with DIY Tooth Replacements
Though many of these DIY tooth replacement solutions seem creative and inexpensive, they won’t be an effective substitute for professional treatment. Not only is it rare for these products to offer a lifelike restoration, but the ingredients they contain may not be healthy for your mouth, especially if they aren’t FDA approved. If you require a dental implant or another kind of tooth-replacement option, DIY methods will only serve as a temporary solution.
Why Professional Dental Implants Are Best
By visiting your dentist, you should expect to receive a completely custom-designed restoration or prosthetic that fits your specific needs. Most importantly, your treatment will provide long-lasting results that can go for several decades to a lifetime with proper care. If the overall cost is a concern, make sure to speak with your dentist. They may be able to offer alternative financing options to help make your dental care work closer to your budget, that way you won’t feel stressed about renewing your healthy and beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong studied at the University of California, San Francisco, and has been delivering essential dental care for well over a decade now. He’s also a member of several organizations like SPEAR Education and the American Dental Association, and he regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills. He provides a wide range of comprehensive treatments, including dental implants, is in-network with many insurance plans, and offers alternative financing for more affordable care. If you’d like to schedule an initial consultation, visit his website or call 507-288-1066.
