"DIY" Teeth Straightening: the Magic Alternative to Braces? Rubber Bands and 3-D printed trays: Seriously...Seriously dangerous!

 

"DIY" Teeth Straightening: the Magic Alternative to Braces? Rubber Bands and 3-D printed trays: Seriously?...Seriously dangerous!

By: Taylor

         Most orthodontic patients want braces to improve their smiles.  Sure, getting a healthy bite is important but more than anything, they want to feel more confident about the way they look.  Braces can be expensive though and can take 1-2 years depending on the case.  Have you heard about a scary trend of using a tiny hair elastic that anyone could purchase by the hundreds at a drug store to close spaces without braces though?
          Let's admit it: social media is more effective in today's socitey than that local newspaper that gets dropped off to your house on Sunday's. There are hundreds of different sites and apps at the tips of our fingers that help connect information or people in different ways such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and last but not least, Pintrest. Pintrest is great for creative ideas for hair, makup and delicious recipes but is it really the answer to all of our orthodontic questions? Recently, posts on Pinterest have been highlighting how someone can use a hair elastic to close those little spaces between our front teeth!   But at what cost and risk?
          What most people don't realize is the damage these at-home remedies have on their teeth. The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics issued a consumer alert about the use of elastic bands by non-orthodontists to close gaps in teeth which stated that while there are some people that have done this on their own with little or no harm done to the teeth, the rubber band can "slide into the soft tissues, where it is difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve it, then continue along the length the roots, destroying the periodontal attachment and produce inflammation". They then stated that "the teeth then extrude, the crowns of the teeth fan out as the roots are pulled together, the teeth become increasingly mobile" which can lead to tooth loss. I think we can all agree that the tiny space is NOT worth losing your teeth over. Let's leave the teeth-straightening to the professionals.

          Here are some examples of what people attempt vs what really happens: Warning...some of the photos are graphic:

We recently had a patient come into our Barberton office requesting to have her space closed.  She attempted to close the space on her own with a hair tie and showed us a picture she took on her cell phone of her own mouth.  Notice in the picture how the gums are red and swollen.  The rubber band was trapped under her gums.  Luckily she sought the services of a specialist and corrected the problem before a serious issue occurred.  Believe it or not, this stuff is happening in Akron Ohio. 

What about 3-D printed retainers to move your teeth? Yup, someone has tried it.  See the link below for the article: http://makezine.com/2016/03/20/can-you-fix-your-own-teeth-with-3d-printed-retainers/

 

Our suggestion, if you want your teeth straightened, see an orthodontist.  As orthodontist has 6-7 years of advanced education after 4 years of college.  We are the professionals and the easiest and cheapest way out is rarely the best.  If you live in the Akron Ohio area, don't try to do it yourself at home.  Give us a call to discuss your needs and schedule a complimentary consultation.

Got Justin Bieber FEVER? Barnett Ortho spoofs his choice on invisalign vs braces.

Justin Bieber wants his teeth straight just as much as the next person, but apparently, not with traditional metal braces! As you can see in the video below, this teen sensation opted for Invisalign Teen -- a clear invisible alternative to metal braces. Only recently did Invisalign become available to teenagers and its popularity is growing based on the trends we see in our practice. Invisalign is not for all problems, so if interested, be sure to ask Dr. Barnett if it's right for you.



Familiar with Bieber's "BABY" song, check out our short silly remake of the chorus to poke fun at his choice of Invisalign over braces. Do you think Bieber is being a "Big Baby" about how sore it makes his teeth?

Barnett Orthodontic is a Premier Provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in the Akron Ohio Area. We are located in Barberton Ohio and serve patients from numerous surrounding communities. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment 330-745-4497.

Mouthguard Day at Barnett Orthodontics, Sept 22nd

Save your Smile- Wear a Mouthguard

Our non-profit, Mouthguard Day is upon us...Wednesday September 22nd

Cost of a custom athletic mouthguard, $20.00

All proceeds with go to support the Summa Dental Clinic of Akron

The Summa Dental Clinic sees 850 patients each month and provides a much needed service to the uninsured residents of our community

Contact our Team at Barnett Orthodontics, Barberton Ohio to learn more
330-745-4497

WIN $2,500-- American Association of Orthodontists announces "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" scholarship contest...

Check out this great contest sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists...Win $2500.00!!!

The American Association of Orthodontists is sponsoring the “How Orthodontics Changed My Life” video contest. There will be two winners; each winner will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

The “How Orthodontics Changed My Life” video contest is open to students who are age 18 or under as of July 15, 2010 and who are legal residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Canada. Contest participants must have completed active orthodontic treatment (braces must have been removed) and be in the active retention phase of treatment or have completed active retention. Contest entrants must have received orthodontic treatment from a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

All entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2010. Videos submitted should be two minutes in length or less. Entries are limited to one per person. There is no fee to enter. Contest entrants should tell their stories on video, answering questions such as:

• - What were you like before you had orthodontic treatment?
• - How have you changed?
• - How proud are you of your new smile?
• - When did you notice changes in yourself?
• - What kinds of changes have you noticed?
• - What does your new smile mean to you?
• - What would you say to others whose smiles make them self-conscious?

Before beginning work on your video, carefully review the Terms and Conditions. To submit an entry:

• - Burn your video file onto a DVD or save it onto a USB flash drive

• - Complete the “How Orthodontics Changed My Life” Video Scholarship - Contest Submission Agreement including all contact information and the signature requested at the end of the agreement form.

• - Sign the form if you are 18. If you are under 18, the form must be signed by your parent or guardian

• - Mail your DVD or USB drive and your signed submission agreement form, postmarked by July 15, 2010 to:
  
  Linda Gladden
  Director of Communications and Marketing
  American Association of Orthodontists
  401 N. Lindbergh Blvd.

  St. Louis, MO 63141

  
  You will receive a confirmation email message indicating that your submission has been received. Judging The 10 finalists and two scholarship winners will be selected by AAO communications staff and a team of AAO members serving on the Association’s Council on Communications.

  
  The judges will evaluate entries based on:

  • - Clarity of the entrant’s personal story
  • - Creativity in the approach of conveying the story
  • - Use of attractive and interesting visual elements
  • - Clear and comprehensible audio
  • - Effective and tasteful use of humor, if applicable
  • - Enthusiasm and positive perspective on orthodontic treatment

  
  Reporting of Results

  By August 15, 2010 all 10 finalist videos will be posted on the American Association of Orthodontists Web site, Braces.org, and on the AAO members’ site, AAOinfo.org. By August 15, 2010 the two winners will be announced. Finalists will be notified by phone or email before August 1 and winners will be notified by phone or email before August 15.
  
  Terms and Conditions

  • All videos submitted become the property of the American Association of Orthodontists and may be posted in multiple online outlets by the AAO, shown at orthodontic specialty meetings or used in advertising materials related to orthodontic treatment without compensation of the entrant
  • Winners agree to participate in public relations announcements by the AAO, including their names, contest video link information and photographs.
    
    
  • Each of the two winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship to be used toward their post-high school educational expenses at a college, university, vocational training or technical school.
    
    
  • All federal, state, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the contest winners.
    
    
  • Decisions of the judges are final.
    
    
  • Submissions will be voided if discovered to have been obtained through fraud, or if they contain inappropriate content such as vulgarity, obscenity, lewd comments, pornographic images or violent images; or if they promote violence or disparage any person or entity; or if they contain trademarked or copyrighted material.
    
    
  • Submissions may not include video or audio content of any individuals other than the entrant.
    
    
  • Children of members of the American Association of Orthodontists, children of employees of AAO member offices and children of AAO employees are not eligible to enter the contest.
    
    
  • Patients and former patients of members of the panel of orthodontists designated to select the two winners are not eligible to enter the contest.

Distinguished Recognition: Invisalign 2010 Preferred Provider at Barnett Orthodontics

At Barnett Orthodontics, we are known for exceptional results. To achieve the ideal result, a certain level of expertise is necessary. One such product that demands a high level of expertise is Invisalign (invisible braces). Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that are changed every two weeks to straighten your teeth without braces.

This year, Invisalign is honoring orthodontists who have completed a high number of cases with recognition, so the public can choose an orthodontist with proper training. According to Invisalign, "Invisalign Preferred Providers have the experience and training that you can rely on."

Barnett Orthodontics is one of only two orthodontists in the area with Preferred Provider Status. It's important to note, that general dentists can perform Invisalign, however they do not have 2-3 years of advanced training beyond dental school like an orthodontist.

Trust your smile to an orthodontist.

Trust your Invisalign, to a Preferred Invisalign Orthodontist Provider.

Candy Cane Contest Winner--$50.00 to Summit Mall

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Grant won our most recent contest. He guessed the correct number of candy canes in our jar--303!

Grant won $50.00 to spend on whatever he wants at Summit Mall.

Thanks for the 300 people who entered our contest.