Why You Should Avoid DIY Tooth Replacements

When researching online for a solution for missing teeth, you likely looked at professional options like dental implants, but you also may have stumbled upon some do-it-yourself alternatives. At face value, DIY tooth replacements may seem like a great way to restore your smile while also letting you save money; unfortunately, the reality is that they come with a number of issues. Here’s why you should stay away from any kind of tooth replacement that isn’t offered by your dentist.

What Kinds of DIY Tooth Replacement Options Are There?

If you visit your local drugstore or check the internet, you’re likely to find a variety of products that are either marketed as solutions for missing teeth or used for that purpose by consumers. Right now, there are three major types of DIY tooth replacements:

• Melted Polymers: This method involves special beads that are meant to be melted so that they can be molded to resemble teeth. Sometimes melted polymers might even come with coloring agents to help the prosthetic match the shade of your natural enamel.
• Moldable Wax or Paste: Like a melted polymer, this type of product is intended to be molded into the appropriate shape. The main difference is that you don’t have to melt it first. Note that the primary use of moldable wax or paste is to repair cracked or chipped teeth.
• Orthodontic Wax: Orthodontic wax is meant to cover parts of your braces (such as the ends of the wires) that might be poking or otherwise irritating your gums and other soft oral tissues. That said, a number of people have started taking sizable chunks of orthodontic wax to act as replacement teeth.

Why Should You Stay Away from DIY Tooth Replacements?

The convenience promised by DIY tooth replacement methods is outweighed by their lower quality. More often than not, the results won’t be lifelike at all, making it very obvious that you have a prosthetic tooth. Additionally, some products might include ingredients that aren’t safe to put in your mouth. Finally, all DIY tooth replacement products are only intended to be temporary; they are not a viable long-term solution for restoring your smile.

Why Should You Choose Dental Implants Instead?

If you’re looking for the best way to replace missing teeth, many dentists will point you in the direction of dental implants. Well-placed implant posts can last for many years with the right maintenance, and the crown, bridge, or denture they support will be designed by an expert to resemble your real teeth. And with the chewing power that dental implants provide, you won’t have to worry about giving up your favorite foods.

Instead of trying to deal with missing teeth by yourself, reach out to your dentist; they can use dental implants (or other professional replacement options) to properly restore your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner enjoys working with patients of all ages and showing them how they can have a positive experience at the dentist’s office. He has a fellowship with Implant Pathway, which is a training program that focuses on implant dentistry. His experience lets him perform the entire dental implant process in-office. To set up an implant consultation with Dr. Milner at Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills, visit his website or call (410) 902-4110.