Is It Safe to Replace Missing Teeth Myself?

If you are missing one or more teeth, you know how challenging it can be to complete tasks that used to be simple. Tooth loss can also result in a wide array of additional oral health issues, including bone loss, misalignment, and more. You may have seen some DIY tooth replacement solutions online, but are these the real deal? Continue reading to learn about how DIY tooth replacement works and why it’s always best to see a dental professional.

How Does DIY Tooth Replacement Work?

It is never recommended to try to fix or replace a tooth without the help of a dental professional. However, many people still attempt to do this on their own. Here are some DIY tooth replacement methods that you have likely come across online:

• Melted Polymers: Many DIY products come in the form of “beads” that are melted into shape. Customers mold the soft material into the shape of a tooth to go in the place of the missing one.
• Moldable Wax: This method works similarly to the melted polymers. The difference is that no melting is necessary. The wax is simply molded into the shape of a tooth.
• Orthodontic Wax: This material can be purchased at your local drug or grocery store. It is mostly used to prevent brackets and wires from poking and irritating the soft tissues during orthodontic treatment. However, some people will use a tooth-sized chunk of wax and place it into the spot where a tooth is missing.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Tooth Replacement

DIY alternatives may seem like an affordable, tempting option to restore the appearance of your smile. However, seeing your dentist is always a better option. Here are a few reasons why:

• Hygiene: Melting beads or other unconventional materials to replace your missing teeth will ultimately result in a bacteria-ridden disaster! All sorts of food particles and bacteria will accumulate and get stuck. It can even lead to an infection over time, requiring additional dental treatment.
• Temporary: Materials used for DIY tooth replacement are not durable like traditional options from your dentist. While the cost may be higher upfront, you can benefit from a dental bridge, dentures, or a dental implant for many years.
• Dangerous: When you don’t replace your missing teeth properly, you can experience a variety of additional complications. For example, the teeth surrounding your missing tooth will shift around to fill in the gap. This will result in misalignment and bite issues that aren’t easy to correct. Missing teeth also results in deterioration of the jawbone, increasing your risk of additional tooth loss.

DIY tooth replacement options have a variety of different consequences. If you are missing one or more teeth, you should seek help from a dental professional. This way, you can put together a plan that best meets your dental needs and fits into your budget.

About the Practice

At Waterbury Smiles, we have a team of three skilled dentists serving the Waterbury community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. We offer several tooth replacement options to help patients complete their smiles safely. To learn more about tooth replacement or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (203) 575-9097.