Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about the changes to your appearance and remain tight-lipped or avoid spending time with others. You might also struggle to pronounce certain words or have a hard time biting and chewing your favorite foods.
Many people have heard about ‘do-it-yourself’ replacement teeth that can rebuild their grins, but have questions about whether they’re safe and effective. The truth is that most dentists don’t recommend using these options. Continue reading to learn why!
What Are DIY Teeth Made From?
Various products claim to be able to restore your smile if a tooth has been damaged and dislodged and you need help in a pinch. Most of these contain plastic polymers or wax that can be melted or molded to form a protective prosthetic. For example, DenTek is an excellent product for securing a dislodged dental crown back in place long enough for you to reach your dentist’s office to have it professionally repaired.
Are DIY Teeth Safe and Effective?
If you’re using store-bought products intended for oral use, you might think you won’t hurt your grin by building yourself a new tooth. Unfortunately, plenty of people have attempted to replace their teeth for the long term using these options, only to regret the decision later. This repair isn’t intended to last, so it’s not made from overly durable material. It’s not recommended for grinding meals to be swallowed and digested, and might even throw off your bite alignment if it’s too bulky. Additionally, even if you have the necessary supplies, you’re unlikely to be able to create a restoration that’s the exact right size, shape, and color to match your smile seamlessly.
Furthermore, not all meltable polymers are safe for oral use and contain absorbable toxins you wouldn’t want to put in your mouth, especially if they’re not approved by the FDA.
How Should I Restore My Smile?
If you have a space in your smile or an injured tooth making it difficult to eat, speak, or grin confidently, then it’s time to call your dentist. They will examine your current condition and recommend potential treatments based on their findings. For example, damaged teeth can often be restored with a root canal and dental crown. There are also several options for rebuilding pearly whites that have gone missing, such as dentures, dental bridges, and implants.
Your dentist can also help correct any injuries or other issues that might occur from your attempt to create your own DIY teeth!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jordan Juarez is passionate about helping people improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental doctorate from the Pacific University in San Francisco before completing his residency in Seattle, Washington. He has been practicing for Texas for 8+ years, and has over a decade of experience offering a wide range of services to meet even the most unique needs. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable, resilient replacement teeth intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 306-2273.