Dental implants are often considered the ideal method to replace any permanent teeth that have gone missing because of the unique benefits they provide. They’re the only option that’s inserted directly into your jawbone, so they have more strength and resilience than options like dentures or dental bridges.
However, these artificial teeth also tend to cost more upfront, and if you’re on a tight budget, you may be tempted to seek alternatives. One recent fad that many patients have turned to is “do-it-yourself” replacements like Smile Renewed, Temptooth, and PrimeDent QuickFix. These brands sell materials that they claim can be used to create your own prosthetics. But are these methods safe and effective? Continue reading to find out!
What Are DIY Replacement Teeth?
Certain manufacturers market products that supposedly refurbish your grin using moldable ingredients that you can sculpt into the right shape. Some use polymer beads that must be heated to soften enough for you to shape and place them. Others use wax or paste, which can often be molded without any preparation.
Are DIY Replacement Teeth Safe?
Although many of these supplies carry a “non-toxic” label, that doesn’t necessarily make them safe for you to use. For example, some plastic polymers in morphable beads won’t harm you when handled externally but haven’t been tested for internal or oral use. They could potentially have detrimental effects when they’re applied as at-home dental work because you’d be ingesting ingredients that may not be intended for that purpose. On top of that, some plastics used are not hygienic and trap bits of food and bacteria, which can increase the odds of developing cavities or gum disease.
In conclusion, if it’s not FDA-approved, then you might want to rethink putting it in your mouth.
Are There Other Issues with DIY Teeth?
If potentially poisoning yourself isn’t enough to deter you from making your own artificial teeth, you might change your mind after learning about the other concerns people have with them. Not only do they use materials that can impact your health, but they’re usually also a temporary solution. Generally, they’re not overly resilient and can fall out easily if you try to eat or drink anything.
Plus, there’s a good chance you’re neither a dentist nor a professional artist, which means you may not be able to shape your prosthetics very realistically. It might be the wrong width, color, or size and might detract from your appearance rather than improve it.
The best way to safely restore your grin’s functionality is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. If you’re still worried about your budget, why not ask them if they offer flexible financing? Many providers understand that not everyone can afford the cost of quality dental services and will work with you to ensure that you can receive the care you need without breaking the bank.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee has 20+ years of experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He attended dental school at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and then completed a 4-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Now, he uses state-of-the-art equipment to individualize treatments to suit your unique dental needs. If you’ve suffered from tooth loss and need replacements, he’s an expert who can help! He can perform dental implant surgery in the office, so you don’t need additional providers, and he partners with CareCredit for flexible financing. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (740) 236-9392.