Are DIY Replacement Teeth Safe?

Teeth are supposed to last for a lifetime, but 120 million Americans are missing at least 1 tooth. There are more options than ever before to replace lost teeth, but some people are turning to TikTok to fill the gaps in their smiles. The new social media trend uses heated and molded plastic beads to create DIY prosthetic teeth. Dentists are warning against the latest trend. You may save money, but DIY tooth replacement can cost you your smile.

DIY Tooth Replacement Trends

You can purchase a bag of InstaMorph beads for less than $20, which is appealing if you don’t have the money to see a dentist to treat your tooth loss. While a bead may not provide a precise match to your natural teeth, it can fill the gap in your smile to restore your self-esteem. 

Unfortunately, the beads can affect your dental health negatively because they aren’t hygienic. Food residue and bacteria can get trapped around them. This can cause an infection in your adjacent teeth. It may also lead to gum disease, which can destroy the supporting structures of your teeth and bone. Repairing the damage caused by the DIY method can cost much more down the road.

Affordable Tooth Replacement Options

Treating tooth loss doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg. Dental insurance can be used to cover some of the costs after meeting your deductible. Many dentists also accept third-party financing, like CareCredit. You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan. You also have several options to replace lost teeth, which means there’s a solution to fit your budget. You may be a candidate for:

• Dental Bridge: A dental bridge can replace 1-3 lost teeth in a row. Prosthetic teeth are created to fill the gaps of those you’ve lost, which are held in place by bonding dental crowns to your adjacent teeth.
• Dental Implant: A dental implant replaces both the tooth root and the crown. The titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a new root to support your customized restoration.
• Partial Denture: A partial denture treats consecutive and non-consecutive tooth loss. Prosthetic teeth are held in a gum-colored base with a metal framework, which allows it to clip or clasp onto your natural teeth to stay in place.
• Full Denture: An acrylic base is used to support porcelain teeth. A full denture rests on top of your gums, relying on suction to stay in place.
• Implant Denture: Your dentist can answer dental implants to secure your denture to your jawbone. 

Skip the risks of do-it-yourself solutions. Invest in safe dental prosthetics that look and feel natural by visiting your dentist.

About Dr. Philip A. Lisk

Dr. Lisk earned his dental degree at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He has regularly continued his education in various specialties, including general dentistry, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment online or call his office at (919) 336-1548.