Have you heard of the recent TikTok trend of filing your teeth? This DIY (do it yourself) trend has dental professionals very concerned. A young girl posted a video on TikTok (a social media platform) of herself filing her teeth down with a nail file to help them appear “straighter”. Others quickly joined in on the trend. As an orthodontic specialist and dental professional, Dr. Lauren Olson wants to warn of the dangers of this trend.
Filing Teeth Could Cause Permanent Damage
Although your teeth are bones, they are made up of living material. As adults we only get one set of teeth to last us for the rest of our lives, which is why it is so important to take care of them. The majority of changes made to the physical structure of our teeth are permanent and cannot be reversed. For example, enamel is a hard and thin substance that protects your teeth. Enamel does not grow back once it is removed leaving your teeth unprotected. Doing your own dental work could have many negative results like increased sensitivity, being more prone to cavities, and even yellowing.
Payment Options & Complimentary Consultations
Our team understands that dental work and orthodontic treatment can be expensive. However, the damage that could result from a DIY treatment could increase that cost drastically. Olson Orthodontics is proud to offer a complimentary consultation to all new patients where we can discuss payment and treatment options to fit your budget. We also accept most dental insurances and will help you with your coverage. Give us a call or fill out our online appointment request form to get started!