Glad you did your homework first—seriously, you'd be surprised how many people underestimate the complexity of teeth alignment. I've seen patients come in after DIY attempts, and it's heartbreaking because they genuinely thought they were saving money or hassle. Orthodontics isn't just about aesthetics; it's about function, comfort, and long-term oral health. Good on you for prioritizing your health over quick fixes...your future self will definitely thank you.
Totally get your point, but honestly, I think part of the blame has to go to how expensive orthodontics can be. Like yeah, DIY braces are obviously a terrible idea (rubber bands and paper clips...really?), but when professional treatment costs more than a used car, you can't exactly blame people for looking elsewhere. Maybe if dental care was a bit more affordable or accessible, fewer teens would be tempted by sketchy TikTok hacks. Just sayin'.
Yeah, I feel this. When I needed braces as a teen, my parents just couldn't swing it financially. Insurance barely covered anything, and the quotes we got were honestly shocking. I remember feeling super self-conscious about my teeth and briefly considering some sketchy DIY stuff myself (thankfully chickened out!). It's tough when you're stuck between affordability and safety...hopefully this sparks a bigger conversation about making orthodontics more accessible for everyone.
I totally get where you're coming from. I had braces in my early twenties after finally saving up enough money myself—my parents couldn't afford it either when I was younger. Honestly, the prices were wild even then, and insurance coverage was a joke. I remember briefly looking into those DIY aligner kits online because they seemed like a cheaper shortcut...but after reading some horror stories, I decided my teeth weren't something to gamble with, lol.
It's really sad seeing teens lose teeth or permanently damage their smiles because they're desperate for affordable solutions. Orthodontics shouldn't be a luxury item, you know? Hopefully, stories like this will push for better coverage or at least more affordable options. Until then, I guess all we can do is keep spreading awareness about the risks of DIY braces and hope people think twice before trying anything sketchy.
Yeah, braces prices have always been ridiculous. When I was younger, my dentist recommended braces, but my parents just couldn't swing it financially. Fast forward to now, I'm finally looking into options again because my teeth shifted quite a bit over the years. I almost tried one of those cheaper online aligner companies too, but a friend of mine ended up with serious bite issues after using them...definitely made me reconsider. It's frustrating how dental care is still treated like some optional luxury.
