Yeah, dentists probably are seeing more of these DIY disasters lately... social media trends spread fast. Honestly though, orthodontics is tricky stuff—definitely not something to mess around with at home. Glad your cousin's okay now!
Yikes, glad your cousin's doing better now. DIY braces sound tempting when you're on a tight budget—I totally get the appeal—but orthodontics is one of those things you just can't cut corners on. I remember looking into cheaper alternatives myself because braces are so pricey, but after reading a few horror stories, I decided it wasn't worth the risk. Ended up going with a payment plan instead... took longer to pay off, but at least my teeth stayed intact. Social media trends can be helpful sometimes, but man, some of these hacks are downright scary. Good thing your cousin got proper help in time.
Yeah, DIY braces are definitely a no-go in my book. I went the Invisalign route myself—still pricey, but the monthly payments made it doable. Honestly, teeth aren't something I'd gamble on... glad your cousin caught it early enough.
"Honestly, teeth aren't something I'd gamble on..."
Totally get your point, but do you think Invisalign is always worth the extra cost? I know a couple people who went traditional braces route through dental schools—students supervised by licensed orthodontists. Way cheaper, and they ended up with great results. Maybe not as convenient or discreet as Invisalign, but definitely safer than DIY hacks. Just saying, there might be affordable options that don't compromise quality...
I see where you're coming from with Invisalign—it can be pricey, and it's definitely not the only solid option out there. I've actually heard great things about dental school programs too; they're supervised closely, so there's minimal risk involved. A friend of mine went that route and was really happy with the outcome (and the savings!).
But honestly, the whole DIY braces trend...yikes. Teeth aren't exactly forgiving if something goes wrong. I mean, I've seen some horror stories online—people losing teeth, gum infections, you name it. Saving money is great, but not when you're risking permanent damage.
I guess Invisalign is mostly about convenience and aesthetics, which matter more to some people than others. If budget's a concern, traditional braces through a reputable source (like your dental school example) is a smart move. At least you're getting professional care without breaking the bank or risking your smile.
