Question : Is there a device similar to orthodontic braces one can make at home to straighten teeth by tightening ?
I used to wear braces, but accidentally threw out the retainers soon after I had them removed. My teeth have gone crooked again and I can’t afford braces (as well as a lot of other dental work I need to the point I NEVER smile with an open mouth). Is there something I can do like tighten a wire around my teeth every night that could kind of at least make a difference and straighten my teeth a little?
orthodontic braces

Best answer:

Answer by Dr H
ABSOLUTELY NOT. There is a reason that orthodontic school is 3-4 years AFTER 4 years of dental school!

Think of pushing a gigantic statue, something like 200 pounds and 6 feet tall. If you push the head of the statue, it will tip over. Most people will bend down and push the base which also may tip the statue. The correct movement will be somewhere towards the middle.

This is just like teeth. The pressure needs to be placed towards the center of the tooth to PREVENT tipping, unless that is the wanted movement. The goal of orthodontics is either to tip teeth or make a bodily movement. The place of the bracket determines this. Is it towards the edge? then it’s probably a tipping movement. If it’s towards the center, then it’s probably a bodily movement.

The center of the tooth is NOT the center of the crown. Remember there is the root of the tooth! Each tooth is different. Some teeth have long roots and some have short roots.

Also moving teeth requires moving BONE! Teeth are not in space or air in your mouth. They are anchored in your bone. Moving teeth too rapidly causes RESORPTION Of the bone and you may actually end up losing your tooth. I’ve actually seen this on a grand scale.

Also remember your science class? For every motion, there is an equal and opposite motion. If you move your tooth in one direction, there is going to be an equal and opposite force on another tooth. And so on. You may have one tooth out of place and after your self treatment you may have two or three out of place.

seriously, unless you understand this all completely, then i wouldn’t try it. let the professionals use their 8 years of dental school and skills to give you the smile you deserve.