TikTok has become wildly popular as a source of entertaining and informative videos. You could spend the afternoon watching adorable cat videos, grandma dancing to Drake, recipe videos that make you want to run for the kitchen, and silly people doing very, VERY silly things. While most of the videos are fun and even informative, a few videos have offered suggestions on what to do to your teeth to make them look different. Some of these TikTok tooth videos can harm your smile and overall health.
Zombek Orthodontics loves seeing you with a gorgeous smile. What we wouldn’t love is having to see you in our office to repair potentially irreversible damage after you’ve filed down your teeth or bejeweled it or whatever other wild thing you may have done because you saw it on TikTok. Those who encourage these “decorations” don’t realize how dangerous they could be. Don’t be fooled by them calling these ideas “cosmetic dentistry” or “cosmetic orthodontics.” There’s a huge difference between what you see online and cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics done by professionals. Before you decide to listen to a self-proclaimed TikTok orthodontist or doing DIY orthodontic treatment at home, let us show you what we mean.
One of the big TikTok trends that has us shaking our heads is the idea that you should reshape your teeth. People discuss how to reshape your teeth if you don’t like the shape or if you want vampire fangs or wolf teeth or some other shape. Please please don’t file down your teeth.
Filing your teeth causes permanent damage by removing the enamel — the hard outer shell that protects the living inside of your tooth. That shell keeps your teeth from rotting and becoming infected. This could cause the tooth to fall out. Using a nail file on your teeth can also be incredibly painful, both during the process and afterward when the exposed pulp and dentin inside the tooth rots and dies. The tooth will eventually turn brown or black and fall out.
Bottom line, when it comes to teeth filing, don’t try this at home — or anywhere else.
We’ve seen another TikTok dental trend that has us concerned. People are using hot glue or Super Glue to place fake tooth gems on their teeth. They believe adding teeth gems this way looks great for Halloween or gives their smile a little extra “bling.” It may seem like a fun idea, but it won’t seem as much fun when you see the damage it does to your teeth.
The hot glue can scar your tooth, discoloring it. The excessive heat can also damage your tooth, causing it to rot and eventually fall out. It can also cause severe burns to your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.
You might think Super Glue would be a better option, but it isn’t. The bond is so strong that it can cause permanent damage to your tooth because it would be difficult — if not impossible — to get off. You could also accidentally get it on the soft tissue in your mouth and damage it to the point that a trip to the dentist or even the emergency room would be your only option to get rid of it. On top of all that, Super Glue is highly toxic. That means you could get very sick from using it.
If you want to “bling” up your smile for Halloween or any other event, talk to a dentist or Dr. Zombek about safe alternatives.
We’ve seen another TikTok orthodontic trend that we find very dangerous. Videos show people doing “at-home braces” or do-it-yourself orthodontics using rubber bands, ponytail holders, or whatever else they decide to fit around their teeth. They claim that doing this will close gaps and move teeth without needing braces or even a visit to an orthodontist. They also suggest that wearing fake braces or “fashion braces” can move your teeth or give them that braces look without worrying about what an orthodontist might say.
They don’t understand that orthodontics is a very detailed-oriented, specific process involving minute calculations to move each tooth a certain way. Otherwise, you can move a tooth to the wrong place, move it too much, or move it too fast. This can cause other dental problems, such as crowded teeth, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. That’s why dental trends from TikTok can be so dangerous.
Zombek Orthodontics gives you a detailed examination on your first visit, complete with 3D digital scans and x-rays using cutting-edge technology. We draw up a very specific plan customized to you. This plan moves your teeth exactly the right way to give you a perfect smile without damaging your teeth, jaws, or gums. You will never get those results from a rubber band or ponytail holder.
If you’re thinking of using homemade braces or fake braces, please talk to us first. You may be surprised at the options we can offer you, and you will definitely be pleased when your teeth don’t fall out from wrapping them in your old hair scrunchie.
You’ve probably heard of those mail-order, at-home orthodontic companies who plaster social media (TikTok included) with ads about how much easier and cheaper it is to use their products. They lead you to believe anyone can use clear aligners.
The truth is, these companies care more about profits than final results. Those final results usually aren’t what people expect. That’s because not everyone is a candidate for clear aligners. Some people need braces and possibly appliances such as a tongue crib or palate expander before braces to get the best results. That’s why it is so important to go to a licensed, professional orthodontist for your clear aligners.
Zombek Orthodontics is Platinum Invisalign Provider in Hollywood, FL, and Weston, FL. That means we provide at least 60 Invisalign treatments every six months, so you know we have the expertise to know whether Invisalign is right for you. Unlike mail-in companies, the most important thing to us is your satisfaction with your new smile.
We can’t neglect one of the grossest trends we’ve seen — using nail polish on teeth to change their color. You should NEVER use nail polish on your teeth. For one thing, it’s highly toxic, so you can get very sick. For another, it can discolor your teeth permanently, which means you would need a cap, crown, or veneer to repair the damage.
There is a product called Chrom Toothpolish that was created by dentists to color teeth. It is non-toxic and temporary and comes in various colors and glitters. It can be removed with normal toothbrushing. However, it is not recommended if you have braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. The company recommends you check with your dentist or orthodontist before using the product.
If you’re truly looking to get the smile of your dreams, don’t rely on a TikTok trend or other instructions from social media. If you’re in the Hollywood or Weston, FL, areas, come see us by booking an appointment. We will give you a thorough examination and layout options that will achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without any damage or illness. We are definitely your safe bet compared to what you might see on social media. You can stick with TikTok for cute cat videos, but when it comes to gorgeous smiles, we’re the ones you want to see!
This site’s strategy, design, photo & video were created by the marginally-above-average folks @ Clear Partnering Group.
