Some people say “a smile is the best accessory you can wear”, so if you want to look great, that’s understandable. Teeth whitening services, Invisalign and other cosmetic procedures are all popular tools for enhancing smiles, but a new beauty trend has emerged around TikTok that is more dangerous than it looks. People, especially young women, are trying to straighten their teeth at home for a smooth, even, movie-star perfect smile.
In the video about shaving, a regular nail file is brought to the end of the front teeth and used for sawing, back and forth to remove bumps and uneven edges. “Hacking” has been performed using a variety of file types, including metal and glass. “Some people may not be happy with the shape of their teeth, and that’s where dental restorations can be reasonably priced,” Victoria Veytsman, DDS, celebrity cosmetic dentist and owner of Cosmetic Dental Studios, told POPSUGAR. “One tooth may be longer than the other, your teeth may line up in a way you don’t like, or your teeth may chip.”
While it’s understandable that someone might want to fix their teeth, Dr. Veytsman is sharing why viral cosmetic “hacks” can actually cause long-term damage.
The dangers of brushing your teeth at home
First, it’s worth noting that dental restoration is not a new concept — it’s actually a specialty service offered by many dentist offices. Also called enameloplasty, it can reshape your teeth and change your smile. But like most dental-related treatments, it’s not something you should handle on your own.
“One of the problems with home dental work is the potential damage it can cause to the enamel,” says Dr. Veytsman. “Unlike other procedures or cosmetic modifications, dental restorations are irreversible and include enamel damage.” Your enamel is the protective coating or layer on the outside of your teeth. It doesn’t regenerate, so once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. The problem there: Enamel protects teeth from cavities, cavities, stains and even tooth sensitivity.
Since dental files are permanent, you may also change your smile and make it worse than when you started. “If you file your teeth and don’t like the results, then naturally you can’t do anything to reverse that,” Dr. Veytsman said. You will need professional help for various cosmetic dental procedures.
your teeth were fixed at the dentist
So what can you do? The answer is simple: go to the dentist. While this requires extra travel, protecting your teeth and making sure they stay healthy for the long haul is well worth it. “These professionals understand your tooth structure and know if a dental file is right for you,” says Dr. Veytsman.
Reshaping teeth with enamel plastic surgery uses a gentle polishing tool, usually 30 minutes or less. The cost of the procedure varies, but can range from $50 to $300 for a minor reshaping of one tooth and up to $1,500 for multiple teeth. It’s not cheap, but it’s permanent, and dental filing is a delicate process, so don’t try it at home.
