Self-proclaimed “dentists” are fitting braces, which are used by dentists to align, straighten, and properly position teeth on the streets and in kiosks. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and they even fit braces for those who don’t need them or have never seen a dentist in person.
Using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, young vendors are advertising their new trade of fitting braces with adhesives that have been colored and mixed with other materials while ignoring health considerations.
A US-based Ghanaian orthodontist, Dr. Abraham Musah, touched on allergic reactions. Dr. Musah said some materials used in fashion braces might cause allergic reactions, resulting in swelling, redness, or other symptoms. He added that, unlike professionally fitted orthodontic braces, fashion braces did not address issues related to bite correction, potentially leading to long-term dental problems. These fashionable braces are aesthetically pleasing because they can be customized with different colors and patterns, but roadside braces come with serious health hazards, he argues.
Celebrity influence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has popularized the trend, with celebrities like Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Hailey Baldwin promoting braces. However, investing in fashion braces may be a financial loss due to complications from a lack of professional treatment. Some may experience burning or stinging sensations around the brace area, and an allergic reaction can cause swelling in the mouth, potentially obstructing breathing.
Dr. Musah discusses the various types of dental braces, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, used to improve tooth alignment. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to adjust teeth positioning, while heat-activated archwires use body heat to move teeth quickly and with less discomfort. Maintaining oral hygiene with braces requires diligent care to prevent plaque buildup and dental issues. Best practices include brushing after meals, holding a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and flossing to remove food particles trapped between teeth and under the arch wires.
Source : DailyGraphic
