Braces Done Wrong: Dangers of Cheap or DIY Braces
Braces can transform lives when done properly. But when braces are done wrong—through cheap, unsafe clinics or DIY methods—the results can be devastating. Cheap braces risks include tooth loss, gum disease, and even permanent bite collapse.
On social media, “fake braces” and “DIY braces” are sometimes promoted as fashion or shortcuts. Meanwhile, some clinics in the Philippines advertise orthodontics with low down payments, no X-rays, no treatment plan, and no oral rehabilitation. Patients think they are saving money, but in reality they are setting themselves up for serious harm.
This article explains the dangers of DIY braces and wrong braces treatment, shows a real case from Affinity Dental Clinics, and highlights the proper steps every patient should expect in legitimate orthodontic care.
Why People Risk Cheap or DIY Braces
- Braces as Fashion: Fake braces in the Philippines are marketed as accessories.
- Low Cost Marketing: Some clinics push braces as quick, cheap products instead of medical treatments.
- False Security: Because braces are common, people assume they’re harmless.
But braces are powerful medical devices. Done correctly, they require precise planning, expertise, and monitoring. Done incorrectly, they can cause irreversible damage to teeth, gums, and bone.
Evidence and Research on the Dangers of DIY Braces
- DIY Braces & Rubber Bands: The American Association of Orthodontists documented cases where rubber bands slipped under gums, causing bone destruction and tooth loss【aaoinfo.org†source】.
- Mail-Order Braces: Colgate warns that “at-home braces” skip X-rays and exams, allowing hidden decay and gum disease to worsen【colgate.com†source】.
- “Fashion Braces”: News reports on fake braces in Asia found toxic metals like lead and cadmium in decorative brackets, creating health hazards and enamel damage【nypost.com†source】.
- Patient Testimonies: Online discussions reveal common frustrations:
- “I took my braces out after 3 years and they’re still crooked.”【reddit.com†source】
- “Anything over 4 years is a red flag and can cause permanent effects.”【reddit.com†source】
Real Case Example: Braces Done Wrong
At Affinity Dental Clinics, one patient arrived after years of braces in a clinic promoting low-cost treatment. His braces had been installed without X-rays, no treatment plan, and no rehabilitation of existing cavities.
Clinical Findings
- Multiple upper front teeth developed irreversible pulpitis and necrosis.
- Cavities worsened under brackets bonded to already decayed teeth.
- Bite collapsed, chewing function impaired.
- Inflamed gums and bone compromise from wrong braces treatment.
Treatment Plan
- Root Canal Treatments on necrotic anterior teeth.
- Upper Arch Rehabilitation:
- PFZ (Porcelain-Fused-to-Zirconia) bridge from teeth 13–23.
- Zirconia crowns for 16–14 and 24–25.
- Lower Arch: Scheduled for complete zirconia restoration.
Outcome (So Far)
The upper arch was successfully restored with zirconia crowns and a bridge, transforming a collapsed, necrotic smile into a functional and natural-looking one. The lower arch rehabilitation is ongoing.
Lesson: This case reveals the hidden cost of cheap braces risks. What began as a ₱5,000 low down payment for braces eventually turned into a ₱500,000 full oral rehabilitation. What seemed affordable at first became a complex, costly journey—all because the braces were done wrong from the very beginning.
What Can Go Wrong with Bad Braces Treatment
- Tooth Loss – from uncontrolled orthodontic forces.
- Root Resorption – roots shorten, weakening teeth.
- Gum & Bone Damage – irreversible periodontal loss.
- Collapsed Bite – impaired chewing, jaw pain, speech issues.
- Caries & Necrosis – untreated decay worsens under brackets.
- Time & Money Wasted – retreatment is longer, harder, and costlier.
The Proper Steps in Legitimate Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics is not “brackets today, results tomorrow.” It is a structured journey requiring diagnostics, rehabilitation, expertise, and hygiene support. This is why legitimate orthodontics cannot be “too cheap.”
Traditional Metal Braces
- Consultation & Exam – complete oral evaluation.
- Diagnostics & Records – X-rays, photos, study models or digital scans.
- Treatment Planning – customized bite analysis.
- Pre-Ortho Rehabilitation – fillings, gum treatment, wisdom tooth removal if necessary.
- Placement of Braces – only on healthy teeth, with quality materials.
- Regular Adjustments – every 4–6 weeks with one supervising orthodontist.
- Professional Cleaning & Hygiene Reinforcement – every 3–6 months, plus reinforced brushing and flossing.
- Mid-Treatment Evaluations – adjustments as needed.
- Debonding (Braces Removal) – only once treatment goals are achieved.
- Retention – retainers to keep teeth stable.
👉 These steps show why cheap braces risks are real: you are not paying for “brackets and wires” but for the entire supervised process that ensures safety and long-term results.
Self-Ligating Braces and Invisalign®
- Self-Ligating Braces: Advanced brackets without rubber bands, requiring fewer adjustment visits.
- Invisalign® Aligners: Removable trays that allow better hygiene and less frequent clinic visits.
Both still require full diagnostics, treatment planning, and professional monitoring—the difference is in comfort and convenience, not skipping steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if braces are done wrong?
Wrong braces treatment can cause tooth loss, necrosis, gum damage, and collapsed bites.
Are DIY braces safe?
No. DIY braces and fake braces carry severe risks, from infections to tooth loss.
Why do cheap braces fail?
They often skip diagnostics, ignore oral rehabilitation, and use low-quality materials with no proper supervision.
How long should braces take?
Most cases last 18–36 months. If treatment drags beyond 4 years with little progress, it’s a warning sign.
Do self-ligating braces or Invisalign require fewer visits?
Yes. They typically need fewer adjustment visits, but still require proper diagnostics and professional monitoring.
Final Thoughts
DIY braces, fake braces, and bargain orthodontics may seem appealing, but they come with serious risks. Teeth and gums do not grow back once damaged.
Legitimate orthodontics is a medical process: diagnostics first, rehabilitation before braces, structured adjustments, hygiene maintenance, and retention afterward. Anything less is unsafe.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we believe braces are not about shortcuts or fashion—they are about restoring health, function, and confidence. We are not the cheapest, and not the most expensive either. What we provide is fair, honest, and high-quality orthodontic care that protects your smile for life.
👉 Book a consultation today and let us guide you safely on your orthodontic journey.
📍 Affinity Dental Clinics are located in Makati, BGC, Alabang, Ortigas, Parañaque, and Cebu.