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At-home DIYs have taken the world by storm, especially with social media at its peak. And surprisingly, a lot of them include using Vaseline for household and beauty hacks. However, an unusual trend has emerged in recent times that showcases using Vaseline for teeth straightening. But does it actually work?
In today’s blog, we’ll explore how this hack gained so much popularity and whether it’s the next DIY beauty hack that you need to try.
Vaseline and Teeth Straightening: Does It Actually Work?
Vaseline is a well-known beauty hack in the DIY community, as it has amassed popularity with skin moisturizing, soothing chapped lips, and even being used as a highlighter. Moreover, influencers worldwide have been making DIY snippets using Vaseline for teeth straightening. But is it a viable solution? The clear answer is no.
While it may come as a shock to some, Vaseline cannot straighten your teeth and is not credible as a DIY beauty hack for dental alignment. However, to get a clearer picture as to why Vaseline does not work for teeth straightening, we need to understand how teeth alignment takes place.
How Does Teeth Straightening Work?
Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusions, are a common dental issue triggered by a series of external or internal factors. Malocclusions can either be present by birth or develop over time. In fact, sources from NewMouth state that around 25% to 53% do require some orthodontic intervention in their lives.
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Generally, dental appliances apply gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them towards the desired alignment. Which is why Vaseline, being a lubricant, can't exert any pressure on the misaligned teeth.
The Risks Of Using Vaseline For Teeth Straightening
While Vaseline may be the next best DIY beauty hack for some, it serves no viable function in teeth straightening. In fact, using Vaseline can have adverse effects on your gums and teeth, leading to further dental complications. To get a clearer picture as to why using Vaseline for teeth straightening is not a good idea, here are some risks associated with it:
Gum Infection
Infections require a warm and moist environment for bacterial growth, both of which are provided by Vaseline. This is why applying Vaseline for teeth straightening can lead to bacteria accumulation resulting in gum infections, also known as gingivitis.
To detect if you’re dealing with a Vaseline-induced gum infection, check for symptoms of gum infection such as swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums.
Enamel Erosion
Vaseline being a viscous lubricant, tends to trap food particles in your teeth and gums. When stuck for longer periods, these particles give rise to bacterial growth, which in turn produces acidic substances leading to enamel erosion of the teeth.
Irritation and Discomfort
Vaseline's thick viscosity can lead to difficulty in speaking or other teeth-related movements. causing further discomfort.
Harmful Ingestion
Applying vaseline for teeth straightening can also lead to its ingestion over time. This leads to harmful consequences such as gastrointestinal problems, pneumonia, and much more. Moreover, ingesting Vaseline can also prevent the intestines from absorbing nutrients, which can result in nutritional deficiency and digestive issues.
Teeth Straightening With ALIGNERCO
To ensure a smooth teeth straightening experience that safeguards you from the harmful drawbacks of DIY dental hacks such as using Vaseline for teeth straightening, ALIGNERCO provides a wide selection of industry-leading dental alignment solutions.
While it's undeniable that Vaseline has a strong presence in the world of DIY tips and beauty hacks, dental care requires expert treatment and supervision, which is why you should always consult your dentist or orthodontist when looking for the best teeth straightening solutions.
FAQs
Q: Are there any safe and effective teeth straightening DIY hacks?
Teeth straightening is a sensitive treatment and requires a series of precise teeth movements for the perfect alignment, something that can’t be achieved using DIY hacks.
Q: How long does a teeth straightening treatment take?
Depending on the severity of the case and the treatment option being used, a teeth treatment can take from a few months to more than a year. For a more accurate treatment time, it’s best to consult an expert dentist or orthodontist.