Dental gutters bought on the Internet, a real danger? Dentists are worried – Elle

Published on May 22, 2022 at 10:15 a.m.

For some time now, a trend has been circulating on social networks: dental gutters, which would guarantee dream teeth. All you have to do is order a gutter in one click, use it regularly and that’s it… in appearance at least. In 2019, more than 600,000 contents were shared on Instagram concerning this device, indicates the “Huffington Post”. But faced with this craze, orthodontists warn: without consultation or medical advice, these gutters purchased on the Internet could represent a danger.

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Goal: a perfect smile

The purpose of these transparent aligners is to straighten the teeth. They represent a medical device originally used by orthodontists for adolescents or adults following banding. In general, they are used for aesthetic purposes to align the teeth, correct their positioning or too much space between them. Today a trend has developed around this phenomenon. Thus, the brands distributing this product are multiplying and many influencers are praising its merits. A promotion that poses a problem, as the French Federation of Orthodontics explains in a press release: “There is no question of denying the effectiveness of these aligners. […] The main defect of these aligners is finally that the commercial companies distributing them present them as an easy technique, suitable for all patients, and within the reach of any dental surgeon, even non-specialist in orthodontics”.

An attractive price, but non-existent follow-up

In addition to promoting influencers, it is the attractive price that attracts. And for good reason, the gutter is not always covered by health insurance and can be quite expensive. Users are therefore undeniably attracted by the attractive price and promises of an incredible smile. Result ? They do not hesitate long to take the plunge. The France Inter site shared the testimony of Guillaume who also succumbed to this trend: “Guillaume found his on an online sales site at the unbeatable price of €46. “We receive a transparent gutter with a poorly translated user manual”, explains the forty-year-old, complexed by the gaps between his teeth. “The taste of plastic is really unpleasant and after a week I had really bad toothache so I went to see an orthodontist.” Her account also highlights another problem: the lack of follow-up by a specialist. For example, “the dental impression is made without consultation with an orthodontist and the non-personalized device is put in place without medical assistance” underlines the site “Cnews”.

Dental trays are a real health hazard

The effects of treatment without clinical examination, imaging, or regular clinical monitoring can have disastrous consequences, according to professional dental and orthodic associations and institutions in more than twenty countries. This is what confirms to “France Inter”, doctor Gérard Motto, president of the French Union of Specialists in Orthodontics (SFSO): “At best, there is no dental movement and the patient has just lost money for nothing, at worst, he can develop cavities, more or less serious periodontal damage, and even loss of teeth through uncontrolled movements”. In addition, a gutter that is not adapted to his teeth can also cause problems with chewing, swallowing, speech or even increase the risk of cancer by friction. Thus, from a medical point of view, remote treatment and self-treatment can represent a real health risk and are therefore not recommended.