https://youtu.be/Lo2wp1TpjX0

If 400,000 YouTube views of one video serve as a barometer, teens are not heeding a consumer warning shared last year by the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics regarding “gap bands”.

In a report by wishtv.com, videos for a “do-it-yourself method to achieve a perfect smile” using elastic hair band continue to gain popularity in the social media arena. According to 24-Hour News 8’s Vi Nguyen @ViNguyen:

“Do a search on YouTube and you will find hundreds of videos about the treatment.

A majority of the users said all you need is an elastic rubber band. But doctors said the results can be beyond repair.

‘That is very dangerous,’ said Dr. Karen Cottingham, Cottingham Orthodontics. ‘Very dangerous.’

In one video, viewed more than 400,000 times, a girl can be seen on camera using an elastic rubber band to close a front gap.”

The American Association of Orthodontists said damage to teeth will be visible in about four to six weeks of using the rubber bands.

Read the full article at: https://wishtv.com/2015/08/13/orthodontists-warn-against-do-it-yourself-braces-treatment/