Beauty is pain, as many people will tell you. From plastic surgery to painful, body shaping garments meant to hide and tuck away whatever imperfections there are, people are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that they look ‘perfect’. Just check out this article about how a woman paid over RM7,680 for double-eyelid surgery, only to wake up with eyelids that can be closed!
But it isn’t just surgery that can put your life at risk in your search for perfection! In a story published by Harian Metro, the Assistant Director of the Malaysian Ministry of Health Dr Doreyat Jemun says that the use of fake braces can put you at risk of contracting HIV!
Source: MyHealth
According to Dr Doreyat, the Ministry of Health has observed a new surge in popularity among the young to use fake braces, as many think of it as being a ‘fashion trend’.
Source: MyHealth
The rise of fake braces has also been linked to their affordability, as they are relatively cheap and quick to install, despite it being illegal in Malaysia to do so. But as a result, the number of medical cases submitted to public dental clinics has also increased, with many of them linked to the effects of using these fake braces.
“These braces are often fitted without following the right procedures, and what is most worrying is that this exposes the patient to various viral and bacterial infections.” he adds.
Some of these viral and bacterial infections may be relatively mild, but in severe cases, patients may even run into the risk of contracting HIV due to the improper fitting of fake braces.
Source: Facebook
Source: Harian Metro
Dr Doreyat says that while he understands the appeal in getting fake braces done due to their low cost, he strongly advises that patients seeking to have their teeth aligned to visit a proper dental care professional to have their braces fixed. “In most cases, fake braces causes the teeth to protrude further from the gums. Sometimes, they even cause them to fall off completely.”
As such, he suggests that people who wish to have proper orthodontic braces done should visit government-run public health dental clinics, as the prices are relatively affordable and the entire process is properly supervised according to Ministry of Health standards.
Woah, we didn’t know even fake braces could expose you to such high risks! Better think twice the next time someone tries to offer you braces for cheap!
Also read: Malaysian Dentist Shares His Horror to Discover Patient Wearing Fake Braces
