Basement braces go viral as dentists warn of harm

basement braces – A dangerous “basement dentist” trend is spreading online, with unlicensed people offering fake braces for $120–$300 instead of thousands. A participant says her braces popped off and the space between her teeth returned, while a TikTok creator acknowledges fea

For people chasing a cosmetic smile, the promise is simple: skip the hassle, pay a fraction, and get braces that look good fast. But dentists are sounding the alarm as “basement braces” spread—an unlicensed practice where fake braces are installed for as little as $120 to $300.

The cost is exactly what’s drawing attention. Instead of paying upwards of $5,000, some are opting for the low-price alternative, even as the risk is permanent tooth loss. On ‘TSR Investigates. ’ Justin Carter is getting to the bottom of why this trend is picking up steam and what happens after clients leave the “basement dentist” setup.

Cherrae Wilson told Carter she went to a basement dentist not because she needed dental work. but because she wanted the cosmetic look. After the procedure. she said the braces “popped off. ” and the space between her teeth was back—an outcome she described to Carter as proof that the result didn’t hold.

Wilson also put a number on how quickly the process was pitched. She explained the braces work was “literally just a 10-15 minute process,” framing it as something far shorter than many people would expect for a real orthodontic procedure.

Carter then described how easy it was to find more “basement dentists” online. He reportedly came across a woman named Angelica, who goes by “Braces by Dior” on TikTok. When asked if she considers herself a “basement dentist,” Angelica avoided the label and called herself a “one-stop shop.”

Angelica told Carter she does “the braces. ” and also performs what she described as a monthly checkup that includes “X-rays and stuff.” She said she would characterize her services as “basement braces” because she “got a hold to a lot of stuff.” When Carter pressed which items. she said. “I wouldn’t say too much. but I’m [going to] gatekeeper.”.

Dentists’ concerns center not just on the price, but on what’s being used and who is qualified to do it. Carter asked about Angelica’s equipment, and she reportedly wouldn’t share details about what she uses. She did say she went to a trade school.

And when Carter asked if she was “fearful” about performing the procedures, Angelica’s answer was direct: “Yes.” She also discussed what happens when clients encounter pain or bleeding, speaking to Carter about her process in those moments.

Dr. Heavenly Kimes—described in the segment as a reality TV star and a board-certified dentist—sits down with Carter to share her thoughts on the dangerous practice.

The story turns on a harsh mismatch: buyers are chasing speed and low costs, and yet the accounts in the segment point to unstable results and unanswered questions about training, equipment, and safety.

A dangerous trend doesn’t need mass numbers to cause real damage. Even at $120–$300, “basement braces” are showing up where proper care should be—exactly the kind of shortcut dentists worry could leave clients facing permanent tooth loss instead of the look they came for.

basement braces basement dentist trend fake braces unlicensed dental procedures Justin Carter TSR Investigates Cherrae Wilson Angelica Braces by Dior Dr. Heavenly Kimes TikTok dental trend