Fashion Braces vs. Real Orthodontic Braces:

Why Metal Braces Are Cool Again

If you’ve been think about getting braces and scrolling through social media lately, you might have noticed something surprising: braces are cool again!

With so many choices and color combinations available, orthodontic patients are making all kinds of styles with their old-school metal brackets and wires.

Before you jump on this new trend, it’s important to understand the big difference between fake fashion braces and real orthodontic treatment.

The Rise of Fashion Braces: A Dangerous New Trend?

Fashion braces are exactly what they sound like – fake braces that people glue or stick to their teeth just to look trendy.

These DIY kits include fake metal brackets, wires, and dental adhesive that you can buy online. Some people are even visiting unlicensed individuals in their homes to get these “basement braces” applied, which sounds as scary as it is!

But here’s the problem: fashion braces can seriously damage your oral health in ways that might surprise you.

When an orthodontist bonds metal brackets to teeth, they have special training to move, reattach, and remove braces safely without removing any enamel.

Tooth enamel is very important and irreplaceable. It will never be regrown naturally by your body once it is gone.

Let’s explore more safety concerns with fake-braces.

The Serious Dangers of Fake Braces

The American Association of Orthodontists has issued strong warnings about fashion braces, and for good reason. These seemingly harmless accessories can cause major problems:

Uncontrolled Tooth Movement

Even though fashion braces aren’t designed to move teeth, they still put pressure on your teeth once they’re glued on. This can cause your teeth to shift in unwanted ways, potentially making crooked teeth even worse or creating new alignment problems.

This is especially true with younger middle-school aged kids because their teeth are growing-in and actively moving. Called mix-dentition by dentists, slight changes in the direction teeth at this stage of development can have major negative consequences.

In fact, you might end up needing teeth removed or extensive real orthodontic treatment to fix the damage!

Poisoning Risk

Unlike real braces made by medical professionals, fashion braces often contain dangerous chemicals like cadmium or lead. These toxic metals can cause serious health problems including liver damage, heart disease, and even cancer if they stay in your mouth for a long time.

Choking and Cuts

Fashion braces use cheap adhesive that can easily break, causing brackets or wires to fall off. When this happens, the loose pieces can scratch your gums and cheeks, or worse – become a choking hazard if you accidentally swallow them.

Infections

Thailand banned fake braces in 2018 after they caused infections that led to the deaths of two teenagers. The infections happened when heavy metals from the fake braces seeped into their mouth tissues. This shows just how dangerous these products can be.

If you decide to give fake “fashion” braces a try, please avoid:

• Gluing anything to your teeth
• Removing any enamel (aka etching)
• Leaving appliances on too long
• Allow unlicensed people to fit braces

Causing long-term damage to teeth and soft-tissue is a significant risk when using fake braces to show-off. Real braces are safe and improve your smile’s appearance for a lifetime.

Why Real Orthodontic Braces Are the Better Choice

If you want that trendy braces look, traditional braces from a real orthodontist are the way to go. Here’s why real orthodontic treatment is so much better:

Safety First

Real braces are made from medical-grade materials in sterile environments. Orthodontists go through years of special training after dental school to learn how to safely move teeth and create a beautiful smile. You won’t need “bling” if your smile is perfected by Dr. Dallam.

Actual Results

While fashion braces only give you the look, real braces actually straighten your teeth and fix bite problems. You’ll end up with a perfect smile and better oral health – not just the appearance of braces.

Fun Colors and Options

Modern orthodontic patients have tons of treatment options and braces colors to choose from:

• Traditional metal braces with colorful rubber bands in every shade imaginable
• Ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth
• Clear aligners for a nearly invisible option
• Self-ligating braces that work faster than traditional braces
• Lingual braces that go behind your teeth

You can even get designer brackets in fun shapes like stars and hearts!

How Pop Culture Made Braces Cool Again

It’s amazing how much things have changed! Last year, having a “metal mouth” was something students in middle school tried to avoid. Now, celebrities like Dakota Fanning and Tom Cruise have shown that adult braces can be stylish and confidence-boosting.

Social media has played a huge role in this change. Young people are sharing their orthodontic journey online, showing off their different colors and making wearing braces look fun instead of embarrassing. The “brace face” has become something to celebrate, not hide!

This shift in thinking is actually great news for oral health. When braces look cool, more people are willing to get the dental work they need for straight teeth and a healthy smile.

Straightened teeth are easy to keep clean and don’t have pockets where bacteria can thrive which eventually causes gum disease and tooth decay. Form a young age, kids will benefit from a cleaner mouth.

Treatment Options for Every Age

Whether you’re a young patient in middle school or an adult who never had braces, there are treatment options for everyone:

For Young Patients

• Traditional metal braces with fun colors
• Ceramic braces for a less noticeable look
• Different colors of rubber bands to match your personality or school colors

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For Adult Patients

• Clear braces or ceramic brackets for professional settings
• Clear aligners for maximum discretion
• Adult braces options that fit busy lifestyles

No one has to feel embarrassed about getting orthodontic treatment anymore. In fact, taking care of your teeth shows financial success, maturity, and self-care!

The Long-Term Benefits of Real Braces

Real orthodontic treatment offers benefits that last a long time:

• Straight teeth that are easier to clean
• Better oral health and reduced risk of gum disease
• A great smile that boosts confidence
• Improved bite function for better chewing
• Prevention of jaw problems later in life

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

If you’re thinking about joining the braces trend, here’s some advice: skip the fashion braces and visit a real orthodontist instead. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends only getting braces from qualified professionals who have completed the additional 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school.

At Augusta Orthodontics, Dr. Dallam and our team understand that braces are cool and we’re here to help you achieve both the look you want and the healthy smile you deserve. We offer all types of braces and can help you choose the perfect colors and style for your personality.

Good luck on your orthodontic journey! Remember, the goal isn’t just to look trendy – it’s to create a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Don’t risk your oral health with dangerous fashion braces when you can get the real thing safely and effectively.

Ready to Join the Cool Braces Movement?

The real braces trend isn’t going anywhere, and that’s a good thing for oral health! In fact, the popularity of “fashion braces” proves how much kids and adults are loving and showing off their “metal-mouths”.

If you’re ready to make wearing braces a positive experience, contact Augusta Orthodontics today. We’ll help you explore your treatment options and show you why cool braces from a real orthodontist are always the better choice.

Remember: there’s nothing more fashionable than a healthy, confident smile!

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