Fashion Braces Are Everywhere: Here's Why You Should Avoid This Trend

"Fashion braces" are fake orthodontic brackets and wires that teens are gluing to their teeth for looks, purchased through DIY kits online with no functional ability to move teeth or fix a bite. Before you or your child orders a kit off social media, here's what every parent need to know about the trend and the very real health risks behind it.

What Are "Fashion Braces," Really?

Despite the name, fashion braces aren't orthodontic appliances at all. They're cosmetic brackets and wires, sold in kits with a dental adhesive, that get glued directly onto teeth purely for appearance. They aren't fitted by a professional, aren't adjusted over time, and do nothing to actually straighten teeth or correct a bite. Some teens are taking things even further by visiting unlicensed individuals (sometimes referred to online as "basement braces" ) to have these fake appliances applied outside of any dental setting at all.

Why the Trend Is Spreading Among Teens

Fashion braces have caught on the same way tooth gems and non-prescription glasses did: through social media and the appeal of trying a bold new look cheaply. For a generation used to experimenting with style on camera, a metallic smile can feel like just another accessory. The problem is that these kits are marketed and sold with little to no oversight, and most teens (and parents) don't realize they're putting a medically unregulated product directly on their teeth and gums.

The Real Risks of DIY Fake Braces

Uncontrolled Tooth Movement

Even though fashion braces aren't designed to treat anything, the brackets are still cemented onto the teeth, and that pressure doesn't disappear just because there's no orthodontist guiding it. Teeth can shift in unpredictable, unwanted ways, sometimes requiring real orthodontic treatment later to undo the damage.

Toxic Materials and Poisoning Risk

Because these kits typically come from unregulated online sellers rather than licensed dental manufacturers, there's no way to verify what the brackets and wires are actually made of. Reports have linked low-quality fashion braces to heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which can lead to serious long-term health issues with prolonged exposure in the mouth.

Choking Hazards and Oral Cuts

The adhesive used in these kits isn't the medical-grade bonding material orthodontists use, so pieces are far more likely to come loose. A loose wire or bracket can scratch or cut the inside of the cheeks and gums, and if a piece detaches completely, it becomes a swallowing or choking hazard.

Infection Risk

Fake braces aren't manufactured in sterile, regulated environments, which raises the risk of infection — especially if the appliance is already irritating or cutting the soft tissue in the mouth. This isn't a hypothetical concern: cases of severe infection tied to fake braces have been serious enough that some countries have banned their sale entirely.

A Word From Your OrthodonTish

When I see this trend online, my first thought is always for the parents who have no idea their child might be considering it. I talk to families every week who just want their kids to feel confident in their smile. I love that braces have become something teens are proud of rather than embarrassed by. But that confidence should never come from a kit ordered online with no oversight from a trained professional.

I always tell my patients: the look you're after is absolutely achievable safely. Real braces come in dozens of colors, shapes, and styles, and I can build a treatment plan around your child's actual bite while still letting them have fun with their smile. If your teen brings up fashion braces at home, I'd rather you bring them into my office first than let them order a kit. I'm always happy to talk through it with your family.

—— Dr. Tish Henderson, Board-Certified Orthodontist, Amazing Brace Orthodontics, Mount Laurel, NJ

Safe Ways to Get the Braces Look

• Choose real braces from a licensed orthodontist, which can be customized with colored ligatures at almost every visit
• Ask about designer bracket shapes, like hearts or stars, which some practices offer as a safe, professionally applied alternative
• Consider ceramic braces for a more subtle look that still comes with full orthodontic supervision
• Never apply any bracket, wire, or adhesive to your child's teeth outside of a licensed dental or orthodontic office

To see the full range of AAO-recommended treatment options and safe alternatives, the American Association of Orthodontists breaks down the trend in detail in The Rise of Fashion Braces: Why You Should Avoid This New Trend. For general guidance on how braces work and what to expect from real orthodontic treatment, the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy braces overview is also a helpful resource for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fashion braces the same as real orthodontic treatment? No. Fashion braces are cosmetic-only and have no ability to straighten teeth or correct a bite. Real orthodontic treatment requires a licensed provider who evaluates your bite and adjusts your appliance over time.

Can fashion braces actually move my child's teeth? Yes, but not in a good way. Because the brackets are glued on and put pressure on the teeth without any professional guidance, they can cause unwanted and uneven tooth movement that may need to be corrected later.

What should I do if my teen already applied a fashion braces kit? Don't attempt to remove it at home. Contact your family dentist so it can be removed safely without damaging the teeth or gums.

Can my child get colorful, fun-looking braces safely? Absolutely. Real braces can be customized with colored ligatures at nearly every adjustment visit, and some practices also offer designer bracket shapes for a similar look with full professional supervision.

Is Amazing Brace Orthodontics accepting new patients in the Mount Laurel area? Yes. We welcome patients of all ages from Mount Laurel, Marlton, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, and Voorhees. Learn more about our orthodontic options for every age or schedule a free consultation with Dr. Tish today.

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Sources: American Association of Orthodontists – The Rise of Fashion Braces: Why You Should Avoid This New Trend, American Dental Association – MouthHealthy: Braces

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