An Orthodontic Trend We Do Not Recommend
At Ashraf Dentistry, we are committed to educating our community about safe, effective care when it comes to orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) highlighted a concerning new trend in their article on the rise of fashion braces—a fad we believe calls for serious attention. Inspired by their message, we want to offer our professional perspective on why this trend is not only misleading but also potentially harmful.
While style and self-expression are important, especially among teens, choosing health and safety over hype is always the right decision. Here’s what you need to know about fashion braces—and why we strongly advise against them. (Source: American Association of Orthodontists, The Rise of Fashion Braces: Why You Should Avoid This New Trend, https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/the-rise-of-fashion-braces-why-you-should-avoid-this-new-trend/ ).
What Are Fashion Braces?
Fashion braces are decorative brackets and wires that mimic the look of real orthodontic appliances but offer no therapeutic benefit. These accessories are often installed by non-professionals or even self-applied, with no consideration for tooth movement or oral anatomy.
Ashraf Dentistry highlights, “Braces are not jewelry. True orthodontic appliances are precise tools designed to correct misaligned teeth, improve bite function, and protect long-term oral health. Applying brackets and wires without a comprehensive treatment plan and professional oversight is not only ineffective—it’s dangerous.”
The Health Risks of Fashion Braces
Unlike professionally monitored orthodontic treatment, fashion braces are not sterile, nor are they designed to safely interact with your teeth and gums. The result? A significant risk of infection, tooth decay, enamel damage, and even tooth loss. Without proper bonding techniques and materials, these makeshift appliances can cause irreparable harm.
Ashraf Dentistry states, “We’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by improperly placed brackets and wires. Gum infections, root resorption, and even shifting teeth in the wrong direction are common outcomes. What may start as a cosmetic choice can quickly become a costly and painful medical issue.”
Why Teens Are Especially Drawn to This Trend
The desire to fit in, look fashionable, or mimic social media influencers makes orthodontic for teens a space where these unsafe trends can take hold. Teenagers may not fully comprehend the risks involved or the importance of proper care when it comes to their smiles.
Ashraf Dentistry shares, “We know how important self-expression is for young people. However, we encourage parents and teens to consider the difference between a safe, science-backed orthodontic solution and a dangerous shortcut. Fashion braces offer the illusion of care without the health benefits—it’s a risk no one should take.”
The Importance of Licensed Orthodontic Care
Licensed orthodontists undergo years of specialized education and training to safely move teeth and align jaws. They create customized treatment plans using evidence-based methods to ensure that orthodontic treatment achieves both aesthetic and functional results. Fashion braces, by contrast, are applied without any medical assessment or monitoring.
Ashraf Dentistry comments, “Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each patient’s smile is unique, requiring careful evaluation and a personalized approach. Without diagnostic tools like X-rays, digital scans, and a professional exam, any attempt to move teeth—or simply place hardware on them—can lead to serious consequences.”
The Danger of DIY and Unsupervised Orthodontics
Many fashion braces kits are sold online, encouraging consumers to take orthodontics into their own hands. DIY aligner systems and fashion braces bypass critical professional oversight, increasing the likelihood of permanent damage.
Ashraf Dentistry notes, “There is no safe DIY method for correcting misaligned teeth. Orthodontic movement involves biology—bone remodeling, root positioning, and soft tissue health—not just hardware. The idea that braces can be a fashion statement or a do-it-yourself project minimizes the complexity of real care and jeopardizes patient safety.”
Long-Term Consequences of Fashion Braces
Improperly applied fashion braces can cause teeth to shift unpredictably, leading to worse alignment than before. This can make future orthodontic treatment more complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. In severe cases, permanent damage to the roots or surrounding bone can occur, requiring surgical intervention.
Ashraf Dentistry shares, “What might seem like a harmless style choice can turn into years of corrective procedures. In some cases, damage from fashion braces means that even the best orthodontic solutions cannot fully undo the harm. Prevention is always better than repair when it comes to oral health.”
Choosing Safe and Effective Orthodontic Solutions
Consulting with a licensed orthodontist is the only recommended path for those who want to improve their smiles safely and effectively. Professional orthodontic treatment not only enhances appearance but also improves bite function, speech, and overall oral health.
Ashraf Dentistry highlights, “We understand the desire for a beautiful smile, especially among young people exploring their identity. But beauty should never come at the expense of health. With modern orthodontic technology, there are many safe, discreet options—from clear aligners to ceramic braces—that offer both aesthetic appeal and proven results.”
Final Thoughts: Why We Say No to Fashion Braces
While fashion braces might catch the eye on social media, the risks far outweigh the fleeting trend. Healthy smiles are built on expert care, not shortcuts.
Ashraf Dentistry concludes, “At the heart of every effective orthodontic solution is a commitment to health, safety, and expertise. Our advice is simple: trust your smile to professionals. Your teeth deserve care that protects their health for life—not a fashion statement that puts it at risk.”
