There was a time when a metal mouth or brace face was considered uncool. Kids who sported braces would rarely smile wide or reveal their teeth and hardware. Now, orthodontics are an accessory that many tweens and teens have through middle and high school. Braces are even cool enough that adults invest in them to finally get a straight smile. Here’s how the turnaround happened.
The Buzz About Braces
There were once plenty of orthodontic patients who asked for the most discreet alignment option possible, like Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, or Angel aligners. Now, though, the more conspicuous option – once the only viable option – has become the leader of the pack. Why?
- Social media. Braces have taken flight on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Patients share their orthodontic journeys (influencers and celebs too), changes in their teeth, alterations to their look, and experiences of living with braces. If you can make a video about it, you can make it cool – even when it comes to braces.
- Fashion statement. Braces are a desirable accessory for many people undergoing orthodontic treatment. You can change elastic colors at every appointment to suit an event, a season, favorite colors, or sports teams. Smiling for selfies or speaking up is not something people shy away from even when wearing hardware on their teeth. Braces are, simply enough, a desirable form of self-expression.
Benefits of Orthodontic Hardware
Today’s braces are hip and even come with a little nostalgia, like they belong to an earlier generation. Beauty has a flexible definition among today’s teens and if you embrace your look, no matter what it is, the confidence is appealing – braces included. There are other reasons for the popularity of braces:
- Braces are smaller than ever. Even if you have metal braces, the brackets are more manageable than before, so they don’t push out the lips as much nor do they cover the entire tooth. They might not be as discreet as Invisalign or Angel aligners, but they aren’t screaming for attention either.
- Some patients start early. For children with crowded teeth or other mouth development concerns, getting a palatal expander and front-teeth braces prepares them for full braces in the teen years. They know how it feels to wear braces, they’re less self-conscious about the look, and they know it’ll be over soon enough. Don’t lament a child’s need for phase one orthodontics – it’s a positive motivator in the long run.
Braces Get the Job Done
Your orthodontist will always recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for the patient, but those who opt for traditional braces have a solid, great experience. The orthodontist has greater control over the precision and movement of the brackets and wires, which delivers an incredible result efficiently, and patient compliance is inevitable. No taking off the brackets and wires for a break – they’re staying put and working all the time.
Braces are powerful, address complex alignment issues, and don’t require great effort from the wearer other than careful brushing and flossing and deliberate food choices that don’t damage the hardware. Ready to talk about the coolness of braces? Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Soleil at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA.
