Braces as Hot New Fashion Accessory?
Did you ever think you’d see the day when braces would become the latest fashion trend? There’s good news for all of you currently in orthodontic treatment – that day has arrived!
Models in braces walked the catwalk during last spring’s New York Fashion Week, and graced the cover of a popular fashion magazine. Seventeen-year-old model Kitty Hayes was on the cover of CR Fashion Book, smiling big and proud with her braces and blue ligatures.
“So often, we hear the outdated idea that braces are a cause for embarrassment or that teens want to hide away during their treatment,” says Dr. Michael Stosich, a Kenilworth orthodontist. “But I encourage all of my patients to embrace their smiles while in treatment, and I love seeing these models putting a positive spin on orthodontics. Bettering your smile is nothing to be ashamed of!”
Another model, Charlie James, has several years of orthodontics in front of him. But rather than hiding his smile during this time, he is proudly showing off his grin, braces and all as he walks in fashion shows.
If you Google “braces as fashion accessory” you’ll find a host of articles relaying how teens in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia were wearing fake braces as an accessory. They were purchasing metal and plastic mouthpieces, some that even had cartoon designs, to mimic the look of braces. The fake braces were thought to show status, wealth and style.
While do-it-yourself orthodontics of any kind, even if fake, should be frowned upon due to the health hazards it could pose, it is interesting to see how different parts of the world think about orthodontic treatment.
“The teenage years can be brutal, trying to fit in and follow the latest trends,” says Dr. Stosich. “Braces are almost like a rite of passage, and you don’t have to attempt to hide out during your time in treatment anymore. If braces are walking the catwalk, then you can feel confident as you walk the halls of your school.”
Dr. Stosich’s office offers iD braces that are sleeker and more efficient, and that can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. He also offers iDentity Clear Aligners that allow patients to straighten their teeth discretely, without anyone even realizing what’s happening.
And when you choose conventional iD braces, you can even personalize them to match your personality. You can choose colored elastics that match your favorite team’s colors, coincide with a holiday or occasion, or change them up at every appointment to show your unique personality.
“Our low-profile metal braces are the most common type of braces today,” says Dr. Stosich. “They are more comfortable than ever before, and I love seeing the color combinations my patients put together for their elastics. Orthodontics can be fun, and our society is finally realizing that it doesn’t have to be a dreaded time in a teen’s life. We encourage our patients to embrace the change they are making, and smile big throughout their treatment.”
Banner image courtesy of: Google.com
