Fake Braces Trend: Why You Should Avoid Them

In today’s world of growing fashion and trends, teens would do anything for the gram just to represent themselves as cool and aesthetic. From DIY skincare hacks to viral fashion challenges, social media has something new almost every day. But sometimes, these trends go too far and teens may find it cool, but these trends are a trouble in the making. And fake braces are one of them.

Yes, you read that right. Fake braces exist, and people, especially teenagers, wear fake braces, an imitation of dental braces, not for medical or orthodontic purposes but purely as a fashion statement.

Braces were once seen as awkward or nerdy, but online influencers and viral content have reshaped that perception. Braces can now be marketed as "cute" or the latest "aesthetic." After some viral posts and influencer videos, fake braces are being perceived more as an eccentric accessory rather than a medical device.

While these fake-metal smiles might seem like a fun accessory for a TikTok video or Instagram selfie, the truth behind this trend is far more harmful. In this blog, we’ll explore what fake braces are, why they’ve become popular, and most importantly, why they should be avoided entirely.

What Are Fake Braces?

Fake braces are exactly what they sound like, non-medical accessories designed to mimic real orthodontic appliances. They are often made with colorful bands, wires, and brackets that are glued or clipped onto the teeth. These imitation braces are commonly promoted in DIY tutorials or sold by unlicensed vendors, typically at a fraction of the cost of professional treatment.

Unlike real orthodontic braces, fake braces are not customized to fit the individual’s dental structure and are applied without any medical oversight, making them both ineffective and potentially harmful.

The Appeal Behind the Fake Braces Trend

In the ever-evolving world of online fashion and viral challenges, teens are constantly looking for new ways to stand out and express themselves. While many trends are harmless and entertaining, others, like the fake braces trend, raise serious concerns. To understand the rising popularity of fake braces, it’s important to explore the psychological, social, and aesthetic forces driving this unusual phenomenon.

Social Media Influence

Fake braces have gained traction largely due to the influence of TikTok and Instagram. These platforms thrive on visually striking content; what looks good gets attention. As a result, braces have been rebranded from a medical necessity to a trendy, aesthetic accessory, fueling their popularity in online culture.

A Status Symbol

In certain countries, particularly in parts of Southeast Asia, braces are viewed as a fashion and status symbol. Since orthodontic treatment is expensive, having braces can signal that someone comes from a well-off background. This perception has filtered into other regions via globalized social media, where the aesthetic appeal of braces can be associated, consciously or subconsciously, with prestige or luxury.

Desire for Individuality

Teenagers often explore different ways to express their identity and build their style. For some, fake braces offer a unique way to stand out, especially when kits include colorful rubber bands or glittery brackets. These accessories are seen as playful and expressive, making them appealing to those wanting to personalize their look.

The DIY Culture

We live in a time where do-it-yourself trends are everywhere, from skincare and fashion to home décor. Teens enjoy the creativity and accessibility of making things on their own. Unfortunately, fake braces have become part of this trend. With DIY kits and online tutorials widely available, it's easy and dangerously tempting for young people to try these at home.

Why Fake Braces are Dangerous

If you're wondering why fake braces are dangerous, here’s the reality: Braces aren’t just about looks; they’re a medical device designed to apply pressure to your teeth and jaw over time. When applied incorrectly or without supervision, they can do serious harm.

The danger of DIY braces lies in their unpredictability. Real orthodontic treatment starts with X-rays, dental impressions, and careful planning. Fake braces skip all of that. Instead, they apply pressure blindly, which can result in:

• Misaligned bite, making chewing and speaking difficult
• Enamel damage, caused by metal scraping against your teeth
• Nerve damage or tooth loss, from improper force applied over time
• Injury to gums and mouth tissues, leading to pain, infections, and inflammation

What Fake Braces are Made of

One of the scariest parts of this trend is what fake braces are made from. Unlike professional braces crafted from medical-grade stainless steel and safe adhesives, many imitation kits are assembled from:

• Scrap metal
• Paper clips or wires are not meant for medical use
• Glue or rubber cement, which is toxic when applied in the mouth

These materials can release dangerous chemicals, irritate your gums, or even cause poisoning if swallowed or absorbed into the body. It’s not just uncomfortable, it’s genuinely dangerous.

Health Risks of Wearing Fake Braces

The risks of wearing fake braces go way beyond discomfort. Here are some of the most alarming homemade braces side effects:

• Gum infections and bleeding
• Tooth decay due to trapped bacteria
• Loosening or loss of teeth
• Permanent damage to tooth roots and jawbone
• Choking hazard from the broken part

Fake Braces and Illegal Orthodontic Treatment

As the fake braces trend continues to gain attention on social media, it’s important to understand that this isn’t just a harmless fashion statement; it’s a serious legal and medical issue. Putting braces on someone without a dental license is not only dangerous, it’s illegal in many countries.

Orthodontics is a regulated and specialized field of dentistry. Only licensed orthodontists, professionals who undergo years of formal training, are permitted to diagnose and treat orthodontic cases. Applying braces or orthodontic appliances without proper credentials violates dental regulations and, in many jurisdictions, can lead to legal prosecution.

To protect public safety, several governments have implemented laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of fake braces and unauthorized orthodontic kits. To stop anyone without a dental license from providing braces, fraudulently or not, is engaging in illegal orthodontic treatment.

For example, in Thailand and Malaysia, there was such concern over the popularity of these services that governments started enforcing laws banning sales and illegal treatment.

In 2018, Thailand announced a ban on self-styled fake braces, according to an article from the Bangkok Post . The president of the Dental Council introduced the ban because of potential problems with some of the braces leaking heavy metals such as cadmium that can injure people, even contributing to heart disease. In other words, these metals bleeding out of the braces can result in liver disease and potentially cancer.

Fake Braces Trend Explained; Why They Should be Avoided

The fake braces trend may seem like a harmless fashion phase popularized by TikTok and Instagram, but it carries serious health and legal risks.

Driven by the desire to stand out online, many teens are turning fake braces into a style statement. But these imitation devices are often made from unsafe materials like scrap metal, industrial glue, and rubber bands, and applied without any professional oversight.

The consequences can be severe. Reported health issues include gum infections, tooth decay, nerve damage, and exposure to toxic substances. These risks are real and increasingly documented in regions where the trend is gaining traction.

Moreover, applying or selling braces without a dental license is illegal in many countries. Governments like those in Thailand have responded by banning fake braces and cracking down on unlicensed providers.

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