Why Do Teens Wear Fake Braces and Are They Dangerous?

Teenagers are purchasing trendy fake braces from online marketplaces and applying them at home.

What Are Fake Braces?

Fake braces look similar to medical braces but are actually just decorative accessories. Sellers on global marketplaces list these products under the category of dental stickers and rhinestones.

Along with the braces on wires, buyers may receive adhesive for braces, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and a storage container. Such a set costs approximately $13.

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Predominantly, teenagers use fake braces. They have caught onto a trend from TikTok, where international celebrities showcase their fashion braces — imitation orthodontic systems.

Several reasons contribute to the popularity of fake braces: a health-conscious trend, the desire to conceal crooked teeth, and the mistaken belief that decorative devices can correct bite alignment.

Differences Between Real and Fake Braces

Unlike real braces, fake braces do not correct bite or teeth alignment. Manufacturers clearly state this in product descriptions but also claim to use the same materials as medical products.

The installation process differs significantly. Real braces are applied based on medical indications such as misaligned teeth or bite issues. Only an orthodontist can diagnose these problems during an examination, which includes assessing the mouth, teeth, and jaw. If necessary, the orthodontist takes molds and X-rays. Based on this, the specialist decides the best type of braces. At a follow-up appointment, the braces are installed: special brackets are bonded to teeth with adhesive cured by ultraviolet light, then connected with metal wires. This system gradually shifts teeth into correct positions.

Fake braces can be self-applied at home. First, brackets are placed along a long wire so each aligns with a tooth. Then the assembly is glued onto the enamel using the adhesive from the kit. According to marketplace reviews, the product adheres poorly; some users report braces falling off immediately after drinking.

Wearing experience also differs. Fake braces can be removed anytime, whereas real braces are typically worn for 12 months to 2.5 years and can only be removed by an orthodontist once teeth are properly aligned.

Why Fake Braces Can Be Hazardous

Since fake braces are not installed by professionals, several risks arise, including:

• Poisoning. There is no official quality control over fake braces production. Wires or brackets may contain toxic chemicals such as lead and cadmium. Prolonged exposure in the mouth can cause liver damage, cancer, and heart disease.
• Injuries. Cuts to the tongue, inner cheeks, or lips are possible even with real braces. With fake braces that are loosely attached and shift frequently, these risks increase.
• Infections. Despite manufacturers' claims, fake braces are likely not made from medical-grade materials or stored in sterile conditions. Harmful pathogens can enter through the mouth, causing infections.
• Choking. Poorly secured parts like wires or brackets can detach and obstruct airways.
• Teeth Misalignment. Even fake braces exert pressure; frequent use can shift teeth undesirably, necessitating professional orthodontic treatment with real braces, which cost significantly more.

The effects of the adhesive included in the kits are uncertain. Sellers call it a "temporary filling." Product listings indicate it may contain food-grade plastic, polyamide, silicone, gel, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Contact with skin or mucous membranes can trigger allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, or redness. Swallowing detached adhesive pieces can also cause toxicity due to zinc oxide or calcium sulfate.

Some teens dissatisfied with the stability of fake braces resort to using super glue, eyelash glue, or gel nail polish to secure the system.

These substances may be toxic, and absorption through the oral cavity is rapid, increasing the risk of poisoning.

Safe Ways to Straighten Teeth

There is only one safe option: getting braces or aligners from a licensed orthodontist. This treatment avoids complications. The challenge is that it can be expensive and is generally not covered by basic health insurance. However, there are ways to reduce costs without compromising health. If you are a parent considering braces for your child, try:

• Utilizing partial coverage under public health insurance, such as for dental treatment or extractions.
• Monitoring promotional offers from dental clinics.
• Considering installment payment plans for the procedure.
• Applying for a tax deduction to reclaim up to 13% of the treatment cost, capped at $1,600.
• Spreading treatment over two years—for example, installing braces in December to claim a tax deduction, then adjusting wires the following year with another deduction.

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