Fashion braces are showing up more and more on social media. They’re colorful, flashy, and marketed as a cheap way to get the look of real braces. But before you get tempted by the trend, it’s worth asking—what’s the actual cost of wearing braces that aren’t made or installed by professionals?

The truth is, fashion braces (or fake braces) may look cool on the surface, but they come with serious risks. From damaging your teeth to putting your health in danger, these braces are not just a harmless style choice.

Let’s start by understanding what these braces actually are.

What Are Fashion Braces?

Fashion braces are fake braces designed only for appearance. They don’t move teeth. They aren’t created by orthodontists. And they serve no medical purpose.

Most of the time, they’re made from cheap materials like plastic brackets and colorful rubber bands. Some even include wires that are glued to your teeth. You can find them online or in some beauty shops—often promoted as “cute” or “trendy” accessories.

People wear fake braces for a few reasons:

• They like the way braces look.
• They want to copy influencers or celebrities.
• They think it’s a fun, inexpensive way to change their smile.

But there’s a big problem: these braces are often DIY or installed by unlicensed individuals. That means no dental supervision, no treatment plan, and no way to prevent the damage they can cause.

Fake braces are not just a passing trend. They pose real health risks, and many professionals have spoken out against them. Before you think about getting fake braces, it’s important to know the dangers—and the safer, smarter alternatives available through licensed orthodontists.

Why Fashion Braces Are a Bad Idea

At first glance, fashion braces might seem harmless. But they can seriously harm your teeth, gums, and overall health. These aren’t just cosmetic add-ons. They can create long-term problems that are expensive and painful to fix.

Here are some of the biggest risks:

1. Damage to Teeth and Gums

Fake braces can cut into your gums and cause infections. Because they’re not fitted properly, they press on your teeth in the wrong way. This can lead to gum swelling, bleeding, and irritation. Over time, the pressure can damage your enamel or even cause root problems.

2. No Dental Supervision

One of the most dangerous parts of using fashion braces is that no professional is involved. Orthodontists go through years of training to safely move teeth. Fake braces skip that process completely. Without proper guidance, your teeth could shift in harmful ways.

3. Risk of Misalignment

Moving teeth without a proper treatment plan can cause major alignment issues. Instead of improving your smile, fake braces can actually make it worse. Some people end up needing even more work than before just to fix the damage.

4. Unsafe Materials

Many fake braces are made with materials that aren’t safe for your mouth. That includes cheap metals, rubber, glue, or wires that can be toxic. These items aren’t approved for dental use and can cause allergic reactions, infections, or poisoning.

5. Legal and Health Warnings

Some countries have banned the sale and use of fashion braces altogether. Health experts and orthodontic organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, have warned against their use. The American Association of Orthodontists has also issued statements highlighting the risks of these non-professional braces.

These dangers are not just rare cases. They’re real outcomes reported by dental professionals across the world. Wearing fashion braces may seem like a trend, but the risks far outweigh the benefits.

What Experts Say About Fashion Braces

Dental professionals have been warning people about the dangers of fashion braces for years. While they might look harmless, experts say they can cause real damage that lasts a lifetime.

What the American Association of Orthodontists Says

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has spoken out clearly: fake braces are unsafe. According to the AAO, these braces can move teeth in ways that lead to root damage, gum disease, and permanent misalignment. They also emphasize that only a trained orthodontist should apply any type of braces, since teeth and jaws respond to force over time—and that process must be carefully managed.

Warnings from the National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published resources that explain how fake or unapproved dental products can lead to serious oral health problems. They highlight that these materials are not regulated, which means there’s no way to confirm what’s being placed in your mouth or how it will affect you long-term.

Fashion Braces vs. Orthodontic Braces

To make it easier to compare, here’s a quick breakdown:

Safer Alternatives: Braces That Actually Work

If you’re thinking about improving your smile, there are much safer and more effective options than fake braces. Orthodontist-approved treatments are designed not just to look good but to actually help your teeth stay healthy and aligned.

Types of Professional Braces You Can Trust

• Traditional Metal Braces
  These are the most common type. They’re strong, reliable, and ideal for correcting complex alignment issues. Plus, you can still personalize them with colorful bands for a stylish look.

• Ceramic Braces
  These work like metal braces but blend in better with your teeth. They’re a popular choice for people who want something less noticeable but just as effective.

• Clear Aligners (like Invisalign)
  Removable and nearly invisible, clear aligners are a great option for mild to moderate alignment issues. They’re custom-made and adjusted by licensed professionals.

• Lingual Braces
  These are hidden behind your teeth. They offer the same benefits as traditional braces without being visible when you smile.

Why Professional Braces Are the Smarter Choice

• Applied and monitored by trained orthodontists
• Made from safe, dental-approved materials
• Backed by years of research and testing
• Designed to improve both function and appearance

Unlike fashion braces, real orthodontic treatments are created with your health in mind. They’re not just about looks—they’re part of a plan to improve how your teeth work and how long they last.

And yes, you can still make them look cool. There are many safe ways to customize your braces with your orthodontist’s help—without putting your teeth at risk.

Still Thinking About Fashion Braces? Consider This First

If you’re still curious about fashion braces, it’s worth stopping to think about what you might be risking. A cheap or trendy look isn’t worth long-term damage to your teeth.

Quick Recap of the Dangers:

• No dental supervision means no safety checks
• Fake materials can cause infections or allergic reactions
• Teeth can shift in harmful ways, creating worse alignment problems
• In some cases, people have lost teeth due to these braces

These are real risks, not just rare stories. And the damage can be painful and expensive to fix later on.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For:

Be cautious of products that:

• Are sold online with no licensed dentist involved
• Cost far less than professional orthodontic treatments
• Use glue, wires, or rubber bands not made for oral use
• Are marketed purely for looks without any mention of dental health

Fake braces may seem like a fun trend, but when it comes to your health, temporary style isn’t worth the risk.

Protect Your Smile the Smart Way with Bracesetters Orthodontics

If you’re thinking about braces, skip the risks of trendy shortcuts and trust a team that puts your health and results first. Bracesetters Orthodontics offers proven, professional treatments that don’t just look good—they work. Our orthodontists provide expert care backed by decades of experience, advanced technology, and a commitment to long-term results.

At Bracesetters Orthodontics, we treat every patient with thoughtful planning and modern tools like 3D digital scans, low-friction braces, and clear aligners. From kids to adults, our goal is to help you achieve a confident smile in a safe, comfortable environment.

Book a consultation today to learn how we can support your smile goals with treatments that are personalized, effective, and trusted by generations of patients.