Braces craze: Style over safety

Dental braces have become a fashion accessory for many people without recommendations from dentists. 

The braces used by dentists to align, straighten and properly position teeth are being fitted on the streets and in kiosks, in different colours and styles, by self-styled “dentists” even for people who do not need them and have never consulted a professional dentist.

On social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, young people are promoting their new trade, fitting braces by using glue mixed with colours and other substances, without adhering to any health precautions.

These fashion braces can be customised with various colours and designs, making them visually appealing.

While professionally fitted braces range from GH₵10,000 to GH₵45,000 depending on the type, the fashionable versions are much cheaper, costing GH₵250 for regular braces and GH₵270 for power chain braces at wholesale prices.

A vendor on TikTok, named Kimmy, from Amasaman in Accra, explained that a set included both upper and lower braces, glue, dental cotton and a picker.

A student, Nakki Offie, told  The Mirror on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Accra City Campus that she and three friends had their braces fitted.

“The first five days were unbearable; the braces were uncomfortable, and the glue burnt my gums. I almost removed them because of the pain, but my friends encouraged me to keep them since I had spent GH₵489, which is a lot for me as a student.”

Orthodontist

However, a Ghanaian Orthodontist, Dr Abraham Musah, based in the US, warned that these “roadside” braces posed significant health risks.

He said they were often made from substandard materials and could cause oral health issues, including infections and tooth decay, due to improper fitting and lack of professional supervision.

Dr Musah told The Mirror in an interview on the phone on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that fashion braces might not be suitable for everyone, especially those needing genuine orthodontic treatment.

“Wearing braces without a medical necessity can lead to oral health problems if not properly maintained.”

Touching on allergic reactions, Dr Musah said some materials used in fashion braces might cause allergic reactions, resulting in swelling, redness, or other symptoms adding that, unlike professionally fitted orthodontic braces, fashion braces did not address issues related to bite correction, potentially leading to long-term dental problems.

“An allergic reaction may cause localised swelling of the lips, gums, tongue, or other soft tissues in the mouth. In severe cases, this swelling can be significant and may obstruct breathing. Some individuals may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the mouth, particularly around the area where the braces are applied.

According to him, fashion braces are a waste of money. This is because investing in fashion braces may be a financial loss if they need to be removed due to complications or if professional treatment becomes necessary to correct the damage.

“Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have popularised the trend, partly due to celebrity influence. Seeing well-known figures like Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin with braces makes them seem cool and desirable. I’ve noticed some Ghanaian personalities also promoting these braces online, which may encourage more people to follow the trend,” he said.

Benefits of professionally fixed braces

Dr Musah explained that for individuals requiring dental correction, braces offered benefits beyond aesthetics.

“Braces help prevent gum diseases and tooth decay by aligning teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing plaque build-up.”

“Correctly aligned teeth allow more effective chewing, which is the first step in the digestive process. This improvement can lead to better digestion and nutrient absorption. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to injury. Braces can reposition these teeth, reducing the risk of damage from accidents or trauma.”

Dr Musah said braces could prevent jawbone deterioration caused by misaligned teeth, promoting overall bone health. Correcting jaw alignment can alleviate issues such as jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and uneven wear on teeth,” he indicated.
He added that proper alignment also improved speech clarity by facilitating better tongue movement.

“A straighter smile can significantly boost self-esteem and social interactions,” he noted.

Types of braces

Dr Musah said that there are different types of dental braces that may be recommended to improve the alignment of teeth including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and invisalign. Each type is associated with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration to decide the best treatment option for individual patients.

“Traditional braces involve brackets and wires, usually made out of metal, which are attached to the teeth and allow their positioning to be altered as required. Heat-activated archwires are a relatively new additional to traditional braces. These utilise body heat in the mouth to allow the teeth to move them more quickly and with less discomfort than was previously possible,” he explained.

He added that maintaining oral hygiene with braces required diligent care to prevent plaque buildup and dental issues.

The best practices, he said,  include brushing after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush, holding it at a 45-degree angle to effectively clean around brackets and wires and complementing this with flossing, ideally with floss threaders or a water flosser which helps remove food particles trapped between teeth and under the archwire.

“Avoiding sticky and hard foods that can damage braces, drinking plenty of water, and regular orthodontic check-ups are crucial for professional cleaning and adjustments. By following these steps, individuals with braces can maintain optimal oral health and ensure effective orthodontic treatment”, he said.