A growing fashion trend involving so-called ‘fashion braces’ is putting people’s oral health at risk.
Local dentist and Smile Haven founder Luusa Eliakim warns that the practice can cause permanent damage to teeth, gums and jaw structures.
Eliakim says fashion braces are fitted by unqualified individuals who are not licensed dentists or orthodontists.
“They are often placed for cosmetic or fashion purposes, sometimes outside of a clinical environment, such as in salons, homes or informal shops,” she says.
Unlike professionally fitted orthodontic braces, fashion braces are not based on a proper dental examination, X-rays, diagnosis or treatment plan.
Eliakim says orthodontic treatment is a biological process that requires professional knowledge of the teeth, gums, bone and jaw alignment.
“Qualified orthodontists and dentists use medically approved materials, sterilised equipment and carefully controlled forces to safely move teeth over time.
“A licensed dental professional understands the amount of force, the limit of teeth movement and what can safely be applied, and monitors patients regularly for complications, hence the regular visits,” she says.
She warns that individuals offering fake braces often use unsafe materials, poor infection-control measures and incorrect techniques that can result in severe oral damage.
According to Eliakim, immediate health risks include severe pain and swelling, gum bleeding and infection, loose teeth, allergic reactions to poor-quality metals, cuts and ulcers inside the mouth, difficulty eating or speaking and choking if brackets or wires become loose.
She says the use of non-sterile instruments also increases the risk of transmitting infections. The consequences can extend far beyond temporary discomfort.
“Excessive or uncontrolled pressure can damage the roots of teeth, loosen teeth permanently or cause teeth to die,” Eliakim says.
She says fake braces can also lead to gum recession, bone loss around the teeth, biting problems and jaw joint issues.
“In severe cases, patients may require extractions, a root canal treatment, periodontal treatment or corrective orthodontic work to repair the damage.”
Eliakim says dental professionals frequently encounter patients suffering from advanced gum disease, severe decay around brackets, damaged enamel, oral infections and teeth that have shifted into unhealthy positions after receiving treatment from unqualified individuals.
She adds that one of the biggest concerns is that many patients only seek professional help after significant damage has already occurred.
“Early professional assessment is always safer and more affordable than trying to correct complications later,” she says.
