Fashion Braces Can be Deadly

If wearing braces is on your Top 10 list of things you would like to forget from childhood, you may have a hard time wrapping your head around the concept of fake fashion braces, let alone black market fake braces that could land you in prison. In Southeast Asia, braces have become so trendy that teenagers who cannot afford real braces now buy imitations, and at least two deaths have been attributed to the fashion trend.

Fashion Braces

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, braces are considered a symbol of wealth and status. Since real braces are expensive, many teens purchase fake braces to keep up with the current style. You can even purchase DYI kits, and apply them yourself. They come in an array of colors and fanciful themes, such as Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse.

Death and Other Consequences

Unfortunately, these popular knock-offs could pose a choking hazard if they come loose, and their parts may contain lead. In fact, two deaths in Thailand have been attributed to fake braces, one involving a thyroid infection which progressed to heart failure.

As a result, Thailand has banned fake braces. Sellers can face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to about $1,300. Importers and producers of the black market braces can be slapped with up to one year in prison.

Real Fashion Braces

The fact that braces have become trendy isn’t all bad. With celebrities such as Gwen Stefani wearing them publicly as a “fashion statement”, maybe our kids don’t have to worry about being called names like “brace face” and “metal mouth” when they require orthodontic care. There is certainly a variety of color options to choose from, making it possible to individualize the look.

Of course, adults who have minor crookedness and want to skip the metallic look, and the pain that goes with it, can choose porcelain veneers Beverly Hills, and have a straight, beautiful smile right away.