Just like countless other middle schoolers nationwide, Madison Aballi meticulously planned her outfit for the first day of 7th grade. Ready to greet old friends and impress new teachers, she arrived at her Westport, Connecticut school sporting a brand-new light pink North Face backpack, adorned with a popular keychain. She also had her ‘new-to-her’ iPhone 15 Pro, a recent hand-me-down from her mother. But her ultimate style statement, a true badge of honor among 12-year-olds everywhere, was a gleaming new set of metal braces.
According to Madison, nearly half of her classmates showcased new metal smiles. ‘It’s similar to how many people wear popular sneakers or clothing brands,’ she explained. ‘At this point, braces are just another accessory.’
Today’s youth are not only accepting braces, but actively desiring them – specifically the classic metal kind once considered old-fashioned. Dr. Sable Staller, a Manhattan orthodontist, noted a significant shift: ‘Kids used to request clear aligners. Now, they’re enthusiastically asking for metal braces!’
It seems the reign of parent-approved clear aligners is over. The American Dental Association even declared this summer that metal braces have ‘never been cooler.’ A recent survey from the American Association of Orthodontics confirms this trend, showing an increase in metal brace treatments (77% in 2024, up from 75% in 2022) and a decrease in aligner treatments (23% in 2024, down from 25% in 2022).
Manhattan orthodontist Dr. David Seligman finds it quite remarkable that in an era dominated by high-tech digital advancements, the ‘analog version of braces’ is currently considered the coolest option.
Embracing the ‘Brace Face’ Identity
Indeed, a nostalgic appreciation for analog items permeates much of adolescent culture. However, this braces trend might particularly surprise parents from the 20th century, when terms like ‘tinsel teeth’ were derogatory, signifying awkwardness and often used for comedic effect in pop culture. (Think of Anthony Michael Hall’s roles in ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘The Breakfast Club,’ and ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation.’)
Since that era, the perception of ‘nerdiness’ has evolved from an insult to something aspirational, and ’90s nostalgia is incredibly strong. Observe any school dismissal and you’ll notice a prevalence of low-rise jeans, claw clips, and even point-and-shoot cameras. Metal braces seem to be a natural extension of this trend.
Avalene Roberts, a Manhattan dental hygienist and popular TikTok creator with over two million followers, recalled, ‘Everything about braces used to be negative. Kids were bullied with names like “brace face” and “metal head”. This generation, however, embraces it, saying: “Brace face? Perfect! I look cool.” ‘
Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the American Association of Orthodontics, fully supports this trend. He stated, ‘Braces are reliable and proven. I’ve even heard patients call them the original orthodontic treatment.’
Actor Anthony Michael Hall famously wore metal braces in iconic ’80s films such as ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘The Breakfast Club,’ and ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation.’
Actress Ayo Edebiri showcased a custom grill at the Golden Globes in January. The increasing visibility of grills on celebrities might be influencing the resurgence of ‘tinsel teeth.’
For Madison and her friends, metal braces are something to be celebrated, personalized, and extensively shared online. A quick browse through social media apps reveals an abundance of orthodontic content.
Dr. Staller, whose TikTok account ‘@bracesbysable’ boasts over 235,000 followers, explained, ‘Engaging with all this content makes kids feel connected to the braces community. They feel involved in the journey, and it has genuinely revitalized metal braces. The industry has truly embraced this shift.’
Dr. Emily Driesman, Madison’s orthodontist in Westport, has even equipped her office with LED ‘on’ and ‘off’ signs, creating perfect backdrops for social media posts. She noted that braces have evolved into ‘a type of status symbol.’
Dr. Driesman is also accustomed to patients meticulously documenting their entire orthodontic journey. ‘I’ve seen kids Snap-chatting from the chair as they get their braces, sharing it with numerous friends,’ she added.
Rebecca Berry, a clinical psychologist and adjunct professor at N.Y.U. Langone Health’s child and adolescent psychiatry department, views the popularity of metallic brackets as a reflection of adolescents’ embrace of authenticity, and is not surprised by it. ‘Whether it’s braces or popular skincare patches, there’s a growing trend of self-acceptance and authenticity,’ she observed. ‘It’s a more efficient emotional approach to simply acknowledge: “I’m not dwelling on it, I’m not assuming people are judging me. It’s here, and that’s that.” ‘
Twelve-year-old Madison Aballi proudly posed in front of her orthodontist Dr. Emily Driesman’s LED ‘on/off’ sign after getting her braces on August 25th.
For some teenagers, braces have become an extension of their identity. Leonie Leroy, a 14-year-old 10th grader from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, shared, ‘I appreciate that my braces align with who I am and my personality.’ She describes herself as ‘very bubbly’ and ‘not overly serious.’
Sparkling Smiles: Celebrities and the Bling Trend
Adorning teeth as a fashion statement is far from new; grills and tooth gems have been prevalent for decades, particularly within Black communities. The current appeal of shiny metal braces may stem from the increasing number of celebrities sporting grills and gems on red carpets.
For instance, Ayo Edebiri sported a custom grill at the Golden Globes in January. At the Met Gala in May, themed ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ prominent figures like A$AP Rocky, Doechii, Shaboozey, and Pharrell Williams (who wore gold Invisaligns) were seen with various forms of dental embellishments.
Dr. Catrise Austin, a Manhattan and Brooklyn dentist who has worked with A$AP Rocky, DJ Khaled, and Cardi B, noted that ‘grills rose to prominence as a major hip-hop fashion trend from the 1980s through the 2000s.’ She recalled, ‘Growing up in Flint, Michigan, I watched “Yo! MTV Raps” in the ’80s and saw all sorts of unique smile styles.’
Dr. Melissa ‘Melz’ Jones, a Riverdale, Georgia dentist who co-founded the luxury custom grill company Melz Grillz with her daughter Ariel, mentioned that grills weren’t always seen as high fashion. She stated, ‘Grills were cool, but they were primarily associated with rappers. The general perception was that they were “ratchet” or “ghetto.” ‘
‘Now, they’ve entered the realm of high fashion,’ she added, crediting the Met Gala for ‘legitimizing grills.’ These custom pieces can range in price from $1,200 to $30,000.
Dr. Austin, soon to collaborate with Dr. Jones on Melz Grillz, suggested, ‘One could consider braces the practical equivalent of grills. Both are statements of visibility and overall confidence. They both declare, “My mouth is central to my style.” ‘
Another Layer of Personal Flair
For a more affordable way to personalize one’s smile, orthodontic ligatures—the small rubber bands that secure braces brackets—offer a popular option.
Manhattan orthodontist Dr. Sable Staller, known for her TikTok presence, observes that while children once preferred clear aligners, ‘Now kids are saying: “No! I want metal braces!” ‘
Avalene Roberts, a Manhattan dental hygienist and TikTok influencer with over two million followers, frequently advises on optimal rubber band color choices for braces.
The use of colored rubber bands is a significant aspect of the metal braces resurgence. Ms. Roberts, the dental hygienist, often provides color consultations, noting, ‘Many people DM me, asking for advice on which colors would suit them best.’
Her recommendations include teal for darker skin tones, and blues and purples to make teeth appear whiter. She emphasizes that ‘This generation is keen on customizing their braces to reflect their individuality.’ This extends to seasonal themes, such as orange and black for Halloween, or red and green for Christmas.
The Temporary Nature of Trends
However, like all trends, braces are temporary. Avital Shkury, a 13-year-old 8th grader in Manhattan, already feels a sense of nostalgia about eventually removing hers. She expressed, ‘My braces feel like an integral part of me. I’m hesitant to take them off because I likely won’t need them again.’
Yet, for every TikTok user sharing melancholic videos about their ‘glow downs’ after braces, many others are eager to embrace the world with their newly straightened, unadorned teeth.
Ellie Norris, a 17-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, described the relief of starting her senior year without braces: ‘It felt incredibly good to get them off. I could finally eat all my favorite foods again without the constant worry of things getting stuck.’
Dr. Driesman, the Connecticut orthodontist, is well-acquainted with this sentiment. She concluded, ‘I encounter so many children who are incredibly excited to get braces on as soon as possible. But if I received a penny for every one of those same kids who eventually asked me, “When can I get them off?”, I would be very wealthy indeed.’