Are People Wearing Braces Seen as Less Attractive by the Public Eye? (2024)

Orthodontics - April 30, 2014 - Vol. 28 - No. 5

You can use this article as an objective basis to advise your patients that they will not be seen as any less attractive by others as a result of wearing braces.

Article Reviewed: Impact of Metal and Ceramic Fixed Orthodontic Appliances on Judgments of Beauty and Other Face-Related Attributes. Fonseca LM, de Araújo TM, et al: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop; 2014;145 (February): 203-206.

Background: Patients are sometimes reluctant to pursue orthodontic treatment because they feel that wearing braces will result in them being seen as less attractive. Is there a basis for this concern?

Objective: To investigate how people who wear fixed orthodontic appliances see themselves and how they are seen by others in social settings.

Participants: 60 adults (21 men, 39 women; ages 18 to 47 years) whose maxillary dentition was complete with both dental arches either aligned or having mild crowding.

Methods: 3 smile photographs were taken for each subject: one with metal braces and an 0.018" stainless steel maxillary archwire, a second with ceramic braces and a maxillary 0.018" stainless steel archwire, and a third acted as a control with no braces in place. The subjects rated each of their 3 photographs on an analog scale ranging from 0 to 10 from not beautiful at all to very beautiful. Additionally, the same 180 photographs (3 each of the 60 subjects) were rated by 15 adult raters who were lay people not currently undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Results: The subjects saw themselves as more beautiful when not wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance, followed by wearing an esthetic fixed orthodontic appliance, and finally a metal fixed orthodontic appliance. However, for the raters there was no statistically significant difference found between any of the 3 photographs.

Conclusions: Wearing an orthodontic appliance has no bearing on interpersonal esthetic judgments.

Reviewer's Comments: There is no doubt that there are people who do not pursue orthodontic treatment because they feel that wearing braces will make them look less attractive. I suspect that many orthodontists tell their patients that they understand the concern about looking less attractive wearing braces; however, people looking at them will not. Now you have a study to provide a basis for that statement, and I would suggest that you might even want to keep a copy of this article in your office.(Reviewer–John S. Casko, DDS, MS, PhD).

© 2014, Oakstone Publishing, LLC

Are People Wearing Braces Seen as Less Attractive by the Public Eye? (2024)

FAQs

Do braces affect attractiveness? ›

Braces make you more attractive

Braces improve your overall appearance. By beautifully aligning your teeth, braces create an esthetically pleasing result that significantly boosts your attractiveness and self-confidence. When you have a smile that you're proud of, you naturally smile more.

Is having braces a turn off? ›

No they're aren't-but they also aren't a turn on. Braces don't really change your attractiveness, but instead act similarly to accessories like glasses.

Do people notice your braces? ›

Nowadays, braces are so common that most people hardly notice them. However, some people with braces may still feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially if they have just been applied.

Why do people like the look of braces? ›

With braces, you can get a beautiful straight smile you've always wanted. Not to mention, having straighter teeth can improve your facial profile, align your jaw, and fix your bite—drastically improving your appearance! You'll love the results.

Will I be more attractive without braces? ›

An Oral-B study confirmed this when 2,000 people found that those with a beautiful smile and straight teeth were 20 percent more attractive than those without. A straight smile is clearly important for becoming more attractive, but it can do much more than that.

How much do teeth affect attractiveness? ›

A 2012 study investigated the manner in which teeth color and spacing influence ratings of physical attractiveness. It concluded that deviations from normal spacing and/or darker, yellower teeth are perceived as unattractive, particularly when judging women.

What age is not good for braces? ›

At what age can you get braces? For children, most get braces between 9 and 14 years old. But adults can benefit from orthodontia as well, and there's no right or wrong age for adults to get braces. As a general rule, once the adult teeth are in, braces are possible.

What age should you stop getting braces? ›

Crooked or missing teeth can be embarrassing, and they may even affect your dental health. The good news is that you can get your teeth straightened no matter your age. Braces aren't just for kids. Even adults aged 50 and over can benefit from treatment by an orthodontist.

How many years can you take off your braces? ›

The average amount of time for braces is between 1 and 3 years. But you may need them for a shorter or longer amount of time depending on your circ*mstances. Here are some factors that can impact how long you need to wear braces.

Which color braces are least noticeable? ›

What is the least noticeable color on braces? Many people, especially adults and older teens want to know which braces colors are the best for discreet treatment. The least noticeable colors are silver, white or clear. However, be careful with white and clear, since they can stain more easily.

Is it normal to have braces for 3 years? ›

The average orthodontic treatment plan is anywhere from 18 months to three years. It's different for everyone, but anything beyond a four-year treatment plan warrants getting second, third and fourth opinions.

Did Emma Watson have braces? ›

Most people didn't know Harry Potter star Emma Watson had orthodontic treatment when she was 15. Although the majority of people have to wear their braces for up to 2 years, Emma only had hers on for 4 months. This meant that she didn't need them on during the filming of the 3rd and 4th Harry Potter movie.

Do braces change your jawline? ›

Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips. However, these effects are secondary to the actual reforming of your teeth and bite. Braces can tighten your jawline and your teeth, but this happens over time and imperceptibly.

What do you say when someone gets braces? ›

Things To Say To Your Kids After They Get Braces
  • #1: “The pain is temporary.” Yes, it may hurt right now, but the pain is temporary and only lasts a few days. ...
  • #2: “You sound just the same.” ...
  • #3: “You can have a smoothie for dinner.” ...
  • #4: “You can change your colors.” ...
  • #5: “Your smile will be beautiful for life.”
Aug 16, 2022

What percentage of Americans need braces? ›

In fact, about 25 to 50 percent of kids require orthodontics.

Are there less noticeable braces? ›

Ceramic Braces

They work in the same way as metal braces, but are more discreet and less visible. Ceramic braces are most popular among patients who do not think Invisalign or lingual braces are right for them, but who still want to straighten their teeth in a discreet and affordable way.

Does teeth matter in attractiveness? ›

A smile can go a long way, and when it comes to first impressions, a smile can be a deal breaker. A recent perception study supports the importance of smiles and found that properly aligned teeth are a positive trigger for assumptions regarding attractiveness, success, popularity, intelligence, and overall health.

Does braces enhance beauty? ›

Braces can affect the appearance of your jawline and ultimately provide a more balanced facial profile. As braces reposition and align the lower and upper teeth, they will work to improve the appearance of the jawline by creating an even bite which will have an overall positive effect on your facial shape.

What are considered pretty teeth? ›

Dental professionals consider a square-shaped jaw one of the most attractive because it shows that someone has a strong jawline and thin lips. On the other side of that spectrum is a round-shaped jaw with protruding teeth that can make a person look like they have an overbite or underbite.

What makes teeth unattractive? ›

An unattractive smile can be present because of a number of factors that include dark teeth, missing or broken teeth, receding gums, and protruding teeth or jaw. This could be a result of genetics, certain lifestyle habits that cause teeth discoloration, poor oral health or trauma.

What are considered beautiful teeth? ›

Teeth. Attractive smiles have various things in common, such as teeth that are white, unstained, straight, evenly spaced with no gaps between them and not crowded or overlapping. When you smile, your top teeth show fully in a good proportion to your gums. The line where the gums and teeth meet is smooth and even.

What is the longest year to wear braces? ›

You should only expect to wear your braces for a maximum of three years. While this may appear to be an excessively long period with braces on your teeth, please make an effort to understand that this is the worst-case scenario.

Is 20 too late for braces? ›

Both adults and children can wear braces, but it is critical for the involved orthodontist to know the differences in treating an adult versus a child. A child up to approximately age 20 or 22 still experiences some jaw growth as the braces are moving the teeth.

Is 70 too old for braces? ›

Today, adults, and even senior adults, are getting healthy smiles with adult orthodontics. Dr. Patel has had many adult patients come in and ask, “Am I too old for braces?” The simple answer is, no, you're never too old for orthodontic care — our oldest patient at The Brace Place was 78-years-old!

Can braces change face shape? ›

Some people wonder if the shape of their face will change with teeth braces, and the short answer is yes — this is true. Your body will react to how braces are shifting your teeth into their corrected positions, therefore, your face shape is also likely to change.

Is 21 too late for braces? ›

When is it too late to get braces? The answer, it's never too late to get braces! Getting braces is usually associated with children and teenagers, but we are here to inform you that there is no age limit on getting braces. Having the perfect smile can be lifetime goal of yours no matter what your age.

Do I have to wear my retainer forever? ›

If you have minor dental issues, your dentist will initially suggest wearing retainers full-time for 2-3 months. But you might have to wear your retainers for over 6 months if you have severe dental problems. However, the good news is that you do not have to wear your retainers forever.

Does your orthodontist tell you when you get your braces off? ›

Will I have advance notice that my braces are going to come off? Probably. Your orthodontist will most likely have told you at your last adjustment that they expect you'll be ready to have your braces removed at the next visit.

Do they whiten teeth after braces? ›

Most patients do teeth whitening after their braces to get their new straight smile sparkling.

What are the prettiest braces colors for girls? ›

Pink, muted crimson, silver, dark purple, and pale blue for those with lighter skin tones. Violet, dark blue, and turquoise have been popular braces colors in recent years for those with darker skin tones. Neon colors for those seeking a more retro look from the past.

What is the most liked braces color? ›

The most popular colors of braces bands are shades of pink, orange red, green, blue, yellow, and purple. Your orthodontist can help you pick the right colors for you.

What is the best braces color for girls? ›

What are the finest colors for girls' braces? The following are some of the best braces colors for girls: Pink, pale blue, muted crimson, dark purple, or silver is all options for a lady with a lighter skin tone. Dark blue, pink & turquoise, a violet color is a suitable options for girls who have a darker complexion.

What is the shortest time for braces? ›

What Is the Shortest Time Period for Braces? The shortest treatment is six months. This is for patients with minor alignment issues who don't require their teeth to be moved as much.

What happens if you never take your braces off? ›

If brackets remain in place for years, plaque could build-up in places that are hard to reach, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Some Brackets May Later Dislodge– Under normal circ*mstances, when a bracket dislodges, your orthodontist will reattach it.

How do you get braces off faster? ›

Keeping your Mouth Healthy

Clean and healthy gums are more likely to move faster allowing you to get your braces off earlier. Keep the area between the brace and teeth clean and free of plaque build up. Flossing between teeth and brushing your gums daily will keep your mouth healthy.

Who has worn braces the longest? ›

So he was presumably planning the biggest bash yet for 18-year-old Devin Bost who finally got his braces off after an incredible 11 years. But rather than celebrating with Chvatal, Bost slammed the orthodontist with a lawsuit accusing him of causing permanent injuries to his teeth, mouth and gums.

Does Zendaya have braces? ›

Zendaya. Zendaya has been in the spotlight ever since she was a child, getting her start on Disney Channel. As a teenager, she had crooked teeth and chose to go with Invisalign to discreetly straighten her smile. Now she is an Emmy Award-winning actor, and her smile is something she can be proud of.

Did the Kardashians have braces? ›

She is such a fan of orthodontic treatment that Kendall Jenner had braces not once, but twice! The up-and-coming model and daughter of Kris and Caitlyn Jenner had her first set of braces when she was 13, and went on to have clear aligner treatment when she was 17.

Do braces change cheekbones? ›

Orthodontic treatments do more than just straightening your teeth. Braces can also improve your cheekbones, jawline, and facial symmetry.

Do braces push your lips forward? ›

The added material pushes your lips forward and out. With traditional braces, there's no way to avoid some degree of the lips moving temporarily, simply due to the space braces take up in the mouth. Braces can push your lips out and the result isn't natural or very attractive.

Do braces give you dimples? ›

The only way braces will change your face is by correcting alignment flaws and giving you a look that is more symmetrical to your jawline and mouth. You don't have to worry about gaining dimples or looking like a completely different person with braces.

What is a funny name to call people who have braces? ›

You've heard it all: Train Tracks, Brace Face, Metal Mouth. It gets old, yet those who call people one of these names seem to think they brilliantly came up with it themselves and it's the most hilarious thing they've ever spouted.

How do you thank an orthodontist? ›

I have appreciated your reassurance at each appointment that my smile will improve and will eventually be perfect. Thank you again for being patient with me through this process and for being a gold-star orthodontist!

How do you compliment a girl with braces? ›

Tell her how beautiful she looks on the braces and how contagious and gorgeous her smile is. Tell her she shouldn't feel bad about it, that it will help for the greater good and that you're always her rooting for her and supporting because she's an angel and the most important person in your life.

Why do so many people have braces now? ›

Poorly aligned bites can cause crowding and wearing down of teeth if left untreated over time. Having straight and correctly aligned teeth allows for better hygiene and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How rare is it to have braces? ›

Having braces as a child has become so common in the Western world that it can seem a rite of passage—today, an estimated 50 to 70 percent of U.S. children will wear braces before adulthood.

Is it rare to have naturally straight teeth? ›

Statistics show that only 35% of Americans are born with straight teeth. And while achieving a perfect smile is the number one reason why people go to an orthodontist, orthodontic treatment can also help you preserve the health of your teeth for longer.

Does braces affect jawline? ›

Braces are used alongside other orthodontic appliances to help widen the jaw and even improve the jawline. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, it could be due to an overbite or an underbite. You don't need to worry, though, as there are treatments that can help restore your jawline.

Do braces change your cheekbones? ›

Orthodontic treatments do more than just straightening your teeth. Braces can also improve your cheekbones, jawline, and facial symmetry.

Are people with braces bad kissers? ›

Many people with braces worry that they won't be able to kiss someone else while until the braces are removed. Others worry that it will be an unpleasant experience, either for them or their partner. Never fear. Kissing with braces is not only possible, it can be just as enjoyable for both of you as it is without them.

Will my lips look smaller after braces? ›

Will Your Lips Get Thinner After Braces? Lips will not become thinner, but they may appear thinner as the braces are removed. According to the type of braces your orthodontist used, the changes may or may not be pronounced. So, don't worry about getting any direct effects on the size of your lips.

Do braces make your nose look smaller? ›

The Answer is NO. Although braces do adjust the width of your upper jaw, it does not affect the shape and size of your nose. Do braces make your nose look bigger? As braces pull the upper teeth back significantly, there may be an illusion of a protruding nose, but the nose itself does not get bigger in size.

Will braces change my lip shape? ›

To summarise, braces can indeed change the position of your lips, but only as much as the teeth behind them change. However, braces cannot change your lips as far as the fullness, tone and shape of your lips are concerned.

Do braces change your voice? ›

So, the short answer to the question, “Do braces change your singing voice?” is “no.” A longer answer is that while braces can affect the way one's teeth fit together, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds, they do not change the pitch or tone of one's voice.

How long do braces stay on? ›

Most patients will need to wear fixed braces for around 18 to 24 months. For problems that are harder to correct, or for our older patients, treatment may take up to three years. If you have less severe issues or are a good candidate for clear aligners like Invisalign, treatment may take as little as 6 to 12 months.

Why is it hard to talk with braces? ›

When a person wears braces that are too thick or wrongly fitted, the tongue protrudes beyond the front teeth. This would obviously result in heavy speech impediment. However, even if the braces are a perfect fit, it could be the strange sensation the wires bring that cause difficulty in pronunciation.

Does your face get slimmer after braces? ›

Face before and after braces in each case

After braces, the upper jaw will be brought out, the lower jaw will go back in, making the face change significantly, the nose will look higher, the lower jaw will be slimmer, the angle of the nose and lips is not blunt but becomes more pointed.

Do braces make your face flatter? ›

It depends. Using braces or Invisalign to adjust the alignment of your teeth means that the soft tissues laying over them — like your cheeks and lips — will conform to the new alignment of your bite. That's why a person's face sometimes looks “sunken in” when they lose teeth.

Do braces change your face a lot? ›

Can braces change your face shape? Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips. However, these effects are secondary to the actual reforming of your teeth and bite. Braces can tighten your jawline and your teeth, but this happens over time and imperceptibly.

Is it annoying to have braces? ›

Most patients note that their teeth and gums are a little bit sore after having braces put on or tightened. It's especially uncomfortable the first time. Most of the time, this pain eases within a few days, and it's rare for it to last a full week. Patients tend to find braces annoying, rather than actually painful.

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