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Braces—the ‘before’ of many glow-up ‘afters.’ Before you consider getting them, there are usually lots of serious questions to ask, including ‘how long do you have to wear braces?,’ and ‘do I really need to wear them?’
Plus, Hollywood’s perception of wired leave-ins has always been misconstrued as unattractive.
Often associated with nerds, bookish types, and introverts, the media is partially responsible for society’s disdain for dental care. Guys, it’s time to take the power back.
Braces don’t deserve this level of cultural disgust. Self-care and oral health can be made fashionable. It just takes a level of confidence and styling know-how to pull the look off successfully.
To our real-life ‘ugly Bettys,’ Lisa Simpsons, and Darla Shermans, we’ve developed a nifty guide to help show off your pearly whites. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll know how to answer these four few questions:
- How long do you have to wear braces?
- How can you style braces?
- What are some outfit ideas with braces?
- What are the benefits of wearing braces?
What Are Braces?
In short, braces are an orthodontic device to help straighten misaligned teeth. They’re composed of interlocking brackets, steel ligatures, elastics, wires, and molar bands in order to fix crooked smiles.
Braces are a semi-permanent commitment since they’re usually dismantled after a couple of months. If you’re not a fan of the traditional ‘braces aesthetic,’ most dentists recommend Invisalign and ceramic veneers as other alternatives.
How Long Do You Have To Wear Braces?
If you’re currently wearing a set of ‘metal teeth,’ you’re in for a long haul. Patients with braces usually experience a wait time of 16 months to 3 years. It all depends on the age of the individual and the severity of the case.
Dentists usually recommend braces to kids, since it’s the perfect time to correct their growing teeth. In order to speed up the rehabilitation process, it’s important to comply with your orthodontist’s instructions.
Poorly taking care of your braces and teeth will typically add months to the recovery process.
Yes, braces require a hefty amount of patience. But don’t take this as an opportunity to sulk in silence. In fact, use it as a sign to ‘make lemons out of lemonade.’
Embrace your new look and try something new! For those in need of a pick-me-up, we’ve included some outfit inspo in this ‘how long do you have to wear braces’ guide.
13 Outfit Ideas With Braces
Before we really get started on this ‘how long do you have to wear braces’ guide, we thought it best to share a quick disclaimer.
We found little to no outfit photos that plainly show braces, which is why you’ll find some OOTDs that are free of ‘metal teeth.’ If anything, it proves a point that braces can blend with any look.
So, we invite you to sit back, relax, and imagine each ensemble with a set of glimmering braces.
It’s a well-known fact that braces are associated with young kids. If you’re a fully-fledged adult, there’s no shame in adopting a playful, youthful aesthetic.
Considered a prime example of the ‘kid-core’ aesthetic, this vibrant ensemble features a pair of light-washed jeans, a white tee, a rainbow long-sleeve top, and a red French beret.
Accentuated with matching Vans and a pair of sunnies, this look calls for a glimmering set of colorful braces.
Grandma knits and braces surprisingly pair well together. The cheesy nature of ‘wired teeth’ married with vintage crochet creates a cottage-core fantasy look, which will never be an overdone aesthetic.
If you want to jump on the ‘spring picnic’ bandwagon, we suggest giving this outfit a spin.
Composed of a daisy-knit cardigan, a white blouse, and a pair of bright yellow pants, it’s the kind of look that distracts you from trying to answer the question, how long do you have to wear braces?
I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something intrinsically Y2K about braces. Often associated with body glitter and butterfly clips, the colorful nature of wired teeth pairs well with the vibrancy of the early 2000s. Case in point, this outfit is definitely on-trend.
Featuring a pink crop top, a low-waist denim skirt, an orange belt, and a cheetah print bag don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly nostalgic for Bratz dolls and Juicy Couture.
This ‘how long do you have to wear braces’ guide recommends topping the look off with a pair of platform sandals.
We aren’t done with the Y2K craze just yet! If you’re looking for some additional style inspiration, we suggest taking a page out of Olivia Rodrigo’s stylebook.
Outfitted with a blue tennis skirt, red platform heels, and a white crop top, this super cute look shines just as brightly as your silver-toned braces.
But, if you want to draw some attention away from your metal frames, we suggest wearing some rouge lipstick and donning a series of adorable butterfly clips.
Silver-toned jewelry is usually the go-to for many athleisure-inspired outfits. But in this case, we suggest leaving your Cuban chains and stacked rings at home for the ultimate accessory: braces.
Hear us out. The stunning bling of metal frames offers the same glimmering effect as your favorite jewelry. In fact, it bears an uncanny resemblance to the grillz that rappers use.
To top the look off, we suggest wearing a simple pair of biker shorts and a cream-colored sweatshirt to help your braces shine through.
You can never go wrong with a simple monochrome outfit. Dressed in head-to-toe pastel, this stylish ensemble features a pair of teal cargo shorts, a matching button-up shirt, a white crew neck top, and a mint green puffer jacket.
It’s a refreshing alternative to the monotony of black and white outfits, and it pairs more nicely with silver-toned accessories—such as braces. Accentuated with sunnies and streetwear-style sneakers, this look definitely screams ‘cloud core’ instead of ‘bookish nerd.’
Steve Urkel’s core aesthetic was composed of three things: braces, glasses, and retro fashion. If you own two out of three of these, we suggest adopting his clothing sense.
This playful outfit comes with a pair of mid-wash jeans, a white graphic tee, and a green parachute jacket with rainbow accents.
Complimented with lace-up shoes, there’s something intrinsically charming about this entire ensemble.
If anything, it’s powerful enough to turn your ‘how long do you have to wear braces?’ question, which is often accompanied by a sour tone, into an ‘I might actually miss them’ kind of attitude.
There’s no getting around it. Braces exude a cheesy sort of quality but don’t let this dampen your style. In fact, you should use it as an opportunity to change your current vibe.
Take, for instance, this fun outfit, which features a pair of printed pants, a black button-up shirt, and a decorative headscarf. With its mix of solid colors and patterns, this ensemble helps to blend your braces in with the rest of the outfit.
Katy Perry famously wore metal braces in her music video, “Last Friday Night.” It’s a super cute look to wear, but we totally understand if it’s too cliche for your liking.
Instead, we decided to dial it back by swapping the denim jumper with a regular pair of light wash jeans. Accentuated with a pink jumper and a blue undershirt, this ‘80s-inspired outfit still keeps things light and playful without featuring the ‘nerd aesthetic.’
If you’re keen on going monochrome, you should bear in mind that any type of bling will be your outfit’s focal point. And yes, this includes braces as well.
For those who prefer to draw attention away from their mouth, we suggest opting for prints and bold colors instead.
This retro-inspired tee can do just the job since it features a mesmerizing array of text, hues, and patchwork details.
Complemented with black jeans and Converse shoes, this ‘how long do you have to wear braces’ contender scores full points for both fashion and functionality.
Speaking of nerdy fashion, the bookish aesthetic is not complete without a chunky sweater vest. Best paired with a white turtleneck and a set of sparkling metal braces, this creamy look keeps things playful and neutral for springtime.
The elasticated pants, pink sneakers, and blue fuzzy bag help to lighten up this cohesive fit. We highly recommend topping this OOTD with a matching bucket hat and a pair of sunglasses.
In need of something more casual? No worries, we’ve got your back. Composed of a pair of light-wash jeans, a mint green sweatshirt, and a matching baseball cap, this cool and composed look softens the bold aesthetic of stainless silver braces.
If you’re up for some accessorizing, you can never go wrong with a dainty set of studs and an array of stacked rings.
Here’s a surprising fact: Harry Styles once wore braces as a kid. I know, it’s definitely a confidence-booster for anyone who’s stuck in a year-long commitment with some braces.
Obviously, he’s freed from his ‘stainless steel’ prison now, but he would totally rock them given his influential sense of fashion.
Outfitted with beige corduroy pants, a green jacket, and a striped shirt, this look will go well with any sort of ‘facial bling,’ if you catch my drift.
What Type Of Braces Can You Get?
You should never settle for braces with a mindless shrug. Considering it’s often a year-long wait time before you get them removed, you should definitely consider the kind of metal teeth you’ll be stuck wearing.
Designed to ‘spice up’ your next dental consultation, we’ll share the types of braces that patients can get.
- Metal braces: Considered the most common type of braces, these ‘forever frames’ are usually constructed out of stainless steel.
- Lingual braces: These unique frames are placed at the back of the teeth. It’s a great alternative for those who aren’t fond of the ‘braces aesthetic.’
- Ceramic braces: Contrary to popular belief, these frames are not made out of delicate china. Instead, they come with clear brackets to help minimize their intrusive look.
- Self-ligating braces: Designed to look like metal frames, this device functions quite differently compared to traditional leave-in braces. It uses a slide mechanism, which helps to conform to the natural movement of your teeth.
How To Choose The Best Braces
Obviously, braces aren’t designed to be a fashion statement. You’ll need a recommendation from your orthodontist to get them since they have a purely functional purpose.
If you’re very familiar with the ‘dentalcare rodeo,’ then you probably know that braces are customizable—but only to a certain extent. Dentists will usually suggest a type that’s best suited for the patient’s unique needs.
This usually entails a long-winded consultation with your orthodontist. During this appointment, six important factors will be considered:
- Price
- Quality
- Material
- Comfort
- Treatment Length
- Number of Orthodontic Visits Required
As we previously mentioned, there are several types of braces to choose from.
While it’s important to consider your dentist’s recommendations, it’s also crucial to contemplate your personal budget, comfort level, and if the results are worth the expected timeframe.
Obviously, braces require daily care and maintenance with the addition of periodic checkups. It’s definitely not convenient, so you should definitely assess the pros and cons of wearing a semi-permanent set.
In terms of pricing, we can’t accurately estimate a cost, since prices will vary case by case. In some cases, you shouldn’t worry about the overall cost, as your insurance company will cover any outstanding fees.
But for those who are not insured, it’s absolutely crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this year-long commitment.
How To Style Braces
Given their semi-permanent construction, how does one style braces? That’s a good question. To the average dresser, it may seem unnecessary to fashion a purely functional accessory, but we invite you to have a bit of fun with your new set of teeth ware. Below, we’ll share some styling tips with you:
- Opt for colorful braces: Let’s be honest, braces will never be completely invisible. With that in mind, take it as an opportunity to go the ‘full hog.’ Rainbow braces are not only vibrant, but they help lighten up any outfit.
- Facial piercings: I know, this is considered the most extreme way to style braces, but it’s definitely worth considering if you already have a lip or nose piercing.
- Lipstick: Reds, pinks, and other vibrant colors help draw the focus away from the teeth and onto the lips.
- Braids: Here me out. Pigtails and French braids go hand-in-hand with braces. Sure, it may be a nerdy look, but you can’t deny how super cute it is.
- Barrettes and hair clips: As this ‘how long do you have to wear braces’ guide has previously mentioned, the Y2K aesthetic pairs well with braces. We suggest placing an assortment of snaps and butterfly clips near your vanity.
Do’s And Don’ts With Braces
Braces take a while to get used to. During the ‘settling in’ period, it’s common to feel insecure, annoyed, and uncomfortable with them, but hang in there!
After a few days, it’ll feel completely normal to wear them. With that in mind, you should probably take note of some do’s and don’ts associated with braces, just to be on the safe side.
- Don’t eat ‘risky’ foods: Bubblegum, popcorn, and nuts are usually a no-go for braces.
- Don’t remove the elastic bands: Yes, we’re fully aware of how annoying they can be, but they’re imperative to the recovery process.
- Do take good care of your braces: This includes daily brushing and flossing.
- Do smile: A majority of patients usually opt for closed smiles in photos. That said, live up to your current reality and own your braces!
How To Take Care Of Braces
As we’ve mentioned, braces require some routine care and maintenance. Thankfully, this doesn’t involve an entirely different cleaning process, as patients are instructed to brush their teeth as they normally do.
If anything, you should brush your teeth more gently to ensure no visible strain between your pearly whites and your braces.
Like always, flossing is a must to ensure that no hidden debris or buildup gets stuck inside your braces.
To keep things easier for you and your dentist, you should consider the kinds of foods you’re eating. Nuts, sticky candies, and other fussy edibles must be avoided at all costs.
For those who can’t manage to dig out a certain crumb, this ‘how long do you have to wear braces’ guide suggests using an oral irrigator or a fine-tooth brush for added assistance.
What Are The Benefits Of Braces?
There are many benefits associated with wearing braces. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t really matter the type of frames you wear since they come with the same results.
Naturally, the most obvious pro is their ability to straighten misaligned teeth. Other advantages include:
- A fixed underbite or overbite
- Bone erosion prevention
- Prevents gum disease
- A boost in digestive health
- Improved confidence and mental health
Final Thoughts
The question ‘how long do you have to wear braces?’ is usually met with a disappointing answer.
It doesn’t matter if the time frame is on the shorter side of the ‘wait time’ spectrum—16 months still feels like a long time. Obviously, it’s even more disheartening for those who have to sit out for a year or two.
Brace-wearers, you shouldn’t feel insecure or annoyed when it comes to wearing metal frames. Instead, you should take it as a sign to experiment with your current style.
From hair clips to retro-inspired fits, there are various ways to fashion braces. Despite all of this, we’re fully aware that dental frames will never be in vogue—but what is fashion without a bit of innovation?
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered: