Calling someone “brace face” used to be an insult — now? It might just be a compliment.
According to a new piece from The Washington Post, metal braces are officially back in style, and Gen Z is actually asking for them. Yep, old-school orthodontics are now being seen as a fashion statement.
One orthodontist in Tucson, Arizona says that kids are begging for traditional braces over sleeker options like Invisalign. Over in California, another orthodontist confirmed the same trend — saying it kicked off about a year ago and now he’s seeing patients get hyped to rock metal brackets like it’s the newest accessory.
He even asked around in a national Facebook group for orthodontists, and guess what? It’s happening everywhere.
So what caused the comeback?
Blame (or thank) the influencers. A handful of celebrities — including rumors that Lil Uzi Vert may have worn them just for show — have been seen flaunting braces, making them feel less like dental work and more like a vibe. You can even find fake braces on Etsy now (but seriously, don’t do that — dentists warn they’re dangerous and could cause serious damage or choking hazards).
One 24-year-old dental assistant in Brooklyn even said, “No shade to Invisalign, but it’s kind of boring to me.”
Braces as a fashion flex? 2025 is getting weird — and we’re here for it.
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