Alarming ‘fashion braces’ trend leads to warning from dentists

They’re trying to set these DIYers straight.

Dental experts are advising against fake, decorative braces applied at home — also known as “fashion braces” — because the unnecessary heavy metal can cause painful tooth damage, detrimental misalignment or oral infections.

“Tooth enamel does not grow back,” Dr. Samuel Lee, an orthodontist based in Southern California, told “Today” on Monday. “Once it’s broken and once it’s fractured, it’s completely done.”

“Fashion braces” aren’t new — a 2018 medical journal entry warned that the non-medical appliances were taking off in Southeast Asia as teenagers tried to attain a certain “standard of luxury.”

Thailand even banned fake braces after two Thai teens developed infections from them and died.

Despite concerns that faux braces are made with inferior materials and they can harm teeth, gums, lips and surrounding bones, the “fashion braces” movement has spread to other parts of the world.

Now, the proliferation of TikTok tutorials showing how to glue or clip on the teeth jewelry is drawing fresh rebuke from orthodontists.

In a July blog post, Dr. Paul DiFranco reported that the cosmetic brackets and wires could contain toxic chemicals like cadmium or lead, and the adhesive in the kits is usually not medical-grade.

“That increases the risk of wires and brackets coming loose and possibly cutting your gums and jaws,” wrote DiFranco, who practices in Palos Hills, Illinois. “They can even become a choking hazard if they completely fall off, possibly leading to a trip to the nearest emergency room.”

In May, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) warned that fashion braces could have “serious consequences” for oral health, including heavy metals seeping from the hardware into oral tissues and leading to infection.

The AAO also highlighted another problematic trend — “basement braces.” That’s when people in need of dental work seek out unlicensed or unqualified providers to avoid the pricey cost of mouth gear.

“Today” reports that metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000 on average, but payment plans or more affordable options may be available.

“It’s really important if people are seeking some type of aesthetic improvement of their teeth, to talk to a dental professional and go over what those options are,” Lee told the outlet.