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In the Philippines, braces are more than just a tool to straighten teeth. They often represent social standing.
Braces can cost between ₱40,000 and ₱100,000 or more, making them expensive for many families. Because of the high price, wearing braces signals that a person can afford premium dental care.
This has led many Filipinos—especially students and young adults—to view braces as a symbol of being middle-class or financially secure.
Even if someone doesn’t need braces for medical reasons, having them can be a sign of success.
Why Filipino Teenagers See Braces as a Fashion Trend?
In the last decade, braces have grown into a fashion trend across the Philippines.
Many teenagers and young adults now wear braces because:
- Social media influences them
- Their friends or classmates have braces
- They want to fit in or stand out with colored bands
It’s common to see TikTok creators and vloggers posting videos about their “braces journey.” From changing band colors to showing off monthly appointments, braces have become part of a trendy lifestyle.
Some even say that braces complete their look, like glasses, earrings, or a new hairstyle.
Real Dental Problems That Braces Help Fix
While fashion and status play a role, many Filipinos wear braces because they need them.
Braces are used to treat:
- Crooked or overcrowded teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Misaligned jaws
- Large gaps between teeth
Access to basic dental care is still a challenge in some parts of the country. Many kids grow up without early orthodontic treatment. By the time they reach their teens, they require braces to correct serious dental issues.
Thankfully, better awareness and dental education are encouraging more families to seek real solutions for oral health.
How do Monthly Payments Make Braces More Affordable?
One reason why braces are so standard now is that they are easier to afford than before.
In the past, people had to pay the full amount up front. But today, most dental clinics in the Philippines offer:
- Zero-downpayment plans
- Monthly payments as low as ₱1,000 to ₱3,000
- Flexible treatment durations
This makes it possible for middle-income families and even college students to access high-quality orthodontic care. The availability of easy payment plans has played a significant role in the rising number of people getting braces.
How Social Media Encourages the Braces Trend?
Social media has helped make braces a popular trend among Filipino youth.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are filled with:
- Before and after braces transformations
- “Braces glow-up” videos
- Tutorials on cleaning and maintaining braces
- Monthly update vlogs with new band colors
These posts reach thousands—even millions—of views and encourage young followers to join the trend.
Wearing braces has become part of digital self-expression. Some even see it as a step toward becoming a social media influencer.
What You Need to Know About Fake Braces in the Philippines?
Sadly, not all braces seen in public are real. There is a dangerous trend of wearing fake or “fashion” braces.
These are made and sold illegally. They are:
- Installed by unlicensed individuals
- Made with unsafe materials like wires, glue, and rubber bands
- Sold in salons, markets, and online stores
People buy them for as low as ₱500 to ₱1,500. The goal is to look trendy without spending money on genuine dental care.
But fake braces can cause serious problems, including:
- Gum infections
- Tooth decay
- Jaw misalignment
- Heavy metal poisoning (from lead or cadmium)
- In rare cases, even death
The Philippine Dental Association and other experts have issued strong warnings against using fake braces. Always get braces from a licensed dentist or orthodontist. Want to get braces safely? Here’s a complete guide on choosing a trusted dental clinic and avoiding fake braces.
How Braces Improve Self-Esteem and Social Confidence?
For many Filipinos, braces bring more than dental benefits—they also bring emotional ones.
People who wear braces often say they feel:
- More confident in public
- Happier with their smile
- Comfortable in social settings
- Accepted by their peers
Braces can help young people feel more attractive, mature, and capable. Some even view it as a personal upgrade—both physically and socially.
It’s not just about how their teeth look, but how they feel about themselves.
What Dentists in the Philippines Say About the Trend?
Dentists and orthodontists across the Philippines have shared their thoughts on the braces boom.
They support:
- The increase in dental awareness
- More young people are choosing to care for their teeth
- Affordable plans are making treatment more accessible
But they also warn about:
- The rise of fake braces
- Poor hygiene and skipped appointments
- Patients who treat braces only as a fashion item
Professionals remind everyone that braces are medical tools, not accessories. They need proper diagnosis, X-rays, adjustments, and aftercare.
Common Misunderstandings About Braces in the Philippines
Here are a few common misconceptions:
- Myth 1: Anyone can apply braces if they have the tools
- Truth: Only licensed dentists and orthodontists should install braces. Untrained work can lead to lasting damage.
- Myth 2: Fake braces are a cheaper way to improve your teeth
- Truth: Fake braces don’t align teeth. They can harm your gums and introduce bacteria into your body.
- Myth 3: Braces are only for teenagers
- Truth: Braces work for both kids and adults. Many Filipinos now start treatment in their 20s and even 30s.
Statistics That Show the Rise of Braces in the Philippines
| Insight | Details |
|---|---|
| Average cost of real braces | ₱40,000 to ₱100,000+ |
| Monthly payment options | ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 in most clinics |
| Age group with highest usage | 13 to 25 years old |
| Common dental issues | Age group with the highest usage |
| Fake braces kits | Sold illegally online and in salons |
| Real treatment time | 1.5 to 3 years with monthly visits |
Final Thoughts on Why So Many Filipinos Wear Braces
So, why do so many Filipinos wear braces on their teeth?
Because in the Philippines, braces are more than metal on teeth—they are:
- A symbol of social status
- A trend fueled by media and peer culture
- A solution for real dental problems
- A personal investment in beauty and self-esteem
Braces in the Philippines represent both aspiration and identity. As long as they are done safely and professionally, they offer life-changing benefits.
But when worn just for fashion—or applied unsafely—they can lead to serious health problems.
If you’re considering braces, make sure to consult with a licensed dental professional. Don’t risk your smile for a shortcut.
People also ask
Why are braces so popular in the Philippines?
Braces are seen as a status symbol, fashion trend, and confidence booster. Affordable monthly plans also make them accessible to more people.
Why do so many Asians have braces?
Many Asians get braces to fix dental alignment, improve appearance, and boost social confidence. In some cultures, it’s also seen as fashionable or elite.
Why do Filipinos lose their teeth?
Tooth loss in Filipinos is often due to poor oral hygiene, limited access to dental care, high sugar diets, and lack of early dental education.
Why are Americans obsessed with braces?
Americans value perfect smiles as part of beauty and success. Braces are common due to strong dental culture, insurance, and early treatment focus.
