Teenagers usually dread hearing that they need braces, but for some teens in Asia, braces have become a fashion trend. Teens in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are wearing fake braces, when they don't even need them.
Braces are on the black market now in Southeast Asia. Teens are buying the fake metal and rubber mouth pieces as an accessory. For about $100 each, someone could buy a a pair of fake braces that come in a variety or colors and even designs such as Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse, the Daily News reports.
Not only are braces being worn as a fashion statement, they're also a status symbol. Real braces can be pricey in Bangkok, so being able to pay for them means that you come from a wealthy family.
Braces are glorified now as Indonesian heartthrob Andika Kangen and Thai pop singer Earn the Star wear them. Photos of Gwen Stefani with braces in the 90's are also seen on many Asian websites. The No Doubt singer recently admitted that her braces were a fashion choice, so many kids look up to her.
Those who want fake braces don't need a doctor's appointment. Beauticians can install them at local beauty salons or you can buy a DIY kit online or at a local market. To install the fake braces, users have to press the wire into a desired size and then inserts the ends between their last two molars.
Fake braces aren't all fun though. They have been blamed as a cause of death for two Thai teens. The pieces of the braces can become loose and can fall into the throat and they can cause sores. One 17-year-old got a thyroid infection which progressed to heat failure and another 14-year-old girl died after buying the fake braces, according to Vice.
After these deaths, the Thai government banned the production and sale of the fake braces. Selling them is punishable by a hefty fine and jail time.
In Indonesia and other countries, the braces are still legal and the trend is still going strong.
Here is a video of some of the varieties of fashion braces:
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
