Dentist warns of rising use of unregulated fashion braces

Dr. Ann Boateng, Head of the Dental Department at Tema General Hospital, has raised concern over the increasing use of fashion braces, describing the unregulated cosmetic trend as a serious threat to oral health, particularly among young people.

She explained that the application of braces by unqualified individuals can result in complications such as tooth misalignment, gum infections, and long-term damage to the jaw structure. Dr Boateng noted that many of these unauthorised practitioners operate without basic medical training and often fail to follow essential procedures like wearing gloves and sterilising instruments, leading to the spread of bacteria and subsequent oral health problems.

Speaking during the World Oral Health Day celebration at the hospital on the theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” she emphasised that oral health is fundamental to overall wellbeing and stressed the importance of seeking professional dental care.

Dr. Boateng further revealed that fashion braces can loosen teeth, with some patients reportedly losing their teeth as a result of these unsafe practices. She reiterated that orthodontic treatment is a specialised field requiring proper expertise and cautioned young people against being drawn to low-cost, unregulated services at the expense of their long-term health.

Sources: GNA