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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Believe it or not, braces have been around since 1669, developed by the first “surgeon dentist,” Pierre Fauchard. While braces are often considered necessities, luxuries, and even status symbols over the next few hundred years, they have not always been “cool.” For many reasons, modern kids assume that braces make you “dorky” or unpopular.

However, the reputation for braces as cool and even fashionable has certainly been on the rise in the past few decades. Revolutions in orthodontics have made them more customizable and stylish than ever before. Some kids are even wearing fake braces as status symbols, part of a new (and dangerous) social media trend.

Despite the dangers, these trends point to real braces finally being seen as not only functional but cool too. Read on to learn about the changing reputation and public image of braces.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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How Braces Can Boost Confidence

It’s pretty easy to guess how braces can lower confidence. They can be uncomfortable, kids can perceive them as nerdy, and most patients don’t want to sit through so many doctor’s appointments. However, braces can become cool by providing benefits in the long term that boost confidence rather than lower it.

Crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, teeth with gaps, a jaw out of alignment, and other oral issues are often perceived as ugly. They can cause long-term health issues, including cavities that need to be filled and potential gum and tooth diseases that need to be treated.

Since all these issues can reduce someone’s confidence and all of them are treated with braces, braces can have a long-term positive impact on how kids feel about their self-image. That in itself makes them pretty cool.

Braces as a Social Trend

That’s the long-term positive impact of receiving proper braces treatment. What about the experience of wearing them in school, at work, at band practice, and all the other places kids have to go? Recent trends show that braces may not be the symbols of nerdiness they once were.

With over 4.5 million Americans wearing braces in the modern-day, almost twice what it was 30 years ago, braces have become a much more common sight. As a result, they’ve become more respected. In addition, the “fake braces” trend that has trickled through social media from less developed countries indicates the increase in popularity braces have experienced over the last few years.

Fake braces are dangerous DIY or off-brand appliances that kids attach to their teeth to appear like they’re wearing braces. The trend began on Twitch, Instagram, and YouTube with kids doing DIY tutorials on how to make “braces” from household objects. It has now spiraled into an industry that sells dangerous, ineffective fake braces to kids, even on normally reputable stores like Amazon.

What this indicates for real braces, however, is the turn towards regarding braces as a symbol of wealth, social status, and popularity. If kids are faking the treatment to look trendy on Twitch, real braces are no longer the jokes they were when their grandparents went to school.

Advances in Orthodontics

This changing reputation is partly due to advances in orthodontics technology that made braces more customizable than ever before. Today, patients have the chance to choose different braces materials – including ceramic, metal, and clear plastic Invisalign appliances – all of which are more flexible, comfortable, and versatile than they used to be. Over the last few years, braces have gotten stronger, more discreet, and more comfortable.

Patients can also choose the color of their braces, which has a huge effect on how cool they are. By choosing from any of dozens of colors, kids can personalize their treatment and feel good about it. They can change it up for special occasions, wearing their team colors to a big game or Christmas colors for the holiday season, or just for fun.

Additionally, braces aren’t all about the kids anymore. Over a million U.S. adults wear braces today. It might have been embarrassing two decades ago to wear braces to a meeting or a customer service position. Now, it’s a sign that your health is a priority and that you have the time and money to take care of it.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you are considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you. 

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).