Braces an evolving fashion statement

Orthodontic braces have characteristics of a fashion statement. There are currently 4.8 million people with braces in the U.S and Canada. In the U.S alone there are 4.6 million. Walk into a high school and you'll see wired smiles.

Braces and orthodontics are not new to the world. They actually date back to 400 B.C., said Pam Paladin of the American Association of Orthodontics. They were written about by the famous philosopher Hippocrates and used by Egyptians. The braces we know today didn't come until around the mid 1800s.

Dr. Rogers of Rogers and Andrews Orthodontics has treated more than 20,000 people in Augusta.

"You can count on a beautiful smile for years." Said Dr. Rogers. "People have realized over the years the importance of a nice bite and smile."

A new trend is Invisalign braces, but the most popular style of braces by far is the traditional wires.

"With the standard braces we don't have to worry about you forgetting to put them in or take them out like with Invisalign," Dr. Rogers said. "However, Invisalign is used on simple cases or adult clients."

Baotram Van, a 14-year-old freshman at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School has Invisalign.

"I know about 60 people with braces, but with Invisalign you can eat whatever you want," Baotram said.

She prefers Invisalign because it's more convenient and people can't tell you have them on.

Tracy Rosenblum, a 15-year-old freshman at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, prefers her standard braces.

"I don't like that food becomes stuck in them, but I do like how I don't have to take them out like Invisalign," Tracy said.

Kiersten Fryer, a 15 year old freshman at Davidson Fine Arts loves standard braces.

"Braces look cute and cool on the right people. Some just don't know how to wear them right and they look extra dorky." Kiersten said. "My friend has Invisalign and it's like she takes out dentures, it's funny to me."

If you are considering having braces, talk to your local orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontics says age 7 is the age recommended to be checked for braces. This is only if they are a needed. Also the average treatment is about 18 to 24 months.

Braces don't hurt. They cause temporary mild soreness.

"It didn't hurt, but it didn't feel good either." Said Tracy said. "It's not scary though."

The teens said braces is a trend that's not going out of style anytime soon.

Teen Board Member Imani Jenkins is a freshman at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School