I was genuinely surprised by how many people I saw wearing braces in Bangkok. One moment that stood out was when a hotel receptionist greeted us with a navy blue stripe across her teeth. I initially thought she was still wearing braces, but she kindly explained that she had already completed her orthodontic treatment and was now wearing a retainer to keep her teeth in shape.
From what I have always understood, retainers are usually worn at night. But she wore hers during the day, openly and confidently, almost like a fashion accessory. That moment made me pause. It was both practical and expressive.
After that, I started noticing braces and retainers more often, especially among young adults. Some had colourful bands or playful styles. It felt like more than just dental care. There was a quiet sense of pride, even identity, in how they were worn.
In Thai culture, braces have often been seen as a status symbol. Because orthodontic treatment is expensive, it can signal access to private care and a certain social standing. Over time, this perception became linked to beauty and modernity.
This idea even led to the rise of fashion braces in the late 2000s and early 2010s in Thailand. These were non medical braces worn purely for appearance. While they were trendy for a time, they posed serious health risks and were eventually banned.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel beautiful or express yourself. But when health is involved, it is worth reflecting on whether a choice is truly supporting your wellbeing.
That receptionist left a lasting impression on me. She wore her retainer to maintain her smile, but she did so with grace and confidence. I am currently wearing braces because of misalignment and broken teeth. At first, I felt self conscious, like I needed to hide them. But seeing someone wear hers so naturally reminded me that taking care of ourselves, whatever the reason, should never feel like something to be ashamed of.
Beauty is a double edged sword. It can uplift or pressure. But perhaps what matters most is learning to honour our choices, whether they are for health, comfort, or self expression. Our worth is not something that needs to be fixed. It is something to be remembered.
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