Braces are a staple of orthodontic treatment, but they don’t often make their mark on pop culture. When a braces-wearing character does appear, however, they can often steal the show! From heartwarming coming-of-age stories to hilarious comedy moments, braces have been featured in various forms of entertainment. But what beloved characters and people really rocked them? Read on to find some of the best braces in pop culture history!
1. Mable Pines (Gravity Falls)
Mable is the bright, sugar-loving heroine of Gravity Falls. She, along with her brother Dipper, work at their great Uncle’s tourist trap store in the middle of nowhere. However, when Dipper finds a strange journal out in the woods, mysterious things begin happening and a bigger mystery is unveiled. Mable is courageous, optimistic, and outgoing. She also happens to sport some of the cutest braces ever seen!
2. Cindy Crawford (Pepsi Commercials)
Commercials have always been a source of iconic moments whether hilarious, unsettling, or inspirational. In the 90s, Cindy Crawford was a mega star supermodel. So, when she appeared in a Pepi ad rocking some gleaming metal braces, it made a lot of braces-wearing girls squeal with joy. In Cindy, they could see themselves and the message of the commercial shining through—love yourself, and you’ll be beautiful no matter what!
3. America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
It’s impossible not to talk about the popular TV show Ugly Betty on a list of pop culture braces icons. The show was based on a telenovela entitled “Yo soy Betty, la fea” by Fernando Gaitán. In Ugly Betty, Betty Suarez manages to land a job at a prestigious fashion magazine despite her lack of “conventional” style. What follows is a heartwarming and hilarious tale about a girl who follows her dreams and is unafraid to be herself.
4. Faith Hill (2013 Grammy’s)
Braces aren’t the end of orthodontic treatment; you still need to wear a retainer to keep your results! Country Music superstar Faith Hill learned this lesson the hard way in 2013 when her teeth had begun to shift back. At the same time, her own children also needed braces, so she decided to make “metal mouth” a family affair. When she walked up on stage at the Grammys and smiled to reveal glittering silver braces, the crowd went wild.
These iconic braces moments in pop culture serve as a reminder that braces are not just a dental treatment but a symbol of personal growth, resilience, and individuality. Whether portrayed as a source of insecurity or a badge of honor, braces have certainly left a mark on the world of entertainment and given inspiration to audiences of all ages.
About the Practice
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville, you’ll find a friendly and professional dental team who love working with kids of all ages. They strive to educate their young patients to help them live happier, healthier lives with strong, straight teeth! Whether you have an anxious or enthusiastic child, they’ll find something to smile about at our office! Call (925) 575-8878 to schedule an orthodontic consultation or visit the website to learn more.