Braces have long been a rite of passage for teens, and sometimes adults, seeking straighter smiles. While wearing braces might feel awkward at times, pop culture has helped to normalize and even celebrate the experience. From quirky characters to heartwarming transformations, there have been many memorable braces moments in movies, TV shows, and celebrity appearances that made us smile. Here’s a look at some of the best and most iconic braces moments in pop culture.
Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” Music Video
Pop superstar Katy Perry gave braces a hilarious and lovable spotlight in her music video for “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” In it, she transforms into the geeky alter ego Kathy Beth Terry, complete with headgear, giant glasses, and a mouth full of braces. The video was a fun throwback to awkward teenage years and helped make braces a part of a confident, comedic persona rather than something to hide.
Ugly Betty’s Signature Smile
ABC’s hit series Ugly Betty introduced the world to Betty Suarez, a smart and ambitious young woman navigating the high-fashion world while rocking red glasses, frizzy hair, and a full set of braces. Played by America Ferrera, Betty became an empowering symbol of staying true to yourself. Her braces weren’t just a cosmetic detail – they were part of what made her real and relatable. Betty proved that you can be successful and stylish, even if you’re not what others expect you to be.
Darla from Finding Nemo
One of the most unforgettable braces moments in animation comes from Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Darla, the overenthusiastic fish-killing niece of the dentist, wears a headgear-style braces setup that instantly became iconic. While Darla was more of a comic villain than a role model, her exaggerated metal-mouth look became a pop culture staple and showed that braces could be visually memorable, even if slightly terrifying for fish.
Josie Geller in Never Been Kissed
In the romantic comedy Never Been Kissed, Drew Barrymore plays Josie Geller, a reporter who goes undercover as a high school student. Flashbacks reveal Josie’s past as an awkward teen with frizzy hair, outdated clothes, and, you guessed it, braces. Her transformation into a confident adult serves as a feel-good reminder that the awkward phases, including the time we spend in braces, are temporary and often lead to growth.
Celebrity Glow-Ups
Many famous faces have worn braces on their journey to stardom. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Emma Watson, Prince Harry, and Gwen Stefani have all sported braces, some even as adults. Seeing public figures embrace orthodontics helps reduce stigma and shows that braces are just a normal part of self-care and improvement.
From sitcom stars to music videos and animated films, braces have had their share of shining moments in pop culture. These portrayals have helped normalize orthodontic treatment, making it feel less like a source of embarrassment and more like a badge of honor. Whether you’re currently in braces or remembering your own “metal mouth” days, these pop culture moments prove that braces are nothing to be ashamed of, and might even be iconic.
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. After graduating, he completed his specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Ishani has logged numerous hours in continuing education coursework and also stays current in his field through membership in the American Association of Orthodontists. Looking to straighten out your smile? Schedule your appointment online or call (405) 254-5094.