Dentists attack Ugly Betty's braces

Specialists on the British Orthodontic Society stated the USA comedy gave a "detrimental" portrayal of twine braces.

The sequence follows the exploits of Betty Suarez, as she battles to make a occupation within the beauty-obsessed type magazine trade.

Now in its third season on Channel 4, Betty - played by way of actress America Ferrera - remains to be wearing heavy "train track" braces.

But in line with dentists prepare music braces are very seldom prescribed to adults and even then don't seem to be worn for more than two years.

British orthodontists mentioned they were frightened the programme may discourage younger audience from in search of corrective dental remedy.

Tracey Posner, of the British Orthodontic society, mentioned: "It is irresponsible of the programme makers to portray Betty as 'ugly' because she wears prominent braces.

"Ugly Betty is in its third yr on our TV screens and Betty stays in over-exaggerated, heavy 'train-track' braces.

"This is not a true reflection of orthodontic practice. It is highly unlikely an adult would wear braces beyond two years.

"Betty's braces are indubitably supposed to be noticed by audience as harmful to her look.

"People who wear braces are not ugly. People considering treatment should not be put off by such a stereotype.

"Many young folks and adults see wearing braces for granted of passage, and benefit from the transformation."

Dr Colin Wallis, a specialist orthodontist, said: "Braces for adults and children are significantly more discreet than what is being depicted in Ugly Betty.

"There are many adults in the UK now wearing braces that are either completely clear, or are placed behind the teeth, so you may not even know that your best friend is wearing them.

"It is totally beside the point to affiliate braces with being 'ugly', just as glasses have prior to now been an object of ridicule."

Tim Newton, professor of psychology at King's College London's Dental Institute, said: "A student of mine, Huw Jeremiah, has done some work having a look at public perceptions of adults dressed in orthodontic units.

"Essentially he found that adults wearing stainless steel brackets were considered less intelligent than adults with no visible brace, so there are social impacts of wearing braces.

"There is a protracted body of psychological analysis that has discovered that we tend to suppose that 'stunning is just right' - that is that sexy individuals are extra in style, socially skilled and clever than less attractive people."

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbHLnp6rmaCde6S7ja6iaJulocG2vsRoq6%2BZnpm%2ForDIqGZucGFsfXOEjn2cp6yZqMG0ecCtq5qbm2KiqLjYZnmerKSuwG6u0ZqanqtencGuuA%3D%3D