Gwen Stefani is a style icon and the former lead singer of the hugely popular 90s band, No Doubt. Her smile, displaying pearly white teeth, dazzles fans worldwide during her frequent red carpet appearances.
Gwen Stefani wore braces as an adult in 1999 at the age of 30. Her decision to wear the orthodontic appliances did not stem from visible imperfections with her teeth but a promise she made to herself as a child.
Gwen Stefani had vowed to herself that if she ever had money she would get braces. When she was growing up, she always wanted to get them braces but never did because her parents couldn’t afford it.
Unique Style
Gwen Stefani became the face of bold style when No Doubt increased in popularity during the ’90s
As lead singer of the band, she defied expectations of what female rockers should look like with her more avant-garde style. Combat boots, crop tops and colorful hair became her signature look at the height of the band’s fame.
Gwen Stefani has described her style at the time as a fusion of tomboy and glamor, even saying that it might have been because she didn’t have a stylist.
As No Doubt and its lead singer grew in popularity, Gwen rapidly became a role model to teenage girls everywhere and sparked a rather faithful following.
At 30 years old, Gwen, true to her characteristically bold and unapologetic style, made the decision to get braces as an adult.
Making Braces Cool
Braces are usually associated with teenagers, even considered a rite of passage into adulthood. During treatment, wearers are sometimes subjected to enduring cruel nicknames as a consequence.
Wearing braces as an adult presents its own level of perceived shame. The garish silver metal accessories do not conjure up images of what is sexy or attractive.
Gwen Stefani naturally set out to change this perception by proudly showing off her braces on several red carpet appearances.
Her outward acceptance of herself during this period did much to dispel the thought that braces were something to be ashamed of.
Why Wear Braces?
For Gwen Stefani, the act of wearing braces itself might have been more important for her than correcting any imperfections with her teeth. This was a promise to herself coming true, also signifying that she had made it financially.
In any case, the result is a brilliant smile, showing off the fashion maven’s uber confidence and perfect teeth.
Gwen Stefani’s style has been imitated and commented on for as long as she has been in the public eye. Her career spans more than 20 years.
Braces can be a natural choice for someone looking to correct imperfections in the teeth. Gone are the days when they were something to be ashamed of or only intended for kids.
Advances in modern technology offer options that make wearing braces more discreet, and in some cases, even limiting the length of treatment.