Anyone who's had braces knows how uncomfortable and generally unflattering they tend to be. The epitome of a ridiculously expensive necessary evil that's always worth it once you reach adulthood, we can't help but chuckle when looking back on our school photos [1] where our braces were on full display. According to a press release [2], kids and teens who can't get enough of all things Disney can look into an entirely new option: Mickey Mouse-shaped brackets and colorful elastics that coincide with their favorite characters.
A fun take on an otherwise uninspired rite of passage, Disney announced a partnership with WildSmiles Braces [3] to give kids' orthodontic experiences a little more pizazz.
"As an innovator in orthodontic treatment, we are thrilled to collaborate with Disney," WildSmiles founder Clarke Stevens said in a press release. "Mickey Mouse is a beloved character that inspires creativity and has always had a way of spreading ear-to-ear smiles for generations. That animated spirit reinforces the new fun perspective we have brought to orthodontic correction through the WildSmiles brand."
If your big kid isn't a huge Disney fan, they can choose from other bracket shapes — like hearts and stars — that are certainly way more eye-catching than the traditional style. And FYI: the new Mickey Mouse style is also available to adults who are desperately missing their favorite theme parks [5] right now!