Well, I'm from Argentina, and I can tell that having braces as an adult is not yet "a fashion trend" over here, but is getting more and more popular nowadays.
As you said, akabraces:
That is exactly what is going on now. Most of the orthodontists are pretty young because this discipline is kind of new over here. So most people is getting the chance to wear braces these days. Besides that, the payment plans are now better than before, but it is still quite expensive. So sometimes people sees it as a status symbol.in central and south america, they are actually using real braces...
they never really had access to orthodontic care and now that they do, everyone wants it which why there are so many adults with braces--b/c nobody had them as children...
If having braces is a fashion trend in Colombia, it might become a fashion trend over here too. That would be great for me!!!!