You may be self-conscious about your braces right now, but you'll want to be able to look back on this time in the future! The following tips will help you look great in photos while wearing braces.
Choose less noticeable braces.
Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years, and there are a lot of low-profile orthodontic treatment options out there for today's patients.
Self-ligating braces are a good example of this. They don’t require any elastics or bands and have smaller brackets than traditional braces normally do.
Ceramic braces are another possibility. While the brackets are slightly larger than standard braces, their tooth-coloured ceramic construction allows them to blend in with your teeth.
Invisalign may be another great option. Invisalign clear aligners are not made of metal at all. Instead, they are made of clear, BPA-free plastic, making them almost invisible when worn.
Any of the above options can help make your braces look less obvious in pictures so that your face and your smile can be the focus.
Add some colour to your smile
Instead of trying to downplay your braces, treat them like an accessory and highlight them with colour!
Traditional metal braces usually have elastic bands attached to the brackets that need to be changed out on a regular basis.
These elastics are available in nearly every colour of the rainbow, allowing you to change up your look, coordinate with an outfit for a special occasion, or complement your eye colour or skin tone.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you know you’ll be having your picture taken soon, take some time to practice smiling with your new braces. Stand in front of the mirror and smile at yourself, from different angles, to see which one works best for you.
You can also try taking some selfies, or have a friend or family member take some pictures of you.
Doing things like this should help you grow accustomed to how your smile looks now that you have braces.
Just getting used to your new look can help you overcome a lack of confidence regarding your new smile, and nothing makes for a better picture than a great big confident smile!
Your braces are going to play a big role in your appearance for the coming months and years.
It's in your best interest to work on feeling as confident and comfortable with your braces-clad smile as soon as possible - both now and when you're looking back at pictures of yourself during this time. If you have any questions about life with braces, please ask our dentists - we're here to help.