How to Look Great With Braces

Co-authored by Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Last Updated: March 28, 2023 References Approved

Everybody wants to look good & dashing but braces can be a major pain. Don't let them change your self-image! Braces will do their work, and then you'll never regret getting them. Follow the following steps about how to look good and be confident with braces.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Living With Braces

1
Embrace your braces. Having braces is awesome – not because of the way they look or how they feel, but because of the results they will give you. When you have braces, it shows other people that you care about your appearance, and that you are trying to improve it. Remember that when your treatment is done, you will have a straight smile.^{[1]
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2
If you have traditional braces, think about the color bands you will choose.
- Avoid clear bands, since they tend to stain.
- Gray is a good choice if you don't want to draw too much attention to your braces.
- Avoid yellow, black, and white, because they can make your teeth look yellow.^{[2]
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- Try to experiment with different colors. You'll get to know after some time which colors look best on you.
- If you're going to do two colors or more, make sure that they do not clash with each other.
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3
Considering asking for another style of braces. If you really do not like the traditional braces that you've been given, ask your orthodontist about other types of braces. Some of your options include:
- Ceramic Braces: they are the same size as the traditional ones, except they are colored to look like your teeth.^{[3]
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- Lingual Braces: they are located on the inside of the teeth so they won't be visible. Be aware that they tend to be more uncomfortable at first, and they may hurt more.^{[4]
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- Invisalign: this is not a type of braces. They are custom-made mouth guards that will align your teeth over a period of two years or more. They don't work for serious dental issues.
4
Don't be shy! Keep a smile on your face, and hold your head high. A friendly face and a positive attitude will have much more effect on your appearance than your braces ever could. Be authentically yourself – that's what really matters.^{[5]
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- Don't intentionally mumble or try to keep your mouth closed. People might get the wrong idea and think you're shy or don't want to talk to them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

1
Have an oral care routine. Having braces is not just having something in your mouth that will strengthen your teeth. Having braces is about making a practice of taking care of your teeth. If you maintain your oral hygiene, your braces will have a much more positive effect upon your eventual appearance.^{[6]
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- Don't forget to see your dentist regularly, either every three or six months. If you find cleaning your teeth difficult, it's recommended to see your dentist more often so that they can clean them properly for you.
2
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Always brush your teeth in the morning and at night. It is extremely important to remove all of the little pieces of food that can get stuck between your teeth due to your braces. For a cleaner mouth, try using an electric brush, accompanied by mouthwash and floss.^{[7]
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- If you can't brush your teeth, use mouthwash. Whenever you aren't at home but you want that perfect, clean smile: use mouthwash. It will refresh you and it will help with your breath.^{[8]
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3
Floss daily. Don't forget to floss. Flossing will not only make your mouth feel and look cleaner – it will help prevent inflammation and gum diseases like gingivitis. Flossing is essential when you have braces. It can be hard to floss, but it can be much less effort if you use a waxed floss or dental picks.^{[9]
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- If you find flossing difficult and don't mind paying a bit of money, consider purchasing an electric water flosser. These are either connected to a power outlet or rechargeable and should be used after you eat to get rid of any remaining food stuck in your teeth.
4
Follow your edible diet strictly. If you make progress, your orthodontist might be able to take off the braces early! Don't eat sticky food. It could get stuck in your braces, and that doesn't look great.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Focusing Attention Elsewhere

1
Change your appearance. If you wear accessories or dress yourself in a bold way, you might be able to draw people's attention away from your mouth. Think about the things you've always wanted to try: new hairstyles, new clothing styles, new accessories. Yes, these things may catch people's eyes – but if you are authentic in expressing yourself, the attention will not be negative.
2
Wear accessories. Try wearing an interesting hat, a pair of sunglasses, or a scarf. Wear a different style of clothes, and try a new trend. Put on a t-shirt that is different from your regular attire. Wear temporary tattoos and jewelry.
3
Use makeup and hairstyles to distract from your braces. Put your hair into a new and exciting hairstyle – or get a bold haircut! Do your eye makeup in a colorful, catchy way.
- Apply sparkly or dramatic eye-shadow. Eye-shadow takes the attention away from your mouth and to your eyes. Don't use too much!
- Avoid wearing bright lipstick. It will draw all the attention towards your mouth

Expert Q&A

Question

What advice do you have for eating without getting food caught in spacers or separators?

Jeremy Silverman, DMD
Dentist
Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Dentist

Expert Answer

Getting food stuck in braces is an all too common occurrence. They are quite difficult to keep free of food debris during and after mealtime. An item that is quite beneficial is a WaterPik. Via a bent handle designed for the mouth, the device sprays a small stream of water between the teeth to dislodge food and plaque. Use the appropriate-sized attachment on the Waterpik and lean over the sink while using it as water will drip from your mouth during this process. The tip of the Waterpik should be placed between the teeth and then the area should be gently lavaged. Do this between all teeth. Mouthwash can be diluted in the water reservoir (¼ mouthwash:¾ water) to provide a fresh feel and increased antimicrobial activity. Floss threaders are also helpful in these situations to successfully get floss where you need it under the braces.