While you may find yourself feeling a little insecure about your smile right now while you have braces on, you will not feel that way forever. Our dentists offer some advice that will help you look great and feel less awkward in pictures during the time you have braces.
There are some less noticeable options for 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. While traditional braces have elastics and bands these braces do not while also having smaller brackets.
Another possible option for less obvious braces is ceramic braces. The brackets on these braces are slightly larger but the ceramic is tooth coloured in order to ensure that they blend in well with your natural 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.
Coloured options can help you love your braces
There are also other options rather than trying to hide or blend your braces by using coloured elastics to make your smile fun!
These elastic bands are attached to the brackets on traditional metal braces that need to be changed on a regular basis during your orthodontic visits.
These elastics come in pretty much every colour of the rainbow, allowing you to change up your look, coordinate with an outfit you’re planning for a special event, or complement your eye colour or skin tone.
The more you have photos taken the easier it becomes
If you have any events coming up soon then it is good to try to practice smiling with your braces as much as possible so that you feel as comfortable as possible during the event. 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 in the coming months and years.
It will be in your best interest to work on feeling as confident and comfortable with your braces-clad smile as soon as possible - both now, and in the future when you’re looking back at pictures of yourself during this time. If you have questions about life with braces, feel free to ask our dentists - we're here to address your concerns.