You’ve gotten your braces on, and you’re on your way to a healthier smile. Getting braces is a big milestone for many, but some people feel self-conscious about smiling before their treatment is done. While you shouldn’t feel this way, since your smile is beautiful either way, there are ways to feel more comfortable taking photos with braces. Keep reading below to find out how!
Opt for more discreet treatment options
If the thought of having metal braces is stressful because of how noticeable they can be, consider trying a treatment option that is less visible. Ceramic braces and Invisalign are both great alternatives to metal brackets that provide the same outcome while being more discreet. Ceramic braces still have brackets, but they are made out of ceramic that is either clear or the same color as your teeth. Invisalign, on the other hand, doesn’t use brackets at all; instead, you wear plastic aligners that are practically invisible. Both of these will be virtually unnoticeable in pictures, helping you be more comfortable with photos with braces.
Embrace your braces
Instead of trying to hide your braces, consider making them another accessory. Many brackets use rubber bands your orthodontist changes regularly. Try picking your favorite colors or choosing a theme. Around Christmas, change your rubber bands to green and red; around the Fourth of July, change them to red, white, and blue. Be as creative as you’d like!
Don’t use the flash for photos with braces
Using the flash while taking pictures doesn’t make for the best outcome anyway, but with braces, the flash can reflect off of them, making them more noticeable. Instead, take pictures in natural light, preferably outside. This will make your braces less visible and the whole picture more pleasing to the eye.
Practice makes perfect
Although you might feel silly, practicing your smile in front of a mirror is a great way to see how you look with braces.You can try different smiles from different angles, so you can see which smile you’re most comfortable with. You can also take selfies and practice smiling for the camera. Hold each smile for 10 seconds to determine your smile range, and remember how it feels for when someone is actually taking your picture. This will help you feel more confident when your picture is being taken.
Wear lipstick
Lipstick is a staple of many makeup bags, and it’s easy to see why. Adding the right pop of color can brighten your smile and whiten your teeth. It can also make you more confident about your smile—and confidence shows in pictures! Make sure to choose the right shade for your skin color, and you are well on your way to feeling more confident in photos with braces.
Your smile is the first thing people notice about you, so you want to feel confident showing it off in pictures! If you feel ready to embrace a healthier smile, contact Smith Orthodontics for your free consultation. We’ll help you get started on your journey to a better, more confident smile!
