Too self-conscious to smile in pictures? Go on...flash that smile and say cheese! Below, you'll find a few tips and tricks from our Surrey orthodontists, for looking your very best in pictures while you have braces.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and your braces clean and free from particles of food is the absolute easiest way to look great in pictures. Food and plaque are easily trapped by your brackets, wires, springs, and rubber bands. Proper brushing and flossing are essential for making your smile look it's very best. Brush, floss and use your interdental brush after every meal, to keep your teeth healthy and your braces free of debris. Flossing with braces is easy and will help to keep your smile picture perfect.
Not sure how to floss with braces? Here's a quick refresher:
Feed the floss through the space between the main arch wire and the portion of the tooth closest to the gum. Gently 'saw' the floss up and down along both sides of the tooth. Don't use too much force, especially around the archwire. Complete this action between each tooth until all of the spaces have been cleaned.
Just Smile!
Braces or not, a genuinely happy smile always looks great in pictures. You've cleaned your teeth and braces so there's nothing to hide! Keep reminding yourself that your smile looks fantastic in pictures and just SMILE!
Practice Smiling to Boost Your Self-Confidence & Mood
If you're new to wearing braces, a little practice can also be helpful. OK so we know this may sound silly but, practice smiling at yourself in the mirror...not fake smiling...real smiling. The great news about smiling at yourself is that it's not just fabulous practice for perfecting your smile, it also releases a boost of endorphins that will help to make you feel happier and maybe even more confident. Smile at yourself everyday and remind yourself that you look great!
Make-Up for Braces
If you enjoy experimenting with makeup there are a couple of approaches you can take in order to feel more confident smiling with braces.
Own Those Braces & Grin
- Think of your braces as you would a fashion accessory and highlighting your braces with some red lipstick. Look for a darker shade that will make your teeth look whiter and compliment your skin tone.
Play Down those Braces & Smile
- Prefer to camouflage your braces? Draw attention away from your braces by wearing a neutral lip colour and try applying more dramatic eye makeup. A fashionably strong brow will also help to focus attention on your eyes and away from your braces.
Opt for Less Noticeable Braces
If you're still not feeling confident about how you will look with braces? Perhaps you should consider a lower profile orthodontic treatment. A number of low profile orthodontic treatments are available from your Surrey orthodontists at Guildford Orthodontic Centre.
Low Profile Orthodontic Treatment Options: