How to Look Great With Braces

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.

Choose a color that isn't too flashy. If you have traditional braces, think about the color bands you will choose. Avoid bright colors such as orange, green, yellow red, light blue, purple, etc. These bands are more prone to popping. Also avoid clear bands, since they tend to stain. Do use black, grey, and silver. They will show the least and they won't stain so easily.

• 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 they are in the same color family (warm/cool) and that they do not clash with each other.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Follow your eatable 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.

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.

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 use jewelry to distract from your braces.

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