Summer is the season of sunshine, beach days, pool parties, and—you guessed it—photos. Between group selfies, family vacations, and spontaneous beach shots, your camera roll is probably working overtime. And if you’re going through orthodontic treatment right now, you might be wondering how to smile confidently with braces in all these summer pictures. Whether you’re wearing traditional braces or ceramic braces, you shouldn’t feel the need to hide your smile. In fact, with a little practice and a few simple tricks, you can totally rock a great look in your summer photos, braces and all.
Smiling with braces might feel a little awkward at first, especially if you’re new to having them. But confidence is key. The truth is, most people won’t even notice your braces unless you draw attention to them—and when they do, they’ll probably just think you’re taking care of your teeth. That’s a good thing. So instead of hiding your smile or stressing about your braces, learn how to make them work for you. This summer is still your summer, and your smile can absolutely be one of your best features in every photo.
Let’s start with the basics. The foundation of a great photo is a genuine smile, and you can’t get that without feeling good about it. You might be tempted to keep your lips closed or avoid smiling altogether, but that only makes you look stiff or uncomfortable. The truth is, when you smile with confidence—even with braces—it shows. And it makes your photos look more natural, more joyful, and way more you.
If you’re new to braces, spend a few minutes in front of the mirror practicing your smile. It might feel silly, but it really helps. Try smiling with your teeth showing, then without. Notice how your face changes depending on your head tilt or posture. Practice smiling with your eyes too—what some people call “smizing.” When your eyes are relaxed and engaged, your smile looks warmer and more authentic. That’s the kind of energy that makes summer photos pop.
Before a big photo moment, do a quick check-in with your braces. Brush your teeth, floss, and rinse your mouth to make sure there’s no food stuck in your brackets or wires. Clean teeth always photograph better, and it helps you feel fresh and confident. If you’re heading to a cookout or ice cream shop with friends, take a quick peek in a mirror or phone camera after eating. It’s just a small habit that makes a big difference.
Your gums matter too. Healthy gums are a big part of a great smile. Make sure you’re brushing along the gumline, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash as recommended by your orthodontist. Inflamed or puffy gums can make your smile look off, even if your teeth are clean. Staying consistent with your oral hygiene helps keep everything looking and feeling great, especially in close-up photos.
Now let’s talk color. The color of your braces—or the bands on your braces—can really change how your smile looks in pictures. Some people like to coordinate their band colors with their outfits or even the season. Summer is a great time to go for fun, vibrant colors like aqua blue, coral, or even neon green. If you have ceramic braces, you probably don’t have color options, which actually helps keep the look more discreet. But if you have metal braces and get to pick your band color, think about what looks good with your skin tone. Warmer skin tones often pair well with gold, red, or orange, while cooler skin tones might look better with blue, purple, or silver.
One color you might want to avoid is black—it can make it look like you’ve got something stuck in your teeth. White might seem like a clean option, but it can stain easily and actually make your teeth look more yellow in contrast. If you’re not sure, ask your orthodontist what colors they recommend based on your teeth and your skin tone. They’ve probably seen it all and can help guide you toward a flattering choice.
When you’re getting ready for a photo, think about the lighting too. Natural light is your best friend, especially during golden hour (that dreamy time right before sunset). Harsh flash can make metal braces glare and cast weird shadows on your face. If someone’s using a camera with a flash, try turning slightly to the side or tilting your chin to avoid direct reflection. You’ll still get a beautiful, bright smile—just without the flash bounce.
Lipstick is another trick to enhance your smile, even with braces. Wearing the right shade can brighten your teeth and make your smile stand out. If you’re into makeup, try colors with blue undertones like berry, plum, or classic red, which can make your teeth look whiter. Try to avoid dark, matte lipsticks, especially browns or blacks, which can draw attention to the braces or make your smile look heavy. Glossy or moisturizing lipsticks tend to give a fresher, more youthful look that pairs well with your summer vibe.
Good posture can completely change how you look in a photo. Standing or sitting up straight makes your whole body look more confident and engaged. Avoid slouching or craning your neck too far forward—it can make your smile look forced or awkward. Instead, keep your shoulders relaxed, lengthen your neck a bit, and think about lifting from the crown of your head. This natural posture gives you an open, confident presence that looks great in pictures.
It also helps to keep your head slightly tilted rather than facing the camera straight-on. This adds dimension to your face and softens the look of your smile, especially with braces. If you’re feeling unsure, look slightly away from the camera or laugh instead of forcing a full-on grin. Candid moments often turn out better than staged ones, especially in outdoor settings where everyone’s having fun.
Don’t be afraid of the camera. A lot of people try to hide their braces by turning away or covering their mouths with their hands. But honestly, embracing your braces is way cooler than trying to hide them. Your braces are part of your journey to a better smile, and there’s no reason to feel self-conscious about them. Being open and playful with your expressions makes your photos more fun and more you.
There’s also a little trick that a lot of celebrities use, even when they’re not showing teeth. It’s the “tongue to the roof of your mouth” move. It helps define your jawline and keeps your smile relaxed instead of wide and forced. Try it in the mirror—it makes a subtle but noticeable difference.
Braces are temporary, but your photos last a lifetime. Think about how proud you’ll be to look back at this summer and remember that you embraced every moment—even with braces. You didn’t shy away, you didn’t wait for them to come off—you lived your life fully. And that confidence? That shows in every single picture.
Your orthodontic treatment is just one part of your story. Whether you’re wearing metal braces or ceramic braces, your smile is still uniquely yours, and you have every reason to show it off. Summer in Fort Lauderdale is filled with sunshine, celebrations, and camera-worthy moments. From beach picnics to outdoor concerts, you’re going to be in a lot of pictures—and with the right approach, your braces won’t be the thing people notice. They’ll see your smile, your energy, and your confidence.
Getting the most out of your summer photos doesn’t mean you have to change who you are. It just means leaning into what makes you look and feel your best. That might mean adjusting your smile, picking a fun braces color that suits your skin tone, or simply getting more comfortable in front of the camera. Over time, you’ll probably stop thinking about your braces entirely and just start smiling naturally again. That’s when you know you’ve got it down.
So go ahead—take the selfie. Smile in the group shot. Jump in front of the lens instead of hanging behind it. You’re already on the path to a beautiful, healthy smile. Let it shine, right here and now, braces and all.
Ready to feel more confident about your smile this summer? Our team specializes in orthodontics Fort Lauderdale residents trust, whether you’re rocking braces or just starting your treatment. Book a consultation today and let us help you look and feel your best—on camera and off.
Dr. Ovy Quintanal is a South Florida orthodontist and the founder of Oceanside Orthodontics in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
