Alysa Liu, the talented American figure skater who captured hearts at the 2026 Winter Olympics, has not only dazzled audiences with her athletic prowess but also sparked curiosity about her distinctive smile. Winning gold in the women’s singles and team events, Liu’s broad grins during competitions and interviews revealed a silvery glint that left many wondering: is it braces, a piercing, or something else entirely? This unique feature has become a talking point, blending her personal style with her professional achievements.
As a 20-year-old athlete known for pushing boundaries on and off the ice, Liu’s appearance reflects her bold personality. From her creative hairstyles to her edgy makeup, she stands out in a sport often associated with traditional elegance. But it’s the metallic accent in her mouth that has prompted the most questions, leading fans to speculate about everything from dental work to fashion statements.
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The Truth Behind the “Smiley” Piercing
What appears on Alysa Liu’s front teeth is not braces or gems, but a frenulum piercing, commonly called a “smiley” due to its visibility only when the wearer grins widely. This piercing goes through the thin tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums, with the jewelry—a circular barbell—hanging down slightly over her two front teeth. Liu revealed that she got this piercing over two years ago, adding a personal touch to her look that aligns with her DIY spirit.
In a candid interview, Liu shared the story of how she acquired it: “I had my sister hold up my lip, and I was looking in the mirror and I had my piercing needle and then, yeah, I just put it through.” She emphasized that she did it herself, bypassing professional shops to save money and ensure perfect placement. This self-piercing hobby started as a way to experiment affordably, and Liu trusts her own skills with the tools, avoiding unsafe methods like guns or pins.
While the piercing adds to her alternative style—often making her seem more like a snowboarder than a figure skater—it has raised some health concerns. Experts note that such oral jewelry can pose risks to gums and teeth if not cared for properly, potentially leading to erosion or other issues. Despite this, Liu wears it confidently, even during high-stakes performances at the Olympics.
Addressing the Braces Confusion
Many viewers initially mistook Liu’s piercing for braces, especially from a distance where the silver spikes resemble orthodontic hardware. However, Liu does not currently have braces. She did wear them as a younger competitor, notably during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where they were part of her orthodontic treatment to straighten her teeth. By 2026, those days are behind her, and the metallic flash is purely from the frenulum piercing.
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This mix-up highlights how Liu’s evolving style continues to intrigue fans. Social media buzzed with questions and admiration, with some praising her for breaking norms in figure skating. Others expressed surprise upon learning it was a self-done piercing, not dental bling. Liu’s choice embodies her independence, from protesting causes she believes in to embracing body modifications that make her feel authentic.
In the end, Alysa Liu’s smile tells a story of resilience and self-expression, proving that even in the spotlight of Olympic glory, personal quirks can shine just as brightly as medals.
