Alysa Liu Teeth: The Smiley Piercing Behind Her Golden Smile

Introduction

When Alysa Liu stepped onto the Olympic podium with gold around her neck, millions noticed something else—a flash of silver on her front teeth. That tiny piece of metal sparked one of the biggest beauty trends of 2026. But what exactly is Alysa Liu’s teeth?

 It is not braces, not a tooth gem, but a frenulum piercing commonly called a “smiley.” The 20-year-old figure skater pierced it herself two years ago, and now her smile has become as famous as her triple axels. Here is the complete story behind Alysa Liu teeth and the piercing that captivated the world.

Alysa Liu: The Olympic Champion Who Won Gold Her Way

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Alysa Liu created history. She won gold in the women’s free skate on February 19, becoming the first American woman to claim an individual figure skating gold medal in 24 years. She also helped Team USA secure gold in the team event on February 8. Her total score of 226.79 points capped a remarkable comeback after she retired in 2022 and returned to the ice in 2024. Liu skated with joy, confidence, and an unmistakable grin. That grin put the spotlight squarely on Alysa Liu teeth and the unique piercing hidden behind her upper lip.

What Is Alysa Liu Teeth? The Smiley Piercing Explained

The silver detail on Alysa Liu teeth is a frenulum piercing, better known as a “smiley.” It goes through the thin strip of tissue called the frenulum, which connects the upper lip to the gums. The jewelry sits between the teeth and gums and stays completely hidden inside the mouth. It only becomes visible when she smiles wide enough to reveal her gum line—hence the name “smiley.”

How It Differs From Braces

Many viewers initially thought Alysa Liu’s teeth showed braces. The confusion makes sense. Liu did wear braces as a younger teenager during her 2022 Olympic run. But the metallic look on her teeth now is entirely different—it is jewelry, not orthodontics. The piercing rests above her front two teeth, not on them, and appears only when she smiles.

The Jewelry She Wears

Liu wears a circular barbell with spear-shaped ends. Other common smiley piercing jewelry includes ball captive rings, bead rings, and seamless rings. The jewelry is small, subtle, and designed to rest comfortably against the upper gums.

Alysa Liu Pierced It Herself—Here Is Her Story

The most surprising part of the Alysa Liu teeth story is how she got the piercing. She did not visit a professional shop. She did it herself.

The DIY Origin Story

In an interview with TMJ4 News, Liu shared the full story. “I pierced it a little over two years ago now,” she replied. “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.” That informal do-it-yourself approach has become part of what makes the piercing so intriguing to fans.

The Pain Factor

Despite the self-performed procedure, Liu said the piercing barely hurt. She rated the pain a “zero out of ten.” “You can’t feel it,” she explained. The frenulum has very few nerve endings, which makes the piercing relatively painless compared to other body modifications.

Her “Alternative” Style

Liu embraces her unconventional look. She calls her style “alternative” and views her piercing as an extension of her artistic identity. Her aesthetic includes not just the smiley piercing but also her signature striped hair—blonde halos she adds each year, inspired by tree rings.

Why Did Alysa Liu Get a Smiley Piercing?

Liu has not given a single, dramatic reason for the piercing. Instead, it fits naturally into who she is as a person and an athlete.

Self-Expression Through Body Art

For Liu, the smiley piercing is a form of self-expression. She loves fashion and uses her appearance to communicate her personality. The piercing is subtle enough to stay hidden during competition but visible enough to make a statement when she smiles.

Control Over Her Image

After returning from retirement in 2024, Liu wanted to skate on her own terms. The piercing represents that independence—doing something for herself, not for judges or audiences. “I think my story is more important than anything to me,” she said.

The Internet Reacts: How Alysa Liu Teeth Became a Global Trend

The moment Liu won Olympic gold, searches for “Alysa Liu teeth” exploded. The piercing became one of the most searched body modification trends of 2025.

Social Media Frenzy

Liu gained more than five million Instagram followers in just two weeks, growing from 210,000 to 5.2 million. Millions of new eyes examined every detail of her appearance, including that flash of metal behind her upper lip.

Fan Confusion and Curiosity

Fans asked the same question repeatedly: What are Alysa Liu’s teeth? Some thought it was braces. Others assumed tooth gems. The truth—a frenulum piercing she did herself—only made the story more compelling.

A New Beauty Trend Emerges

Liu’s smiley piercing has inspired countless fans to consider getting their own. Body modification artists report increased interest in frenulum piercings since the Olympics.

What Is a Frenulum Piercing? A Complete Guide

To understand Alysa Liu teeth, you need to understand the piercing itself. Here is everything you need to know about frenulum piercings.

How the Piercing Is Done

Professional piercers use a sterilized needle to pass through the frenulum. The jewelry is then inserted and secured. The procedure takes only moments. Because the tissue is thin and has few nerve endings, most people experience minimal discomfort.

Healing and Aftercare

The mouth heals faster than almost any other part of the body. Initial swelling and tenderness typically fade within 48 to 72 hours. Full healing takes four to eight weeks with proper care. Good oral hygiene is essential during this period.

The Risks: What the ADA and Dentists Say

The American Dental Association (ADA) has issued warnings about smiley piercings. While the piercing looks stylish, dental professionals urge caution.

Infection Risks

The mouth contains significant bacteria. Any oral piercing creates an entry point for infection. Liu’s DIY approach carried additional risks given the bacteria present in the mouth.

Enamel and Gum Damage

Frenulum piercings can cause enamel damage and gum recession over time. The jewelry rubs against teeth and gums with every movement of the mouth. Prolonged wear may lead to permanent dental issues.

Nerve and Tissue Concerns

The frenulum is a sensitive area. While it has few nerve endings, improper piercing technique can cause nerve tension or tissue damage. Professional piercers receive training to minimize these risks.

Professional Advice

Celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Liu (no relation to Alysa) offered this advice: “After understanding the risks, if you still decide to get an oral piercing, make sure the procedure is performed by a trained professional who uses sterile instruments. Consult with your dentist before getting an oral piercing to learn proper aftercare and maintenance that will help you reduce your risk of infection or complications.”

Smiley Piercing Costs and Accessibility

For fans inspired by Alysa Liu teeth, the piercing is relatively affordable.

Professional Studio Pricing

Most professional piercing studios charge between $30 and $100 for a smiley piercing. This typically includes the piercing service and basic jewelry. High-end jewelry or premium studios may charge more.

Why Liu Chose DIY

Liu mentioned that professional piercings can be expensive. She felt comfortable performing the modification herself to ensure the jewelry was placed exactly where she wanted it.

Important Cost Consideration

While the piercing itself is inexpensive, potential dental complications can be costly. Gum damage and enamel erosion may require expensive dental work. The ADA’s cautionary stance reflects these long-term costs.

Alysa Liu Teeth vs. Traditional Braces

The confusion between Alysa Liu teeth piercing and braces is understandable. Here is how they compare.

Liu had braces as a younger teenager. She no longer wears them. The metallic look fans see now is her smiley piercing, not orthodontic work.

Liu’s Complete Olympic Journey

Understanding Alysa Liu teeth means understanding the athlete behind the smile. Her Olympic story is remarkable.

Early Career and Retirement

Liu became a national champion at just 13 years old. She competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics but retired afterward, citing competition fatigue.

Comeback on Her Own Terms

Liu announced her return to figure skating in March 2024. She wanted to compete for herself, not for external validation. The comeback culminated in her 2025 World Championship gold medal.

Olympic Gold in 2026

Liu delivered a spellbinding free skate on February 19, 2026, securing gold with a career-best 226.79 points. She became the first American woman to win individual figure skating gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

Her Reaction

Upon concluding her program, Liu exclaimed into nearby cameras, “That’s what I’m f–king talking about!” That unguarded, joyful moment captured her spirit perfectly—and showed off her smiley piercing to the world.

Style and Self-Expression in Figure Skating

Liu represents a new generation of athletes who use their appearance as part of their artistic expression.

The “Alt-Girl” Aesthetic

Liu’s look—striped hair, thick eyeliner, and the smiley piercing—has been called “alt-girl” style. She embraces this label and uses her appearance to stand out in a sport known for traditional elegance.

Hair as Art

Liu’s striped hair features platinum blonde halos in her naturally dark hair. She adds a new stripe each year, comparing the pattern to tree rings. “You know how trees have rings for their age? I thought every year, I’m gonna add a new halo around my hair.”

Music and Performance

Liu chooses her own music, designs her costumes, and choreographs her routines. “Music is big for me. My body simply moves when I’m listening to something I truly enjoy,” she remarked.

Should You Get a Smiley Piercing? What to Consider

Fans inspired by Alysa Liu teeth may consider getting their own smiley piercing. Here is what to think about before making that decision.

Pros

• Subtle and discreet: Hidden unless you smile widely
• Affordable: Typically $30–$100
• Quick healing: 4–8 weeks
• Low pain: Few nerve endings in the frenulum
• Self-expression: Unique, personal style statement

Cons

• Infection risk: Oral bacteria can cause serious infections
• Dental damage: Possible enamel erosion and gum recession
• ADA warnings: Dental professionals strongly caution against oral piercings
• DIY dangers: Self-piercing increases infection and complication risks
• Professional recommended: Always visit a trained, sterile professional

Final Recommendation

If you decide to get a smiley piercing, consult your dentist first. Choose a professional studio with sterile instruments. Follow aftercare instructions carefully. And remember—Alysa Liu’s piercing works for her, but every mouth is different.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alysa Liu Teeth

Q: What are Alysa Liu teeth?

A: Alysa Liu has a frenulum piercing, commonly called a “smiley” piercing. It is a small piece of jewelry inserted through the thin tissue connecting her upper lip to her gums. The piercing stays hidden inside her mouth and only becomes visible when she smiles widely.

Q: Did Alysa Liu pierce her teeth?

A: No, Alysa Liu did not pierce her teeth. Her teeth are not pierced at all. The piercing goes through the frenulum—the tissue above her teeth—not through the teeth themselves. The jewelry rests against her front teeth but does not penetrate them.

Q: Does Alysa Liu have braces?

A: Alysa Liu does not currently have braces. She wore braces as a younger teenager during the 2022 Olympics. The metallic look fans see on her teeth now is her smiley piercing, not orthodontic work.

Q: How much does a smiley piercing cost?

A: A professional smiley piercing typically costs between $30 and $100. This price usually includes the piercing service and basic jewelry. Higher-end jewelry or premium studios may charge more.

Q: Did Alysa Liu’s smiley piercing hurt?

A: Alysa Liu said her smiley piercing caused “zero out of ten” pain. She described it as painless. The frenulum has very few nerve endings, which makes this one of the least painful piercings available.

Q: Is a smiley piercing dangerous?

A: The American Dental Association (ADA) urges caution with smiley piercings. Risks include infection, enamel damage, and gum recession. Dental professionals recommend consulting a dentist and visiting a trained professional with sterile instruments if you decide to get one.

Conclusion

Alysa Liu teeth have become one of the most talked-about details of the 2026 Winter Olympics. What started as a personal, DIY piercing two years ago now inspires millions worldwide. Her smiley piercing represents more than a beauty trend—it reflects her independence, her artistic spirit, and her refusal to conform to expectations. 

She skated her way to gold on her own terms, and that tiny flash of silver above her smile tells that story every time she grins.Before you run out to get your own smiley piercing, remember what the experts say. The ADA warns about serious risks. Consult your dentist. Choose a professional piercer with sterile tools. 

Your smile is worth protecting—just ask any dentist.Want to learn more about Alysa Liu’s incredible journey? Follow her on social media and watch her gold-medal performance from the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Her story proves that when you stay true to yourself, you can achieve anything—and smile doing it.