Alysa Liu Teeth: The Story Behind the Olympic Champion’s Smiley Piercing

Introduction

When Alysa Liu clinched Olympic gold in Milan, the world saw more than just her flawless triple axels. A subtle flash of silver rested against her two front teeth, visible every time she smiled. This became an instant trademark. 

The mystery behind Alysa Liu teeth is not a dental brace or a gem. It is a “smiley” piercing, a small piece of jewelry nestled in the webbing of her upper lip . Liu herself pierced it, transforming a simple body modification into a symbol of her personal renaissance on the ice .

What is on Alysa Liu’s Teeth?

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, fans quickly noticed the shiny object on Alysa Liu‘s upper front teeth. It wasn’t traditional braces. Instead, the figure skating sensation wears a smiley piercing. This type of piercing goes through the labial frenulum. This is the thin tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums .

The jewelry often features a curved barbell. When Liu smiles widely, the silver arrow-shaped ends rest delicately against her teeth. The piercing remains hidden when her mouth is closed, making her grin a moment of surprise.

Alysa Liu’s Smiley Piercing Story

The story of Alysa Liu teeth isn’t just about a fashion statement. It’s about a DIY act of defiance. Liu pierced her own frenulum two years ago . She admitted this in an interview, revealing her unique approach to body art.

“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 added. This hands-on attitude fits her personality. After retiring in 2022, she returned to the sport on her own terms.

Alysa Liu Teeth: Braces or Piercing?

Many viewers initially mistook the piercing for braces. After all, Alysa Liu had braces during her 2022 Olympic run in Beijing . However, the sparkling metal seen on her teeth now is entirely different.

The smiley piercing is a piece of jewelry. It is not orthodontic hardware. This distinction is crucial for fans trying to identify what is on Alysa Liu teeth. The piercing provides a subtle glint that catches the camera’s eye.

What is a Frenulum Piercing (Smiley)?

Understanding the Anatomy

A frenulum piercing is an oral piercing. It passes through the frenulum, which is the small piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums . The process is relatively straightforward compared to other piercings. Because the membrane is thin, healing time is usually faster.

Healing and Care

Generally, smiley piercings take 4 to 8 weeks to heal . Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine is essential. However, dental professionals warn about the upkeep. They emphasize that this type of piercing requires constant attention to avoid oral health issues .

How Much Does a Smiley Piercing Cost?

If Alysa Liu has sparked a desire to get this piercing, you might wonder about the price. Professional studios typically charge between $30 and $100. This cost usually covers the piercing service and standard jewelry .

Of course, Liu opted for a more extreme route. She did it herself for free, but professionals strongly advise against this method. The risk of infection and improper placement is significantly higher with DIY piercings.

The Risks of Oral Piercings

Dental Warnings

While the “Alysa Liu teeth” trend is growing, dentists are issuing warnings. The American Dental Association (ADA) has flagged the dangers of oral piercings. The mouth holds millions of bacteria, making infections a constant threat .

Potential Damages

The risks associated with smiley piercings are severe. The jewelry can also chip teeth or damage existing dental work . The ADA advises people not to pierce on a whim. Maintaining the piercing is a significant responsibility .

Key Dental Risks :

• Infection: Due to bacteria in the mouth.
• Gum Damage: Recession and irritation of the tissue.
• Enamel Erosion: The metal rubbing against teeth.
• Chipped Teeth: Biting down on the jewelry accidentally.
• Nerve Damage: Potential numbness in the lip area.

Alysa Liu Teeth: A Symbol of Her Comeback

The piercing is more than jewelry; it is a declaration of independence. When Liu returned to skating in 2024, she laid down specific conditions. She wanted creative freedom over her costumes and music . The smiley piercing reflects this rebellious spirit.

She compared her return to choosing her own destiny . The distinctive look of Alysa Liu teeth marks the new era of her career. It represents an athlete who has reclaimed her joy. For her, the story is more important than the medal .

Choreographer Massimo Scali’s Reaction

Alysa Liu’s choreographer, Massimo Scali, embraced her unique style. He loved the piercing from the moment he saw it. In a light-hearted comment, he expressed a desire to get one himself .

“I will get her to do my next one,” he joked . This moment highlighted their supportive working relationship. It illustrates her influence on her own presentation and image.

Alysa Liu’s Hair and the Tree Ring Metaphor

The smiley piercing isn’t Liu’s only stylistic choice. She also sports distinct blonde stripes in her brown hair. This style draws inspiration from the rings of a tree . She adds a new stripe each year to mark her growth.

This visual metaphor reinforces the theme of evolution. It ties perfectly with her piercing. Both serve as markers of her journey, showcasing a skater who is grounded and authentic.

The 2026 Winter Olympics Victory

Alysa Liu’s performance in Milan sealed her legacy. In 24 years, she became the first American woman to win gold in individual figure skating. She scored 226.79 points, cementing her status as a champion .

The piercing was on full display during her gold-medal reaction. She celebrated with a joyful smile that captured the world’s attention. It transformed a simple piercing into an iconic part of Olympic history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Alysa Liu have braces?
No, she does not currently wear braces. Alysa Liu had braces during the 2022 Olympics. The silver on her teeth now is a smiley piercing .

2. Is the Alysa Liu teeth thing a piercing?
Yes, it is a smiley piercing (frenulum piercing). It sits in the small flap of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums .

3. How much does a smiley piercing cost?
Professional piercing studios generally charge between $30 and $100 for a smiley piercing .

4. How long does a smiley piercing take to heal?
Healing time is relatively quick, usually between 4 to 8 weeks . This is due to the thin nature of the frenulum tissue.

5. Did Alysa Liu pierce her own smiley piercing?
Yes, she confirmed she pierced it herself. She used a mirror and a needle, with her sister holding her lip up .

6. Is a smiley piercing dangerous?
Dentists warn that these piercings carry significant risks. They can cause gum recession, enamel damage, and severe infections .

Final Thoughts

Alysa Liu teeth have become a cultural talking point, but the piercing is just one piece of a larger story. It represents her decision to embrace authenticity and creative control over her sport. Her journey demonstrates that expression matters as much as execution.

While the piercing looks dazzling on an Olympic champion, the ADA cautions against imitating it without awareness. The risks to oral health are real. Liu embodies a generation that prioritizes self-expression. She remains a powerful example of how personal identity and athletic excellence can coexist.