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What is on Alysa Liu's teeth? Explaining Olympian's 'smiley' piercings and how much they cost originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When American figure skating star Alysa Liu takes the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics, fans often notice a flash of silver whenever she breaks into her signature grin.
This distinctive dental accent isn’t a bracket or a gem, but a "smiley" piercing—a subtle piece of body art hidden behind the upper lip, revealed only when she smiles widely. While the piercing has become a hallmark of Liu’s self-described "grunge-artist" aesthetic, it’s also a relatively accessible modification for those wanting to emulate the Olympian’s look.
Typically costing between $30 and $100, depending on the studio and the quality of jewelry, the "smiley" is prized for its placement through the thin webbing of the upper lip.
Here’s more on the unique piercings Liu has.
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What is on Alysa Liu's teeth?
Liu features a "smiley" piercing, also known as a frenulum piercing, which is a piece of jewelry inserted through the thin webbing (the frenulum) that connects the upper lip to the gums. The piercing earns its nickname because it remains hidden behind the lip and is typically only visible when she smiles.
The world champion figure skater has described her aesthetic as leaning toward grunge, and she even views piercing as a DIY hobby she picked up herself. She has noted that while getting pierced at a professional shop can be expensive, she feels comfortable performing the modification on herself to ensure the jewelry is placed exactly where she wants it.
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Does Alysa Liu have braces?
While Liu did have braces as a younger teenager during her 2022 Olympic run, she does not have them for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
She's beauty and she's grace. She's Alysa Liu, of the United States.@USFigureSkating is off to a strong start at the #WinterOlympics.
@peacockpic.twitter.com/6PCab4Hfaf
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 6, 2026
The silver or metallic look often noticed on her teeth now is actually the piercing. It is only visible when she smiles, which has led many fans to mistake it for braces or dental gems.
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Alysa Liu teeth photos
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What is a frenulum piercing?
A frenulum piercing, commonly called a "smiley," is an oral piercing that passes through the thin strip of connective tissue inside the upper lip. It remains hidden until the wearer smiles widely or laughs, revealing the jewelry against the front teeth.
Smiley piercings generally cost between $30 and $100, typically covering the piercing itself and a basic piece of jewelry. One of the benefits of this piercing is its relatively fast healing time. Because the tissue is thin and the mouth heals quickly, most smileys take only 4 to 8 weeks to fully heal—provided the wearer maintains a strict oral hygiene routine.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, people choose this piercing for its discreet nature. It’s easy to conceal in professional or conservative settings but offers a unique, rebellious flash of silver in social interactions. For athletes like Alysa Liu, it has become part of a specific "grunge-inspired" personal style..
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Do frenulum piercings hurt?
In terms of pain, a frenulum piercing is generally considered one of the least painful body modifications. Because the upper lip frenulum is a very thin, small piece of tissue with relatively few nerve endings, the process with the needle is over almost instantly.
The primary discomfort usually comes after the procedure rather than during it. For the first few days, your upper lip may feel slightly swollen or tender, and the jewelry might feel heavy or "odd" as it rests against your gums. However, because the mouth heals faster than almost any other part of the body, this initial soreness typically fades within 48 to 72 hours.
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How are frenulum piercings done?
The procedure to get a frenulum piercing usually takes less than a minute.
Using a pair of sterilized surgical forceps, the piercer will hold the frenulum steady. A small-gauge hollow needle is then pushed through the tissue. Because the skin is so thin, the needle passes through with very little resistance.
Then, jewelry comes through and the process is complete.
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