Quick Answer: Alysa Liu has a smiley (frenulum) piercing on the inside of her upper lip. It’s visible only when she smiles and is not braces or glued-on dental jewelry.
Alysa Liu is one of the most talked-about figure skaters in the world — and not just for her athletic skills. Fans and viewers have been asking one question over and over: What is that metal-looking thing on her teeth when she smiles?
In this article, we explain exactly what it is, where it goes, why people noticed it, and what Alysa herself has said about it.
Why Fans Noticed Alysa Liu’s Teeth
When Alysa Liu performs or smiles on camera, especially during high-profile events like the 2026 Winter Olympics, fans noticed something shiny around her front teeth. These close-up shots and slow-motion replays — common in Olympic broadcasts — made the detail stand out, sparking curiosity online and thousands of search queries.
High-definition coverage makes small fashion or body ornamentation very visible, and Alysa’s confident smile means that this detail appears in many photos and video clips.
What Is on Alysa Liu’s Front Teeth?
The metallic detail you’re seeing isn’t braces or glued-on gems — it’s a frenulum piercing, commonly called a “smiley” piercing.
A frenulum piercing goes through the thin strip of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums (called the frenulum). The jewelry sits tucked inside the lip and is only visible when the wearer smiles broadly.
This type of body modification is known for being subtle — visible only during a smile — which is why it doesn’t show on every photo, just when she beams.
Is It a Tooth Gem, Braces, or Piercing?
Here’s a clear comparison:
- Braces: No — Alysa does not currently have orthodontic braces. Braces would attach to the teeth, which this jewelry does not.
- Tooth Gems: No — tooth gems are bonded directly to the enamel, whereas a frenulum piercing is body jewelry placed in soft tissue.
- Frenulum Piercing (“Smiley”): Yes — the shiny piece is a form of oral piercing that lies against the gum line when she smiles.
So when you see something metallic near her upper front teeth during a grin, that’s her smiley piercing — not a dental appliance or permanent decoration.
Did Alysa Liu Ever Address the Piercing Herself?
Yes — Alysa has spoken about it publicly.
According to her statements to media outlets covering the 2026 Winter Olympics, she described doing the piercing herself with help from her sister over two years before 2026. In her own words, she said:
“I pierced it a little over two years ago now. 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.”
This confirms that the metal you see is intentional body jewelry, an expression of her personal style rather than something related to her sport or dental treatment.
Why the Piercing Got So Much Attention
Several factors contributed to the widespread discussion:
1. Olympic Spotlight
During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, Alysa Liu was a standout figure skating competitor. High-profile televised coverage and close camera angles focused on her expressions and personality as well as her skating.
2. High-Definition Broadcasts
Modern broadcasts capture tiny details that older footage didn’t show. When she smiles after a performance or during interviews, viewers noticed something different and began asking what it was.
3. Unique Personal Style
Alysa is known for being bold and authentic — from her hairstyles to her fashion choices — making this piercing part of her broader style identity.
Is the Piercing Harmful or Risky?
While most of the attention is positive and playful, dental and health professionals sometimes caution that oral piercings like frenulum piercings can have risks, such as:
- Gum irritation
- Enamel wear if the jewelry rubs against teeth
- Infection risk if not cleaned properly
These concerns are general for this type of body piercing and not specific to Alysa; they help readers understand the context rather than speculate about her health.
Final Answer
What Alysa Liu has on her teeth when she smiles is a “smiley” frenulum piercing — a small piece of body jewelry placed through the soft tissue inside her upper lip. It’s not braces or glued-on gems, and Alysa has confirmed she did it herself.
This piercing is simply a personal style statement — one that has become part of what fans love about her unique presence on and off the ice.
FAQs About Alysa Liu’s Teeth
What does Alysa Liu have on her front teeth?
Alysa Liu has a smiley piercing, also known as a frenulum piercing. It is a small piece of jewelry placed through the thin tissue inside the upper lip and is only visible when she smiles.
Is Alysa Liu wearing braces?
No, Alysa Liu is not wearing braces. The metallic detail visible in photos is her smiley piercing, not orthodontic hardware.
Did Alysa Liu pierce it herself?
Yes. In interviews, Alysa Liu confirmed that she pierced it herself with help from her sister.
Is Alysa Liu’s tooth jewelry a gem?
No. It is not a tooth gem glued to enamel. It is an oral piercing placed in soft tissue above the gum line.
Is a smiley piercing safe?
Dental professionals note that frenulum piercings can carry risks such as gum irritation, enamel wear, or infection if not properly maintained. However, safety depends on hygiene and professional guidance.
When did Alysa Liu get her smiley piercing?
She has stated that she pierced it a little over two years before discussing it publicly in 2026, placing it around late 2023 or early 2024.
Sources
- Official biography and Olympic details from Wikipedia.
- Explanation of the smiley (frenulum) piercing.
- Verified reporting on what the piercing looks like and how it appears only when smiling.
- Alysa Liu’s own comments about the piercing and her style.
- Broader Olympic coverage and context around her style and visibility.
