You need a headshot. You have braces. The question isn't whether you can get a good headshot. You can. The question is whether to smile, how wide, and whether to wait until they come off.
Should You Wait?
Usually, no. Here's why:
- Braces are temporary. Your career isn't on pause. If you need a headshot for a new job, a promotion, a company website, or LinkedIn, waiting 6–18 months for your orthodontics to finish is too long.
- People have braces. It's normal. In many industries, nobody will think twice about it.
- You'll need a new headshot when they come off anyway. Your face changes subtly during orthodontic treatment. You'll want a fresh photo regardless.
The only scenario where waiting makes sense: your braces come off in a few weeks and you don't have an urgent deadline. Otherwise, shoot now.
To Smile or Not
You have three options. All of them work.
Closed-mouth smile: The safe default. A warm, slight smile with lips together avoids the question entirely. This works in every industry and every context. It doesn't look like you're hiding something — closed-mouth smiles are standard in professional headshots regardless of orthodontics.
Open smile, braces visible: More genuine, more natural, more you. If you're in a field where warmth and personality matter (sales, teaching, coaching, creative roles), showing a real smile — braces and all — reads as confident and authentic. Metal braces photograph fine. Clear aligners are nearly invisible.
Neutral expression: If your industry leans formal (law, finance, government), a composed neutral expression is already the norm. Braces don't factor in at all.
Tips That Work Regardless
Lighting:
- Even, diffused lighting reduces the chance of braces catching and reflecting light
- Avoid direct flash. Metal brackets can create small glare spots.
- Soft side lighting or window light is ideal
Lip care:
- Braces can dry your lips out. Hydrate before the shoot.
- A light matte lip balm prevents cracked or peeling lips from drawing attention.
Relaxation:
- The biggest issue with braces in photos isn't the braces. It's the self-consciousness. Tension in the jaw and mouth reads in photos.
- Practice your expression in a mirror or phone camera beforehand. Get comfortable with how you look so you're not experimenting during the session.
Angle:
- A very slight downward tilt of your chin reduces the visual prominence of braces in an open smile
- Don't overdo it. The goal is subtle, not hiding.
Clear Aligners vs Metal Braces
Clear aligners (Invisalign, etc.): Remove them for the shoot. They're designed to be invisible, but they still create a slight sheen and can trap small air bubbles that show in high-resolution photos. Pop them out, shoot, put them back. Your orthodontist won't mind.
Metal braces: Can't remove them, so work with them. The tips above (lighting, expression choice, angle) handle the rest.
Ceramic/clear braces: These photograph better than metal and are often barely visible in headshots. Less to worry about.
AI Headshots with Braces
With AI headshot generators, your input photos determine the output. The AI doesn't remove or hide braces. It works with what you give it.
Tips for Narkis.ai:
- Upload a mix of expressions — closed-mouth and open smile — so you can choose the best version
- Use well-lit source photos to minimize bracket glare
- Remove clear aligners before taking your upload photos
- Generate multiple versions and compare at thumbnail size
Final Take
Braces don't disqualify you from getting a professional headshot. A closed-mouth smile sidesteps the question entirely. An open smile shows confidence. Either way, good lighting and a relaxed expression matter more than what's on your teeth.
If you're not sure which expression works best, AI headshots let you try both and pick the winner without rebooking a session.
