The “smiley piercing” involves piercing the upper lip frenulum, which is the thin strip of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the upper gum. The jewelry, typically a small captive bead ring or horseshoe barbell, becomes visible only when the wearer smiles. This subtle flash of metal appeals to many seeking a discreet yet expressive oral piercing. However, combining this piercing with orthodontic treatment introduces several complex safety and structural concerns.
The Direct Answer: Compatibility and Contraindication
The consensus among dental professionals, including orthodontists, and professional body piercers is that the presence of fixed braces is a strong contraindication for getting a smiley piercing. Licensed piercers will refuse to perform the procedure on a client with braces, and orthodontists strongly advise against it. The combination of hardware and jewelry creates an unacceptable risk of damage to the orthodontic appliance and the wearer’s oral structures.
This safety guideline is a professional standard designed to protect the patient’s health and investment in their smile. The piercing site is located directly above the brackets and wires of the upper arch. The standard healing time for a smiley piercing often takes several weeks. During this period, the jewelry is an unpredictable foreign object that can interfere with the braces. Professionals advise waiting until the fixed orthodontic hardware is completely removed and the mouth has healed before considering this type of piercing.
Mechanical Risks and Damage to Orthodontic Hardware
The physical conflict between the piercing jewelry and the braces is the most immediate mechanical risk. The jewelry can easily catch or snag on the metal components of the fixed appliance. This interference can occur during routine movements like talking, eating, or even while sleeping.
A snag can result in a sudden and forceful pull on the delicate frenulum tissue, which can be traumatic and cause the jewelry to tear out. More commonly, the jewelry can dislodge or break a bracket from the tooth’s surface. Brackets are bonded with dental adhesive, and the leverage from the piercing jewelry can overcome this bond. This breakage necessitates an unscheduled, sometimes costly, visit to the orthodontist for repair.
Repeated damage, such as bent archwires or loosened bands, compromises the treatment plan by disrupting the calibrated forces applied to the teeth. Each repair appointment delays the overall orthodontic process, potentially adding months to the total treatment time. If the hardware is severely or repeatedly damaged, the orthodontist may be forced to remove the braces prematurely, which could leave the teeth partially corrected or unstable.
Oral Health Consequences of Frenulum Piercing
Beyond the mechanical interference with the braces, the smiley piercing introduces specific health risks to the biological tissues of the mouth. The jewelry is in constant, dynamic contact with the gum tissue and the enamel surfaces of the upper front teeth. This persistent rubbing can cause localized gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth.
Gum recession exposes the tooth roots, which are softer than enamel and are more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity to temperature changes. Studies have shown that oral piercings can exacerbate this issue, particularly in individuals who already have thin gum tissue.
Furthermore, the metal or hard plastic jewelry can repeatedly strike the tooth enamel, potentially causing chipping, scratching, or microfractures over time. Even small impacts from the jewelry, especially during chewing or talking, can weaken the enamel structure.
The presence of a new piercing also increases the risk of infection. The oral cavity is home to a complex ecosystem of bacteria, and the piercing site represents an open wound that can serve as an entry point for pathogens. Since braces already make oral hygiene more challenging by creating additional surfaces for plaque accumulation, the piercing further complicates cleaning and can prolong the healing process.