Public interest in Alysa Liu teeth rose sharply after the American figure skater won Olympic gold in 2026 because her smile carries two features people rarely see together: a natural gap between the front teeth and a “smiley” lip piercing she did herself. This article is an independent clinical commentary from the cosmetic team at International Plus, based only on public appearances. International Plus has not treated Alysa Liu and is not affiliated with her; the aim here is to explain in plain dental terms, what her smile shows and what the science says about it.
Key Takeaways
- The gap: Alysa Liu’s front teeth show a natural midline diastema, a normal anatomical feature rather than a dental problem.
- The piercing: Her “smiley” is a frenulum piercing through the tissue behind the upper lip, which she has said she placed herself.
- The evidence: Oral piercings are linked in reviews to gum recession and tooth damage so dental monitoring matters.
- The options: A gap like this can be kept as-is or closed with composite bonding, veneers or orthodontics, depending on the goal.
Who Is Alysa Liu?
Alysa Liu is an American figure skater who won the Olympic gold medal in the women’s event at the 2026 Winter Games, ending a 24-year gold drought for the United States in that event. Alysa Liu first drew national attention as a two-time US national champion while still a teenager, then returned to elite competition and reached the top of the sport in 2026. Beyond results, Alysa Liu has become known for a distinctive personal style she describes as grunge and that style is part of why searches for her smile climbed. In our clinic, the skater’s look is a useful teaching example because it shows how a natural smile and a piece of body jewellery together shape how a face reads on camera.
Alysa Liu Teeth: What Makes the Smile Stand Out?
Alysa Liu’s teeth stand out for two reasons: a visible gap between the upper front teeth and a small piece of jewellery that appears when Alysa Liu smiles. The gap is a midline diastema, a space between the two central incisors that many people carry from birth. A 2022 systematic review linked a large or low-attached upper lip frenum to a persistent midline diastema (Tadros et al., 2022), which explains why a natural gap like Alysa Liu’s stays open into adulthood. The second feature is a “smiley” piercing, placed through the thin band of tissue behind the upper lip. Neither feature is a Hollywood-style restoration; both are natural to Alysa Liu’s own mouth and personal choices. In our clinic, this kind of kept gap appears far more often than patients expect, and Alysa Liu is a clear public example. Reviews of celebrity smiles, such as our analyses of Victoria Beckham’s teeth and Taylor Swift’s teeth, usually focus on veneers; the Alysa Liu case is different because the interest is in features that were kept, not changed.
The Gap in Alysa Liu’s Teeth: What Is a Diastema?
A diastema is a gap between two teeth and a midline diastema sits between the two upper front teeth, which is what Alysa Liu’s smile shows. A 2022 systematic review found a clear association between a large or low-attached upper lip frenum and a persistent midline diastema (Tadros et al., 2022). Other common causes include natural tooth-size differences, mild spacing and genetics. A diastema is a normal anatomical variation, not a disease and it needs no treatment on health grounds alone. In our practice, many adults with a gap like this choose to keep it because it is part of their identity and that decision is entirely valid from a clinical standpoint.
Can a Gap Like Alysa Liu’s Be Closed?
A front-tooth gap like Alysa Liu’s can be closed when a patient wants to and three routes are common: composite bonding and porcelain veneers, or orthodontics. Each suits a different situation and the right choice depends on the size of the gap and how much healthy tooth a patient wants to preserve. The table below summarises the main options considered in cosmetic practice.
| Option | How it closes the gap | Best suited to
| Composite bonding | Tooth coloured resin added to the sides of the teeth | Small gaps, minimal tooth removal, reversible |
| Porcelain veneers | Thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of the teeth | Larger gaps or wider aesthetic changes |
| Orthodontics (braces/aligners) | Teeth are moved together over time | Closing the space without adding material |
Bottom line: the least invasive method that achieves the goal is usually the best starting point. Composite bonding is affordable and reversible but stains and chips faster than porcelain whereas veneers last longer yet require some enamel removal, a trade-off documented in long term veneer survival reviews (Layton et al., 2021). In our practice we prefer the most conservative option that meets the patient’s goal and our Diagnostic Council reviews a 3D scan before recommending any gap closure. Patients weighing this can read our guide to how long veneers last or plan the result through digital smile design.
Alysa Liu’s “Smiley” Piercing: What Dentists Want People to Know
Alysa Liu’s “smiley” is a frenulum piercing through the tissue that joins the upper lip to the gum and dentists treat it as a genuine oral-health consideration, not just a style choice. A 2023 systematic review of oral and perioral piercings reported complications including gum recession and tooth wear, with tooth fracture where jewellery contacts the teeth (Mosaddad et al., 2023) and earlier research linked mouth piercings to periodontal damage over time (Tomaževič et al., 2017). None of this is a judgement on Alysa Liu; it is general guidance for anyone with a similar piercing. In our clinic, patients with lip or frenulum jewellery are advised to attend regular check-ups so early gum recession or enamel wear is caught before it becomes permanent.
Does Alysa Liu Have Veneers?
There is no public evidence that Alysa Liu has veneers and clinically her smile reads as natural rather than restored. Veneers are typically placed to create a uniform, symmetrical set of teeth, which usually means closing gaps and standardising shade and shape. Alysa Liu’s teeth keep the midline diastema and an individual character, the opposite of the uniform look veneers produce. From a cosmetic standpoint, a patient who wanted a fully even smile would plan it through a preview-based workflow such as digital smile design before any Hollywood Smile treatment. Speculation that a celebrity has veneers is common online but attributing dental work without evidence is something our clinic avoids, both out of accuracy and respect.
A Dentist’s Verdict on Alysa Liu’s Smile
From a dental perspective, Alysa Liu’s smile is a healthy, natural one whose character comes from a kept diastema rather than cosmetic work. The main clinical note is not the gap, which needs no treatment but the frenulum piercing, which warrants routine monitoring for the gum and enamel effects documented in the 2023 review above. For readers who see themselves in Alysa Liu’s smile, the takeaway is simple: a front-tooth gap is a valid feature to keep and if closing it is ever preferred, conservative options exist. What the interest in Alysa Liu teeth ultimately shows is that a natural smile can be memorable without any cosmetic work. International Plus, a Ministry of Health authorized clinic rated 4.8 out of 5 across more than 5,504 verified reviews, offers this analysis as independent education and any individual decision should follow a personal consultation. Individual results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on Alysa Liu’s teeth?
Alysa Liu has a “smiley” piercing, a small piece of jewellery placed through the frenulum, the thin band of tissue behind the upper lip. It is hidden at rest and becomes visible when she smiles. She has said in interviews that she placed the piercing herself rather than having it done in a studio.
Does Alysa Liu have a gap in her teeth?
Yes, Alysa Liu has a natural gap between her upper front teeth, known as a midline diastema. It is a normal anatomical feature many people are born with, often linked to the upper lip frenum and it is not a sign of any dental problem. She has kept the gap rather than closing it.
Did Alysa Liu get veneers?
There is no public evidence that Alysa Liu has veneers and her smile appears natural. Veneers usually create a uniform, gap-free look whereas Alysa Liu keeps her midline gap and individual tooth character. Attributing veneers to a public figure without evidence is not something a clinic should do.
Are smiley (frenulum) piercings bad for your teeth?
Frenulum piercings carry real risks. Systematic reviews of oral piercings report gum recession and enamel wear, and sometimes tooth fracture where jewellery contacts the teeth. The risk is not certain for everyone but anyone with a smiley piercing should attend regular dental check-ups so early gum or enamel damage can be managed.
How is a gap between the front teeth fixed?
A front-tooth gap can be closed with composite bonding or porcelain veneers, or with orthodontics, depending on its size and the patient’s goals. Bonding is conservative and reversible, while veneers offer a longer-lasting aesthetic change; orthodontics moves the teeth together without adding material. A consultation determines which option fits best.
Reviewed by Dr. Eren Gülbahar
References
- Tadros S, et al. Association between superior labial frenum and maxillary midline diastema: a systematic review. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2022. PMID 35248905
- Mosaddad SA, et al. Oral Complications Associated with the Piercing of Oral and Perioral Tissues: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023. PMC10647284
- Tomaževič T, et al. Occurrence of Dental Injuries and Periodontal Complications in Oral Piercing Jewellery Users. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2017. PMID 28674709
- Rathod P, et al. Enhancing Aesthetics and Functionality of the Teeth Using Injectable Composite Resin Technique. Cureus. 2024. PMC11162272
- Layton DM, et al. Long term Survival and Complication Rates of Porcelain Laminate Veneers in Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review. Int J Prosthodont. 2021. PMC7961608
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This content is written, reviewed, and approved by the International Plus Medical Review Board to ensure clinical accuracy and adherence to strict editorial standards. All medical information is regularly monitored, audited and updated in light of the latest scientific advancements.
However the information provided here is for general informational purposes only and cannot be used for self diagnosis or making individual health interpretations. Results of medical treatments depend on individual anatomy and the unique healing process of each patient. This information should not replace a personal consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. To understand the best options for your specific needs and to receive a personalized treatment plan, we invite you to book a free consultation with the expert medical team at International Plus.
I am a healthcare professional with over 4 years of experience in dentistry, specializing in prosthetic dental treatment and implant-based applications. Since 2024, I have been serving as chief physician, leading clinical management, team coordination, and international patient processes. With my B2-level English proficiency, I am able to communicate effectively with international patients. I am a patient-centered, innovative, and solution-oriented dentist who prioritizes patient satisfaction.
