The Secret Smiles: 15 Celebrities Who Wore Braces as Adults (And Made it Cool)

The Secret Smiles 15 Celebrities Who Wore Braces as Adults (And Made it Cool)

If you are an adult considering braces, you might feel self-conscious. You might think: “Isn’t this just for teenagers?”

The truth is, more than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. And guess what? This includes many of the world’s most famous and highly paid celebrities.

Why? Because a perfect smile is their biggest career asset.

At Dentovex, we pulled back the curtain on the most inspiring celebrity orthodontic transformations. From hidden lingual braces to full metal brackets on the red carpet, these stars prove that age is just a number when it comes to investing in your smile.

1. Embracing the Metal: The Mid-Career Transformation

These stars were confident enough to wear traditional metal or clear ceramic braces during their peak visibility.

A. Tom Cruise

  • The Treatment: Cruise started treatment with ceramic braces in 2002 while promoting Minority Report.
  • The Lesson: He proved that even a massive Hollywood star—whose job relies entirely on his face—can prioritize their health and smile, regardless of media scrutiny. His motivation was to correct a midline issue.

B. Faye Dunaway

  • The Treatment: The legendary Oscar winner got full metal braces in 2002, in her early 60s, showing there truly is no age limit for orthodontics.
  • The Lesson: It is about functionality and health. She needed them to correct issues affecting her bite and speech.

C. Dwight Howard (NBA Star)

  • The Treatment: The NBA center wore visible braces, proving that even in a high-contact, physically demanding career, you can continue treatment (with the help of specialized orthodontic mouthguards).

2. The Invisible Option: The Invisalign and Lingual Club

Many celebrities opted for the discreet route to avoid paparazzi attention.

A. Justin Bieber

  • The Treatment: While rising to global fame, Bieber wore Invisalign clear aligners, which were almost impossible to spot unless you looked closely. He even showed them off in a few YouTube videos.
  • The Lesson: Clear aligners are the ultimate hack for people constantly on camera.

B. Katy Perry

  • The Treatment: The singer revealed she used a clear alignment system to subtly perfect her already great smile.
  • The Lesson: Even teeth that look “perfect” often have minor misalignments that can be fine-tuned with modern orthodontics.

C. Cristiano Ronaldo

  • The Treatment: In his younger career, the football icon wore highly visible metal braces to correct significant spacing issues. His early photos show the wires clearly.
  • The Lesson: The transformation is immense. Ronaldo’s current multi-million dollar smile is a testament to his dedication to treatment.

3. The Sudden Perfect Smile: How Did They Do That?

Sometimes, a star’s smile suddenly looks perfect overnight. There are two likely explanations for this:

  • Lingual Braces: The brackets are bonded to the back surface of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They are often more expensive but offer the ultimate secrecy.
  • Rapid Treatment: Some stars have only minor crowding and may have opted for an accelerated treatment plan using technologies like AcceleDent or Propel to cut the treatment time from 18 months to 9 months.

To learn more about speeding up your treatment, read our guide: Can You Speed Up Your Braces Treatment?.

4. The Takeaway: Your Smile is Your Legacy

If these actors, athletes, and singers—who are scrutinized daily by millions—can take the time and make the commitment to orthodontics, then you certainly can too.

The result is a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you choose discreet clear aligners or full metal, the temporary inconvenience is always worth the final curtain reveal.

Conclusion

Don’t let embarrassment or fear stop you. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-confidence, and you are in excellent company.

Ready to start? Find out if clear aligners are right for you: Invisalign vs. Braces: Which One Should You Choose?.


Disclaimer: This information is based on public records and interviews. Treatment details may vary.



Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Treatment plans for missing teeth vary highly based on bone structure. Consult a specialist for a personalized plan.

This article has been compiled and presented by Dentovex Orthodontics – Research Group for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace a face-to-face consultation with a licensed dentist, orthodontist, or other qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your own clinician regarding any questions or concerns about diagnosis, treatment, or health conditions.


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