Unless you’re Freddie Mercury (who refused to correct his teeth out of fear it would affect his singing voice), having a perfectly straight smile seems to be a prerequisite for stardom. These days most A-listers opt for the quickest and most discreet path to straightening and correcting their teeth, which has seen a rise in popularity for both veneers and Invisalign treatments. However, not all celebrities have had the same luxury of a removable and practically invisible Invisalign tray to thank for their dazzling smile. No? No! Some went the old fashioned way and endured a mouth full of metal.
From Kate Hudson to Tyra Banks, here are 13 celebrities who have worn braces..
Gabrielle Union
Image credit: @gabunion
If you follow Gab Union’s Instagram closely, you might’ve seen the throwback collage she posted of herself as a young girl. Gushing over her dental work of all things, Gab said, “thank God for braces! I love my orthodontist…whatta difference headgear & rubber bands make.” However, it seems along the way Gab’s teeth moved and she was back to wearing her retainer for a while (and wearing it dang well at that!)
Emma Watson
Emma Watson confirmed that along with childhood fame, her youth involved some very real and relatable harder times, that us normal folk had the pleasure of experiencing on a much smaller scale.
In an interview with Glamour UK’s October 2012 issue, Emma said “I had terrible skin at one point and had to wear braces at another, and my weight has fluctuated between a size 6 and a 10. When you’re growing, your body is still figuring itself out, and it takes a while to settle down.” Don’t remember seeing Emma’s braces? That’s because she only kept them on for four months between shooting Harry Potter films.
Honestly, with blue eyeliner as cool as that, who is even noticing Emma’s braces?
Gwen Stefani
It’s no secret that people have done some downright wacky things in the name of fashion, but getting braces? That’s one we’re going to have to let Gwen try and explain. Speaking to Access Hollywood, Gwen revealed how she didn’t need braces to straighten her teeth, but she’d always wanted them for their look. So at the age of 30, the No Doubt singer made it happen. “I could afford them at that point and that’s when I went and got them.”
Faith Hill
Considering most of us scrambled to have our braces removed before our high school formals, it may come as a surprise that Faith Hill proudly rocked hers to the 2013 Grammys. Speaking to a Phoenix radio station, Faith revealed “I had braces as a kid and I forgot to wear my retainer. Kids, wear your retainer!” Yes ma’am.
Tom Cruise
Though he only had them on for a few months, Tom Cruise straightened up his smile in his forties. For a timeline that might be easier to follow, this took place in the Penelope Cruz era, before his marriage to Katie Holmes.
Kendall Jenner
At age 13, Kendall, who was already a familiar face to us Keeping Up With The Kardashians viewers got herself her first piece of bling, and braced up. However, this didn’t end up being her only experience straightening her teeth; years later she opted for a round of Invisalign Treatment. As one of the most successful models in the world, it’s safe to assume this was money well spent.
Angelina Jolie
Attending the 1988 Academy Awards with her famous father, Angelina flashed a glimpse of her braces as she walked what we believe to be her first-ever red carpet. She looks so cute.
Serena and Venus Williams
With matching successful tennis careers, why not have matching dazzling smiles? Serena and Venus both opted for the teeth straightening treatments at the same time and we hope they were getting sponsored by their orthodontist because they were selling it!
Drew Barrymore
Image credit: @drewbarrymore
Another Hollywood starlet that’s grown up in the spotlight. Drew Barrymore shared this insanely cute throwback of her 12-year-old self to Instagram and between the hair, the eyeshadow and the big smile, we don’t know where to look!
Niall Horan
Putting all stereotypes of braces being uncool to bed is Niall Horan. Niall rocked his braces throughout the entirety of One Direction’s peak success. A rockstar who looks after his dental health? Now that’s a heartthrob.
Kate Hudson
There are no teeth in the above picture, we understand. Though according to Kate’s black and white yearbook image shared by The Huff Post, the Fool’s Gold actress can credit her perfectly straight smile to her stint with braces.
Tyra Banks
We have no photographic evidence but we do have a Tweet. After a fan expressed concern that her braces would keep her from becoming a model, Tyra assured her, “I wore braces for two years and I became a model…TyTy.” Very cool.
Main image credit: @drewbarrymore / Getty
Have you ever had braces? What was it like? If not, who’s your fave celeb with braces?
I had night braces when I was a child, no one saw them as they only went on before I went to bed. My teeth are not as straight now due to a tooth extraction and time.
I didn’t have braces as a child. I would love to do Invisalign at some point.
Braces were the best beauty investment I have ever made. They has boosted my confidence so much.
Good to hear. Glad the braces helped.
Yes they are expensive but a lovely smile showing nice teeth is so confidence restoring
I did invisalign about 15 years ago and I feel like I could do with a short course just to tidy them up a bit now but it would probably be only for 6 trays – I’m gonna ask my dentist at my next appointment. 🙂
Yes , I had as a child ages ago, they were so different, quite big and uncomfortable, I was wearing them mainly during the night .
Tom Cruise has had more than braces, he now has veneers. If you look at his early photos his teeth were shocking; missing some and some sticking out.
Exactly. Nothing wrong with that, but most of them if not all have capped teeth. The size and shape changed , not allignment
Not surprised, many celebrities have veneers or false, whatever it takes to look their best, they can afford the best too.
I didn’t need braces but would not have hesitated if I did need them. They can make a huge difference.
They are expensive but so necessary in a lot of cases
I did invisalign two years ago, best thing I did for my confidence
I had braces when I was a teenager. I mainly had it because of a slight overbite and only two crooked teeth which were barely noticeable at the bottom.
I had them for a very short time when a kid. And threw in a bin. I do not have straight perfect thing going on and love it.
Not had braces thankfully blessed with good straight teeth but had plenty of other challenges instead
Oh yes. I remember the days I had braces also!
They all have lovely smiles.
Never wore braces when I was younger, but I have some teeth that could do with some straightening and better alignment.
Only those who can afford it. I still wonder if there is sufficient evidence they actually work or it is just a coincidence. Most of these celebrities are blessed with good looks anyway.
Yes I wore them for many years too
One of my daughters had braces and 3 of my grandchildren also -Now thet have beautiful teeth . I should have but my mum could not afford it.
Yes Celebrities can afford to get braces, wished at the moment I need some dental work done so badly unfortunately I don’t have the money.
Oh my, why would you get braces put on as a fashion statement when you don’t need them! Mind boggling!
I’ve had braces. Unfortunately, two of my three children need braces. Too early to tell if the third child will need braces. But I had an over the phone quote of $7200 to $8000 depending on severity. And I’m on the lowest of health cover so I will not get any money back. Oh well.
I was lucky that only one of my children needed braces and we were able to pay it off. It made such a difference to his teeth.
I’ve never had braces and I didn’t know anyone who had braces when I was growing up.
No braces for me.
I had braces as a child; seems to be even more usual these days
They all looked different.
I didn’t own one.Neither of my kids.
Somehow I think there’s been a lot more than braces going on for some of them!
I’ve never had them, friends at school used to have the old fashioned ones. I know people who’ve had them in their 50’s. Invisalign is a good option but expensive.
I’m so lucky and so thankful I didn’t need braces
I didn’t have braces , but a lot of my friends at school did.
One way or another, the teen years are hard on everyone – and braces are hard on parental pockets! We’re going through it now with my teen.
I probably should have had braces, but parents couldn’t afford it. I don’t particularly want to spend that money on my teeth, either
I got my daughter braces ans was really pleased with the results.
Emma Watson with braces… so cute! X
I had braces however my wisdom teeth came through afterwards and stuffed my bottom row. I’m considering getting braces again
That’s a shame. Wisdom teeth cause lots of problems.
I never had braces, but with my mild overbite, I wish I had.
I should have had braces but Mum was on her own with 4 kids so could not afford it.
I didn’t need braces, I have a slight overbite but nothing really noticable.