The young Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has become one of football's biggest names — and as he lit up the 2026 World Cup, fans noticed something beyond his footwork: the braces on his teeth. Searches like "Why does Lamine Yamal wear braces?" and "What are teeth braces?" promptly surged.
Yamal has not publicly explained his own treatment, and we won't speculate about it. But his very visible smile is a good excuse to answer the questions millions of people quietly have about braces — how they work, who needs them, what the options are, and what to expect. Whether you're a teenager weighing braces, a parent exploring options for your child, or an adult finally ready to fix a long-standing concern, here's a clear, no-jargon guide.
Orthodontic treatment helps people of all ages achieve healthier, confident smiles.
What Are Teeth Braces?
Teeth braces are orthodontic devices that gradually straighten teeth and correct the way the upper and lower jaws meet (the "bite"). By applying gentle, continuous pressure over months, braces guide teeth into healthier, more functional positions.
It's worth clearing up a common myth: orthodontic treatment is about far more than a photogenic smile. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, distribute the force of chewing more evenly, can improve certain speech patterns, and reduce long-term wear on teeth and jaw joints. A straight smile is the visible result; better oral health is the real prize.
Why Do People Need Braces?
An orthodontist may recommend braces for a range of common conditions, including:
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Crowded teeth (too little space in the jaw)
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite — upper front teeth sit too far over the lower
- Underbite — lower teeth sit ahead of the upper
- Crossbite — some upper teeth close inside the lower
- Open bite — front teeth don't meet when the back teeth do
- Jaw-alignment problems
Correcting these issues isn't only cosmetic. Straighter, better-spaced teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease over a lifetime.
Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and healthier over a lifetime.
At What Age Should You Get Braces?
There's no single "perfect" age. Most orthodontists suggest a first check-up around age 7, when a mix of baby and adult teeth makes early problems easy to spot. Many people begin active treatment in their teenage years, once most adult teeth are in.
Adults are welcome too. As long as the teeth and gums are healthy, orthodontic treatment works at almost any age — and a growing number of adults are choosing it, often with discreet options like clear aligners.
Orthodontic treatment is a great choice for teenagers and adults alike.
The Main Types of Braces
Metal Braces
The classic and most widely used option. Today's metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than older versions, and they remain the most effective choice for complex cases.
Best for: teenagers and complex orthodontic corrections.
Ceramic Braces
They work like metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets, so they blend in and are far less noticeable.
Best for: older teens and adults who want a subtler look.
Lingual Braces
Fixed to the back of the teeth, so they're essentially invisible from the front.
Best for: patients who want treatment no one can see.
Clear Aligners
Transparent, removable trays that shift teeth in small steps. They're popular with adults and suit mild-to-moderate cases — but they only work if they're worn 20–22 hours a day, so they reward discipline.
Best for: mild-to-moderate cases and patients who value appearance and can commit to wearing them consistently.
Braces vs clear aligners in one line: braces are fixed and handle the toughest cases; aligners are removable and discreet but depend entirely on how faithfully you wear them. The right choice comes down to your bite, your lifestyle, and your orthodontist's assessment.
Metal braces and clear aligners each suit different needs and lifestyles.
Do Braces Hurt?
Not really — but expect mild soreness for a few days after braces are first fitted and after each adjustment, as the teeth begin to move. It's temporary and usually managed with soft foods and, if needed, over-the-counter pain relief your dentist approves. Any sharp or persistent pain is worth a quick call to your orthodontist.
How Long Do Braces Stay On?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case and how well the plan is followed. As a general guide:
- Minor corrections: around 6–12 months
- Moderate misalignment: around 12–18 months
- Complex bite or jaw issues: around 18–24 months, sometimes longer
- Clear aligners (suitable cases): around 6–18 months
These are averages, not promises — every patient's plan is unique, and consistency (keeping appointments, wearing aligners, caring for your teeth) has a real effect on the timeline.
After the Braces Come Off: Retainers
Finishing active treatment isn't quite the end. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back, so orthodontists fit a retainer to hold your new alignment in place. Retainers are usually worn full-time at first and then just at night for the long term. Skipping them is the most common reason a beautiful result slowly slips — so think of the retainer as protecting your investment.
Wearing your retainer every night protects your smile for the long term.
Can Athletes Wear Braces?
Absolutely. Plenty of professional athletes — footballers included — compete while wearing braces. For contact sports, dentists recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect both the teeth and the orthodontic appliances from impact. Braces are no reason to sit on the sidelines.
Athletes with braces compete at the highest level with confidence every day.
How to Care for Braces
Good habits during treatment protect both your teeth and your results:
- Brush after every meal — food catches easily around brackets and wires.
- Floss daily using orthodontic floss or floss threaders (a water flosser helps too).
- Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods that can damage brackets.
- Keep every adjustment appointment.
- Follow your orthodontist's instructions closely — including wearing aligners or elastics as directed.
Consistent hygiene prevents the cavities and white "decalcification" marks that can otherwise appear once braces are removed.
The Benefits of Teeth Braces
Beyond a straighter smile, orthodontic treatment can:
- Make teeth easier to clean, protecting against decay and gum disease
- Improve chewing efficiency
- Help certain speech difficulties
- Reduce abnormal tooth wear and jaw strain
- Boost comfort and self-confidence
In short, braces are an investment in both oral health and overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Lamine Yamal's braces sparked a wave of curiosity — but the real takeaway is reassuring: orthodontic treatment is common, effective, and beneficial at almost any age. Whether a sporting hero inspired you or you've simply wanted to fix your smile for years, braces can transform not just how your teeth look, but how healthy they stay for decades.
Every mouth is different, so the best next step is simple: consult a qualified orthodontist who can examine your teeth and recommend the option that fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Lamine Yamal wear braces?
Lamine Yamal has been seen wearing orthodontic braces during matches and public appearances, but he has not publicly shared the specific reason. Like many people, he may simply be undergoing routine orthodontic care to align his teeth or correct his bite — the same treatment millions choose every year.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. Discreet options such as ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners make treatment easy to fit into adult life.
Are braces only for cosmetic reasons?
No. Alongside improving appearance, braces correct the bite, make teeth easier to clean, improve chewing, and can help certain speech issues — all of which support long-term dental health.
Which type of braces is best?
There's no universal "best." The right choice depends on your dental condition, lifestyle, budget, and how visible you're comfortable with treatment being. An orthodontist can assess your bite and recommend the most suitable option.
Do braces affect playing sport?
Not significantly. Athletes routinely train and compete with braces. For contact sports, a custom mouthguard is recommended to protect the teeth and appliances from knocks.