Our orthodontic team believes in embracing yourself, but we also recognize that correcting misalignment and bite problems makes for healthier smiles and minimal oral health complications. The latest pop culture news where teeth are concerned involves Aimee Lou Wood, the British star of the drama White Lotus. She doesn’t love the talk about her noticeable teeth, but orthodontists everywhere see Wood’s rising star as a jumping-off point for conversations about straight smiles.
An Analysis of “Ugly” Teeth
For those who aren’t aware of Wood, she is immediately recognizable thanks to her innocent wide eyes and prominent upper teeth. Her teeth are memorable and white and, by all appearances, healthy. They do, however, have problematic alignment.
Many people are embarrassed about the state of their teeth, Wood included. She has called herself the “ugly girl” in interviews but there are plenty of people just like her who categorize themselves based on one feature alone – and for some folks it is their teeth.
The lesson? How your teeth look, work, and feel matters. Wood’s teeth aren’t ugly and she certainly is not, but if her teeth looked different thanks to braces, she might have a new view of herself.
How to Alter Imperfect Teeth
There are always cosmetic dentistry options to alter a smile. Doing so after you’ve already found fame is difficult and doesn’t happen without admission of alterations. We say, be honest about changing your smile – sure, you want to look better, and that is admirable. There are fast and easy ways to make a change.
You also don’t want to worry about your teeth. You don’t want to be embarrassed by your smile, or fall and knock out a prominent tooth, or be known for your teeth before you’re known for anything else. So, let’s look at what an orthodontist might do for someone with teeth like Aimee Lou, who is at risk for pain, tooth erosion, teeth grinding, and more.
Changing Aimee Lou Wood’s Smile
Every patient’s teeth are different. Altering them is not a suggestion made on sight alone. The orthodontist needs to:
- Take x-rays and digital images to see what’s going on under the surface.
- Examine the mouth for gum health, possible cavities, and infections.
- Check the bite, tooth positions, and overall dentition.
- Consider age, past oral health conditions, and preferred smile goals.
Maybe a patient wants Invisalign but it isn’t an option. Perhaps a young patient needs an expander first to minimize crowding. Ultimately, the recommendation you are given is the treatment that is best for your oral health, whether you have an prominent top teeth like Wood or have a gap between your front teeth.
Put Your Oral Health First
Aimee Lou Wood doesn’t love all the talk about her teeth, but she once classified herself as “sad” because she doesn’t always get to talk about her work since people are focused on her teeth. Perhaps the lesson is, if you’re uncomfortable about your teeth, maybe it’s time to determine if you can do something about them.
Contact the team at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA, to learn about customized orthodontic treatment. Schedule an appointment for a private consultation.
