Research on the social impact of perfect teeth mostly centres around North American beauty standards. Given the ubiquity of US pop culture and “the Hollywood smile” everywhere else in the world, it should come as no surprise. You can walk into any dentist’s office, pull up a picture of a red carpet-ready Beyoncé, and they’ll know what you’re after. You want to achieve smile perfection.
The media-consuming public has gotten so used to seeing straight, white teeth on celebrity faces that anything outside that is deemed “abnormal.” But surely these expectations are only for those in the public eye, right? Not always. It depends on who’s looking and how much you – and the society you’re a part of – values conventional attractiveness.
In Japan, for example, people embrace the imperfections that come with natural teeth. Some Japanese men consider “snaggleteeth,” or yaeba (irregular or projecting teeth), endearing. Meanwhile, the British seem to reject over-enhancing their teeth to the point of artificiality. At the same time, you’ll spot enormous, flashy billboards everywhere in major cities like Manila and Bangkok – each featuring an anonymous model with bright, impossibly perfect teeth.
You can take that as proof that beauty standards are ever-evolving and vary across cultures. Still, it’s tough for the average person to go against societal pressures, especially concerning beauty. After all, most people still want to look good, even if they’re not a celebrity. The halo effect makes it abundantly clear that many social benefits come with conventional attractiveness. Having great-looking teeth is only one piece of the contemporary beauty puzzle.
What are “perfect teeth” according to contemporary beauty standards?
Here are a few of the general qualities that society typically associates with perfect teeth.
1. Straight
Well-aligned teeth with no noticeable gaps, crowding, and other malocclusions are the gold standard. Many choose to undergo dental treatments to address misalignment. Over the years, clear aligners (such as the ones by ClearCorrect) have become increasingly popular for this purpose. They’re touted as more discreet, comfortable, and easy to use compared to traditional, metal-wired braces.
2. Bright and white
Your natural teeth will never be paper-white. The enamel features a blueish white colour, but it is also somewhat translucent, so the yellow of the dentine beneath it shows through. It makes teeth appear light grey or light yellow. Despite this reality check, shiny, pearly-white teeth continue to be an inescapable phenomenon.
3. Proportional and symmetric
Ideally, your teeth should be proportional to each other. Many cosmetic dentistry professionals use the golden ratio as a guide in smile design to ensure that each tooth is optimal in size and shape. Symmetry is also a crucial factor, with each tooth matching its counterpart on the other side of the mouth.
4. Clean and healthy
Beyond looking good, your teeth should also be in good health. That means having no plaque buildup, cavities, and other signs of damage or decay. Healthy teeth wouldn’t be possible without healthy gums and vice versa, so having gums in tip-top condition (pink, firm, with no signs of bleeding or inflammation) is part of the equation, too.
A step-by-step guide to achieve perfect teeth
Straight, bright, proportional, and clean – how much work does it take to achieve perfect teeth? The truth is perfection doesn’t happen overnight. You won’t wake up with the pearliest whites by magic. Achieving perfect teeth requires consistent effort and care.
But don’t worry, the journey is simpler now thanks to technological advances. Collaborate closely with your dentist to tailor a plan that works best for you. Here are possible steps to get to your goal.
1. Establish an oral hygiene routine.
For optimal dental health, create and stick to a reliable oral hygiene routine. The Australian Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for 2 minutes each time. And floss at least once a day! Don’t forget to clean your tongue, too.
Also, choose the right tools. Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles to protect your gums. Those thin fibres can also reach stuck debris and food particles between your teeth better. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities; a pea-sized amount is sufficient.
2. Quit harmful habits.
Certain habits can sabotage your dental health. Smoking not only harms your lungs but also leads to bad breath, gum disease, teeth staining, and even oral cancer.
Other habits to break include nail-biting, chewing on objects, and thumb-sucking. Seek healthier ways to manage anxiety without damaging your teeth.
3. Eat healthier.
Steer clear of sugar; it’s a fast track to cavities, confirms the World Health Organization. The same goes for acidic foods, which can erode enamel. Instead, choose teeth-friendly foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables. Prioritise high-fibre and calcium-rich foods. Embrace a diet that loves your teeth as much as you do!
4. Drink more water.
Ditch sodas, juices, sports drinks, and even coffee, as they contain acids and sugars that can wreak havoc on your teeth. Go for good old H2O, which helps rinse away debris and keeps your teeth clean with every sip. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that drinking enough water can help prevent cavities and improve saliva production.
5. Consider dental treatments.
Be open to treatments that can help you achieve your version of perfect teeth. Discuss these options with your dentist:
- Teeth whitening: Choose between at-home kits or professional treatments to brighten your smile.
- Orthodontics: If you have alignment or bite issues, consider braces or clear aligners. For a discreet and comfortable option, choose ClearCorrect.
- Veneers: For a quick (although somewhat pricey) fix for stains and chips, veneers provide a durable and attractive solution.
- Implants: If you’re missing teeth, implants offer a natural-looking replacement that functions like real teeth.
- Dentures: A more affordable option than implants, though they may need replacing over time.
6. Visit your dentist regularly.
Schedule a dental checkup every 6 to 12 months. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health, catch issues early, and address concerns before they become serious.
What are the social benefits of having perfect teeth?
Most people aren’t working on their teeth just for fun. Having perfect teeth can lead to numerous benefits as a result of its aesthetic impact. “An unhealthy mouth impacts not only general health but also emotional, social, mental, and overall physical well-being,” emphasises the International Dental Journal.
Indeed, a beautiful smile can lead to more opportunities, especially in social and professional spaces. Here’s how:
1. Perfect teeth can boost self-confidence.
“Australian dental experts believe that maintaining good oral health isn’t only crucial for physical health but also plays a significant role in one’s self-esteem,” notes the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association.
Being comfortable with how you look makes it easier to exude confidence. That self-possessed quality is captivating and draws the right people into your orbit. When you navigate the world confidently, it just shows. It makes you stand out and allows you to show off all your other amazing qualities.
2. Perfect teeth can help you make a great first impression.
It doesn’t matter if you’re going out on a date or meeting a potential employer for a job interview. A stunning, healthy smile will always leave a lasting impression. Pair it with enviable self-confidence and a charming personality, and you’ll have that second date or dream job in the bag.
3. Perfect teeth can make you look even better on camera.
In the age of social media and video calls, most people want to look camera-ready. You want to be able to sit in online meetings without hyper-focusing on your face or pose for selfies without feeling self-conscious. When your teeth are just the way you like them and shine with health, these worries go out the window.
It seems that pursuing what is your version of perfect teeth is worth it because of the potential to improve your quality of life. If you’re eager to reap the benefits of a straighter smile, find out if you’re a candidate for treatment through this online smile assessment. And remember – exuding confidence and loving yourself no matter what go a long way in this life.
References:
BBC News. (2018, July 20). Yaeba dentistry: The appeal of pointy teeth.
Khalid, A., & Quiñonez, C. (2015). Straight, white teeth as a social prerogative. Sociology of Health and Illness, 37(5), 782–796.
Parkinson, B. J. (2015, May 27). The myth of bad British teeth. BBC News.
Samaranayake, L. (2022). Oral health, happiness, and well-being. International Dental Journal, 72(2), 149.
Talamas, S. N., Mavor, K. I., & Perrett, D. I. (2016). Blinded by Beauty: Attractiveness Bias and Accurate Perceptions of Academic Performance. PLOS ONE, 11(2), e0148284.
Villazon, L. (2020, April 21). Are yellow teeth stronger? BBC Science Focus Magazine.
