Cosmetic Dentist and the Celebrity Image

When it comes to our teeth, we may not realize the image that goes along with our smile. For years, we may have grown used to the look of the crooked, gaping or stained teeth of a friend, coworker or family member. Imagine if one day they came in with a shiny new set of pearly whites. It is easy to say that our acquaintance’s immediate social circle, our self included, would be shocked. Now imagine if our friend were known the world over with images of her or him plastered on the Internet and in magazines.

Our friend may be less likely to have their teeth looked at by a cosmetic dentist if they are a famous celebrity. One has to consider the press and paparazzi involvement and comments and how it may affect career, social and private life. This is often the dilemma faced by celebrities wishing to have even a simple veneer added to their teeth. The consideration becomes less about personal satisfaction and more about image.

Take Steve Buscemi for example. For years he has been known as a great actor with bad teeth. At any time he could afford to take himself to the cosmetic dentist for a brighter, straighter smile, but he hasn’t. Some of us may have difficulty understanding this decision. Wouldn’t someone who could afford a nicer smile, want one? With Steve, the decision is complicated. His image is now wrapped up in his crooked teeth. His teeth go along with the “crooked” characters he often plays. If he were to straighten his teeth, he may no longer be considered for those roles, prematurely ending his career.

Same thing goes for models. Superstar model Lauren Hutton’s gap-grin almost became more famous then her. People began to equate the smile with a wild, be-freckled image of the All-American girl. Her cosmetic dentist may have been able to fix that gap with some simple veneers, but she never chose to go that route. Instead she and her gap became one of the icons in modeling, with people wondering if she would have experienced the same fame without it. Other models have followed suit and graced the covers of magazines with a gap-toothed smile.

Imperfect teeth are an ever-changing situation among celebrity culture. Some stars are encouraged to correct their teeth with veneers and whitening. In fact, when an actor has those perfectly pearly white, they often call up references to the “soap opera” smile. Yet, sports stars, news anchors and others are encouraged to straighten and whiten their teeth as a means to be more respected in their career field. Other stars are encouraged to leave their teeth alone as their imperfect smile is seen as an asset to their image.

So, the next time you, your friend or family members consider going to your cosmetic dentist for a little straightening or whitening, be relieved that you don’t have to deal with millions of people questioning your motives.