It has been brought to my attention more then once that I do not smile often in my photos. And my regular readers know that I don’t smile in photos because I do not like my teeth or really even my smile itself. When it comes to good health and good teeth I did not get lucky. I will spare you here the story of my health issues, but if I could change one thing about myself (not including my health) it would be teeth/smile.
After your eyes, your smile is the next thing most people notice. And having a less then stellar smile may seem trivial to some, and maybe it is, but to those who are the not so proud owner of a less then stellar smile it can be a bit daunting at times to live in such an image focused culture.
living here in the states the struggle is real for those who are less well endowed when it comes to their teeth
Seriously look around. In The States it seems it is all about having a winning whiter then white smile. A friend of mine whose parents are from Ireland, spent some time living in Scotland and she said there she is considered fairly attractive but here in the states her smile is considered problematic, and she has had multiple dentists bring up the subject and try to talk her in to improving her smile.
So yes living here in the states the struggle is real for those who are less well endowed when it comes to their teeth. I have thought about laser whitening but due to nerve damage I sustained when I had a root canal done I am very leery about having this procedure done as it can make your teeth more sensitive.
And don’t even get me started on my sisters uber white, perfect Oprah Winfrey teeth
Then there are veneers and lumineers but they are very costly, and can be over ten thousand dollars, not exactly affordable. So here I am with my less then stellar, not even close to white teeth. Perhaps I could travel to another country and get veneers? I am currently using drugstore white stripes and my teeth are about 7-10% lighter (not whiter) which is also a struggle as they don’t fit well due to all my missing teeth and even as a child my teeth were not “white.” And don’t even get me started on my sisters uber white, perfect Oprah Winfrey teeth.
Yes my fixation on my teeth my seem trivial. And there are much bigger problems for me to worry about, both in my own life and the world at large, but still it bothers me. The young woman in this photo is an activist who worked for Hilary Clinton. So it doesn’t bother me a bit that she has this gorgeous smile. And don’t you love this capture from Garance Dore? Such a beautiful photo. To read more about this inspiring woman head on over to Garencedore.com.
And how do you feel about your smile? Do you even think about it? And if you don’t like it how far would you go to improve it?
22 comments
I get comments on my smile bc I have small lips and that makes me self-conscious. So I make sure my teeth are white as hell! people notice the whiteness and not the crookedness/small lips. I look mad if I’m not smiling.
When I photograph people I always try to get at least a few shots of them smiling because I think nothing lights up someone’s face like a genuine smile. I used to be a little self conscious about my smile but then I got over it.
A smile says more than a 1000 words and I bet you have a beautiful smile!
Happy Monday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
You’ve got a lovely smile :)))
The Fashion Matters- LUXURY TRAVEL & FASHION BLOG
I just recently fixed my crooked teeth and even though they’re still not perfect I’m ok with that. I never had a problem with my crooked smile until I started blogging and editing my own pictures. It honestly still wasn’t a big issue, but now that I was able to afford to fix them I was like “why not”. I think beauty is relevant to everyone and the standards are different in each country. I was just recently in Japan and there it’s considered cute to have crooked teeth!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
Cute smile! xoxo
Your smile is stunning! Me myself feel very insecure about my smile actually, I don’t like it at all. But I’m working on it, I know it’s all in my head!
Hugs Bella, http://nouw.com/bellss/enkel-sminkning-30394549 // Instagram: bellaskoog
Great post and gorgeous smile!
You are basolutely beautiful 😀
kiss
xx
https://thathappymess.com/
My smile has been the one thing that often garnered me a compliment but when I don’t smile, many think I am very snooty, I am ‘blessed’ with a resting bitch face. Veneers are expensive regardless which country you get it done but if you feel like that’s the best option then I say save up and go for it, Allie. xx
I’ve never quite liked my smile. My teeth are probably the one thing I’m most insecure about, even after braces! But I am far too happy to stop myself from smiling, so I’ve learned to let it go. If you don’t like my teeth, I don’t care! Hope you can adapt that mentality too! Smiling = beauty & confidence 😀
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
I hate my teeth/smile too and it looks terrible in pictures and people always tells me that I look so fake when smiling as I don’t smile with my teeth?! Hahah doesn’t make the situation better if I say so. And so true that a perfect white smile with big and perfect teeth are a thing in the US, it’s so closely connected with health/beauty/success! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Sometimes, a smile is all you need! Great post! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
I agree that people that smile often and naturally really radiate something else! I try to smile and am getting more comfortable with it in photos (more of a reserved smile in photos though!)
I love using those crest white strips…I don’t smile loads in photos, but it’s nice knowing I have those haha xx
http://angelebaby.com
Amazing post!! You have a lovely smile!!
xx
Mónica Sors
NEW POST: MES VOYAGES A PARIS>
I get told that all the time! Either way you’ve definitely got a winning smile girl 🙂
xx, mel
http://melinspired.com
Your sensitivity to this issue is warranted. You shouldn’t feel bad about feeling bad about it. People do judge others on things as superficial as smiles so it matters.
I’ve always had crooked teeth and had painful braces during childhood. Recently, my dentist (who’s very good but very expensive) talked me into Invisilign which straightened them out again. I’ve always had trouble with their whiteness because I drink so much tea (5-8 cups a day) but worry less about that now.
Great post! Love your smile <3
http://www.meriwild.com
This is a great post. I too have had my fair share of teeth problems and do not like my teeth at all. In fact, its one of the reasons why I don’t show them when I smile. Years ago, someone commented on my “yellow tooth” and it stuck with me ever since. The “yellow” tooth is fake and since it’s one of my front teeth it bothers me so. I feel like everyone can see it right away.
Your smile is so beautiful 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
beautiful words! loved this!
Ruby x
rubys-eyes.blogspot.com
Amazing read!