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| Smile Confidence |
Body confidence is an emotive state of mind which lifestyle articles will attribute towards embracing one's own body rather than chase what the media has created as 'the perfect body.' Many times, the focus is on facial features and body parts, but what about smile confidence? In a bid to instil smile confidence into others, I should really start with myself. Above is an image of my real smile compared to how I would normally portray it on social media platforms.
Admittedly, I have had professional laser whitening done once. I felt the need to have the perfect smile for my wedding day and as I was leaving the salon I was advised to eat white foods for the next 48 hours, as to not disrupt whatever was happening to my teeth. Did I listen? Nope! I was straight on to the Pepsi Max and sweet chilli salmon a few hours later as the thought of denying myself anything but plain potatoes and Basmati rice for an entire two days was unfathomable. I feel pressure to lighten my teeth in an image editor just so that my thumbnails and pictures look more appealing. It really is just a lie though isn't it? And who am I trying to appeal to? It must be myself because deep down, I don't actually care enough about the thoughts of strangers and acquaintances, especially those thoughts which pertain to my image, including my smile.
The societal reflection of beauty is distorted and constructed by trends, peers and the cult religion that is celebrity. People are increasingly 'fixing' their teeth in a bid to achieve the allusive emotion that is confidence. Whether this is through braces, whitening treatments or veneers; it is a trend that is no longer exclusively associated with celebrities. It is trickling down to social media influencers and even to your best friend or next door neighbour - the everyday average person.
Pressure is mounting for regular people to look picture perfect for even the most seemingly candid photos and videos. Instagram, the formerly candid image sharing platform is now a place for staged beauty and lifestyle pictures rather than a series of sincere and objective events. It is platform which regularly disheartens and disenchants me as I frequently see posts on how to be perfect for society rather than just being real. I have grown to love my smile - the ochre coloured stains and numerous amalgams reflect my enjoyment and overindulgence of food since childhood. The gap between my top incisors emulate my Gran's naturally beautiful smile. I even like the little snaggletooth that is my lower right canine.
A veneered smile may look beautiful on the outside but what is it hiding? No amount of bleaching or straightening our dental imperfections can veil an abject heart, a broken spirit or an unhappy mind. Despite this, just like I say with make-up, do what makes you happy. Of course orthodontia can mend dental issues that do not pertain to vanity, and if the perfect smile gives you true contentment, then I absolutely encourage you to do it. However happiness, just like confidence comes from your demeanour, your outlook and ultimately your objective feelings about yourself.
There is an overwhelming hesitancy to accept the teeth we were born with. Your authentic teeth give you a unique appearance and add character to your face. The various shapes, sizes and imperfect colours are the elements which make your smile beautiful. Many of those who undergo cosmetic dental treatment often look like carbon copies of each other, almost as if a set of Ridley's chattering teeth have been placed inside their mouths. You'll be whistling your words through your veneered teeth as these intrusive surgeries can often change your speech and pronunciation of words. Embrace your original teeth - stains, gaps and snagglers included and feel better in the knowledge that many people, including some celebrities, are reluctant to be a reproduction of the public's collective standard of beauty. Here are my top sixteen admirable celebrities who refused to change their naturally flawed signature smiles.
Fairuza Balk
Avril Lavigne
Baby fangs adorn this Complicated singer's smile.
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| Smile Confidence |
Anna Paquin
Unlike her True Blood co-stars, this gapped-tooth beauty does not posses any blood-sucking teeth.
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| Smile Confidence |
Kirsten Dunst
Another snaggle-fanged smile, a flaw which gives the beautiful Fargo star even more character.
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| Smile Confidence |
Woody Harrelson
The True Detective star does not feel the pressure fix his gap in order to conform with all the typical Hollywood smiles.
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| Smile Confidence |
Steve Buschemi
The yellowing imperfect teeth is a signature look for The Big Lebowski actor.
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| Smile Confidence |
Will Ferrell
The star of Step-Brothers is comfortable with his slightly flawed smile.
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| Smile Confidence |
Keira Knightley
Who needs straight teeth when you can become the face of Chanel without dental surgery?
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| Smile Confidence |
Ricky Gervais
Talent and humour are what makes the creator of tragic characters so appealing, not just his snaggled smile.
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| Smile Confidence |
Madonna
The Material Girl refuses to go overboard with bleaching agents on her gapped teeth.
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| Smile Confidence |
Shane MacGowan
The lead singer for The Pogues has faced criticism for his rotting teeth and for years he let nature take it's course on the smile synonymous with the Irish punk scene... until last year that is. Great to see his veneers reflect the lifestyle he has.
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| Smile Confidence |
Kate Moss
Her crooked smile is an attribute that makes this supermodel relatable in comparison to the other models from and beyond her era.
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| Smile Confidence |
Pete Doherty
The Libertines and Babyshambles singer has working class charisma and charm and a smile to match.
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| Smile Confidence |
Sinead O'Connor
Absolutely one of the most striking faces, beautiful voices and equally naturally stunning smiles in history, the Mandinka singer is the definition of confidence and non-conforming.
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| Smile Confidence |
Linda Perry
Songwriter to the stars and lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, her smile is imperfectly perfect.
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| Smile Confidence |
Johnny Depp
The actor who is identifiable by his quirky roles certainly kept most of his teeth natural as well as having a few gold teeth added in here and there.
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| Smile Confidence |
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