Have you ever felt inferior due to your crooked or twisted teeth? In recent years, perfect teeth were the standard for beauty. However, today, a trend is emerging to return to natural teeth. Is this a change in beauty trends or a sign that we are accepting of ourselves?
A tweet in early 2025 showing the natural smiles Ayo Edebiri, Margaret Qualley, and others went viral. It received nearly 40,000 likes, and 15,000 retweets. The public began to appreciate natural teeth again. Aimee Lou wood and the stars of “Mickey 17”, who have imperfect teeth, caught the attention of media and fans. These celebrities’ “imperfected” teeth make us wonder: Are we obsessed with perfection, ignoring the beauty of life?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile. They work by removing natural teeth and replacing them with custom-made porcelain or resin shells. Since 1928, when it was first used to temporarily replace teeth for actors, the industry has grown into a global phenomenon. According to GII Research the global cosmetic dental market will reach $37.5 Billion by 2030. During the pandemic people paid more attention to their smiles as they spent more time using Zoom. This increased demand for cosmetic dentistry. This trend is changing, as more celebrities are choosing to keep their natural smiles.
We should be encouraged that celebrities choose to keep their natural smiles, but we must also recognize that they often meet beauty standards for other aspects of their appearance, such as skin tone, body shape, etc. Jessica DeFino, a writer, pointed out that “if thin people with smooth, youthful skin can have crooked or distorted teeth. This slight imperfection might even be charming.” She also asked if we would praise the same thing if we saw obese or poor people with similar teeth.
Some people find it a relief to have their natural teeth back. Megan Hayward, 27, used to feel inferior because she had “buck teeth” or gaps between her teeth. But after watching Aimee Wood on TikTok being praised for having natural teeth, Megan felt hopeful. Natalie Sima, a 31-year-old woman, had considered dental veneers but changed her mind when she saw Ayo Edebiri. These personal stories show how our perception of beauty is changing.
The return of natural tooth is not only about teeth. It’s about how we define and accept beauty. In our pursuit of beauty, it is important to remember that teeth are more than just aesthetics. They are also essential for our health and function. Instead of obsessing about whether or not to change your teeth learn to appreciate their uniqueness and smile with confidence. True beauty is a result of inner confidence and an appreciation for what is real. As the old saying goes: “The real smile is the most beautiful smile.”
