Humanities & Cultures

This rubs me the wrong way given that very many people need orthodontia for medical reasons, because their bite would otherwise be so wonky it leads to pain, or to extreme wear on the teeth that can lead to losing them. When orthodontists correct a medical bite issue like this, they straighten out the teeth, too - maybe more than is necessary, sure, but it's generally better to overshoot and be sure the pain or cause of damage is fixed rather than not doing enough.

Nobody should be ashamed of crooked teeth: this is true. But equally, nobody who has hollywood straight teeth because they needed a medical issue fixed should be shamed and told they look "creepy" for it.

Imo, there's no shame in getting orthodontia just because you prefer that aesthetic or really don't like the way your teeth currently are, either. None whatsoever.

The solution to the existence of an arbitrary beauty standard is not "well, everybody who does fit that standard actually looks creepy/[insert insult here]".

I think this is akin to saying something like: women should never have to wear make-up or suffer judgement for choosing not to wear it, therefore women who do like and wear make-up are bad and it's okay to insult and make fun of them and their choices about their own personal appearance. Or that because women shouldn't be required to wear pink or dresses, we should shame those who do wear pink and dresses. Or that because people should not be insulted for being fat, it's therefore okay to insult people for being skinny. It's a ridiculous way of thinking and doesn't solve the original problem at all.

And it just makes a situation where people can't win no matter what they do - crooked teeth, or no make-up? You get insulted. Straight teeth and make-up? You get insulted in a different way. And as always, everyone who isn't cis, white and male will have their appearances nitpicked this way the most.

It is the veneers that really upset me. I remember one of the model shows. They gave one of the contestants the option to have her teeth re-done with veneers. What she really needed was a year or two of real orthodontics. But no, they ground down her teeth and put on these crappy veneers that will need a life time of extra care. They basically ruined her teeth just for the competition.

Orthodontics is not a long term solution either. You either need to ware a retainer to keep it, or have a fixed bridge that holds them. Teeth are not meant to be stationary. Mine, I didn't ware anything for 35 years but at 55 I had to start using a retainer again because they were moving too much. Wish I had started with a retainer again 5 or 10 years sooner.

I only really notice in movies where perfect teeth take me away from reality.

Perfect teeth tracks with the sense that everything must be eternally perfect and sterile and flawless. Not just people parts, but objects as well. Read reviews of people furious that the Apple Watch they bought developed tiny scratches after a year and Apple refused to replace it for free. Or the people pissed that their white shirt was stained after they spilled wine on it and demanding a refund, or that their 2 year old fleece sweater has pilled so something must be wrong with it so throw it away.

And yet these same people are struggling with the anguished desire to be unique and special. A crooked tooth is unique. A cleverly embroidered shirt hiding a stain is special. De-pilling a sweater takes work, but now you invested your time into your object and increased its value to you.

Is it a money thing? Only poor people have flaws? Only poor people own objects that show signs of wear or age?

I didn't make it through the entire article before it was asking to subscribe, but I got the gist.

On the civilian side of things, I grew up with a mother who was obsessed with teeth. She believed that her naturally straight teeth (genetic lottery) and my naturally jacked up teeth would have people believing we weren't related.

Too bad for her we were broke hillbillies so... I only had braces for about 2 years on my top teeth. I wore my retainers after that for as long as possible (I kept chewing through them), and finally after 8 years I said screw it.

The orthodontist was the town dentist and he cut corners like crazy. It turned out fine and fixed the snaggletooth...

BUT! From age 7 until 14 or 15 my mother would not let me smile with my teeth. If I laughed in public she would make a face and say something about my "ugly mouth".

I am of the opinion, especially since I moved from NA to Europe, that braces should be covered by health plans. Either everyone should have the opportunity, or we need to stop judging. I don't think we can do the latter. 99% of my students have perfect teeth, and the 1% who do not clearly struggle with this detail.