Britain v America: teeth

[Night Nurse]

Americans seem to be obsessed with teeth. Apparently they look at their cousins over the pond with disdain regards their teeth. But why?

This is an interesting article which sheds light on teeth and the image they portray in the two countries
BBC News - American v British teeth

But what is it about the bright white and perfectly straight teeth of Los Angeles that Americans love - and expect of their public figures?

"Americans have the idea uniformity is equivalent to looking good. The British character is more free-spirited, more radical," says Professor Liz Kay, dean of the Peninsula Dental School in Exeter and Plymouth.

Teeth naturally vary in colour and the palette can tend closer to cream than white.

the main difference is that Brits tend to go for more conservative treatments.

"Americans don't mind this unnaturally white look. It's a new phenomenon, like buying a Rolls Royce and telling the world. They are wearing a smile as a badge," says Mr Fallowfield.

[billynomates]

Shane McGowan and Polly Styrene(the girl with butterkist teeth) rule

[bluffmanxx]

if you are happy with "creamy" and or crooked teeth, that's fine with me. are you just as unconcerned about other aspects of appearance as well?? do you worry about your weight or your hair or the clothes you wear michelle?? (since you started the thread)

[billynomates]

It's not hard to dress smartly, doesn't take a lot of effort, if you worry about yr yr weight or hair can be rectified, facelifts, cosmetic surgery, dental whitening are something else. Thyey're like mens dyed hair so obvious. Paul McCartney worth so much but his hairlooks like he spent 20cents on a packet of boot polish. If appearance is all that matters to you, go for it, and dont watch as people snigger behind your back.

[motherfunky]

To be fair Doug, Americans on average do have better teeth than Brits but it is a statistical fact that Americans care much less about their weight (again on average)

what's the point of this thread anyway?

[bluffmanxx]

what's the point of this thread anyway?

i dunno. and yes, we have more than our share of overweight people.

i was just pointing out that if people want to worry about their appearance or not it does not bother me.

a nice smile is one of the first things people will notice, so i understand the concern. notice i said nice, and not perfect.

[Night Nurse]

It isn't a personal thing. I simply have noticed that Americans regard the British as having bad teeth. To me bad teeth are not the colour but whether the person attends to oral hygiene (no innuendo ). My teeth are off white but most people who comment on me after meeting me, say I have a lovely smile. Now this is the kid who was prem and grew up embarrassed about her teeth, especially as a cruel dentist put a mercury filling upon a front tooth which looked like i had something stuck in my teeth, so smiled hiding my teeth. Years later a dentist offered to change it for a natural coloured filling, hence I've been smiling showing my teeth ever since. I always thought my off-white coloured teeth was a result of being prem, maybe it is... or isn't. Now I know it is a normal colour (and white isn't!!!) I don't give a damn.

But if anyone here wants teeth as if they've taken a white gloss paint to them, that's their business... but it sure as hell doesn't make my teeth bad.




This is supposed to be a discussion thread, I guess I wanted enlightening on what Americans state are bad teeth. Blackened pegs, well any type of pegs are bad teeth. As for crooked teeth, children get decent treatment on offer. I was lucky I didn't need a brace as my adult teeth straightened naturally as I got older.

[Niccivan]

But if anyone here wants teeth as if they've taken a white gloss paint to them, that's their business....

Straight, white teeth implies good oral hygiene. Why? Food, drinks, and other things leaves stains on your teeth if not addressed promptly. When they are white, it shows you care for your teeth to keep them looking nice. (not saying if they aren't sparkling white you don't take care of them.... mine aren't super white). Anyway, personally speaking, I like things to look good. White, straight teeth look good. Crooked teeth that are yellow.... not so cute.

[luvsluvin]

I had braces as a kid. Hated 'em then, but as an adult I've always been very grateful that my parents had my teeth straightened. I had them professionally bleached years ago and now I just maintain 'em with whitening strips (it's CHEAP and effective!) a couple of times a year. No, I don't have that "Hollywood" smile with veneers or anything... but I'd consider that route if my teeth were yucky. I like to be able to smile. And I a LOT!!! hehe

And what are these "black pegs" that you keep referring to, Michele??? I can't imagine.......

[skyguy2007]

My teeth look perfect...as long as I take them out and soak them every night!