The popular HBO series "The White Lotus" is stirring up discussions not just for its plot, but also for its cast's diverse approaches to beauty standards, particularly surrounding dental aesthetics. One notable moment came when actress Charlotte Le Bon improvised a line in a scene that brought attention to her co-star Aimee Lou Wood's natural, gap-toothed smile. This seemingly simple comment has sparked a broader conversation about the acceptance of imperfections amid a culture obsessed with perfection.
Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role as Chelsea in "The White Lotus," has become a symbol of authenticity in an industry that often prizes over-polished appearances. Following her appearance on the show, viewers began expressing admiration for her choice to embrace her natural teeth, which prominently feature a charming gap. Emma Dickson, a 30-year-old medical aesthetician from Chicago, said that seeing Wood on-screen felt "comforting" because she has a similar gap between her front teeth. "It's nice to see someone who looks like me on television," she noted.
At the same time, this attention to Wood's smile raises questions about the prevailing beauty norms in Hollywood. Sarah Hahn, a prosthodontist from Fremont, California, has observed a trend in which celebrities increasingly opt for veneers, creating what she terms a "copy-and-paste smile." She lamented the industry trend that encourages uniformity, stating, "You could name off a million celebrities, and they were all getting veneers." As this homogenization of smiles became more prevalent, so too did the public's scrutiny of their own teeth.
Joyce Kahng, a cosmetic dentist from Costa Mesa, reported an uptick in patients interested in veneers following the pandemic's "Zoom effect," when many people began scrutinizing themselves during virtual meetings. The demand for perfect teeth has risen, leading to a pervasive expectation that not only celebrities but also influencers must have immaculate smiles. "People expect celebrities to all get their teeth done at this point," Dr. Kahng explained, emphasizing how these expectations have permeated beyond Hollywood.
Yet, Wood's natural smile has become a counterpoint to this trend, inciting a degree of backlash against the standard of perfection. Sue-Ann Jarrett, 33, from Brooklyn, expressed concern over the visual homogeneity of American television, remarking, "American TV now is becoming visually very homogenous." This sentiment reflects a growing desire for more authentic portrayals that diverge from an idealized version of beauty.
27-year-old Shedika Williams, another Brooklyn resident, shared her own conflicted feelings about dental aesthetics. She confessed to regretting her decision to get braces, feeling that Wood's teeth represent a form of authenticity that she longs for. "I watch a lot of TikTok videos of creators doing before-and-afters, and it makes me sad because I always think the before picture looks way better," Williams remarked.
The scrutiny surrounding Wood's gap has reached such a level that dentists have taken to social media to analyze and dissect her teeth. In an interview with Jonathan Ross, Wood expressed surprise at how her appearance has ignited discussions online. “I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having. The Americans can’t believe it. They’re being lovely [and there’s] videos of orthodontists analysing my teeth,” she shared. She added that while some orthodontists point out flaws, they ultimately agree that she should not change a thing.
Wood herself described the reaction as a "real full circle moment" after previously being bullied for her gap. Now, instead of ridicule, she finds support, telling viewers that it feels "a bit rebellious" not to have undergone the typical transformations expected in Hollywood, such as veneers or Botox.
However, not all feedback about her natural smile has been positive. Emma Dickson noted a discomfort with how the praise has been directed at Wood, indicating that while there is something unique about her smile, she still conforms in other ways to the beauty standards Hollywood has long embraced. "There is something slightly unique about her, but in every other way she fits the exact beauty standard that Hollywood has loved forever," Dickson observed.
This paradox highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding beauty expectations in entertainment. As Dr. Kahng pointed out, examining celebrities' teeth can lead to negative self-perception, especially when societal standards equate dental quality with socioeconomic status. JoJo Siwa's admission of spending $50,000 on her new teeth last year exemplifies how dental alterations can reflect personal branding in an industry that often rewards superficiality.
Amid this debate, social media influencers like Dr. Hahn are attempting to dissect these issues constructively. By creating educational content, she hopes to empower viewers with knowledge about dental health without inciting shame. Through her "veneer checks" series, she analyzes celebrity dental work, emphasizing technical aspects rather than judgment.
The conversation surrounding Aimee Lou Wood's teeth is emblematic of a larger societal struggle between the desire for uniqueness and the pressure to conform to narrow standards of beauty. As viewers rally around Wood's natural smile, it prompts questions about what representations of beauty should prevail in media and among the public.
Ultimately, as the fascination with Wood highlights, there may be a growing recognition that what makes us unique — gaps, imperfections, and all — deserve a place alongside the polished and perfect in the narratives we celebrate.
