Most Europeans can identify a U.S. citizen by their smile. Why do Americans put so much emphasis on our smiles? I am not sure anyone can accurately answer this question, but smiles are important to us!
When it comes to oral health and the pursuit of a beautiful smile, Americans stand out globally. While the importance of dental care and aesthetics is recognized worldwide, the American obsession with achieving the perfect smile is particularly distinctive. This cultural emphasis on oral health reflects deeper societal values and has led to unique trends in dental care that set Americans apart from other countries.
The Cultural Importance of a Smile in the U.S.
In the United States, a beautiful smile is more than just a cosmetic feature; it’s a symbol of health, success, and social status. Americans often associate straight, white teeth with positive attributes such as confidence, youth, health, and professionalism. This perception drives many to invest heavily in dental care, from routine cleanings to cosmetic and restorative procedures.
The influence of Hollywood and the media cannot be understated in shaping this ideal. Celebrities with flawless smiles are often idolized, and this image of perfection has become the standard to which many Americans aspire. As a result, dental aesthetics have become a significant aspect of personal grooming and self-presentation in the U.S.
It seems that every family has a turning point in one or two generations where the children get more than their share of dental care. As society has placed more emphasis on the smile, parents are very motivated to prevent their children from suffering the same social and financial dental problems that were expected in past generations.
Early trips to the dentist and orthodontist were common starting about 1960. Now, U.S. citizens are known worldwide by our teeth. For older Americans, keeping up with their smiles can be a full-time commitment. Many middle-aged and older Americans have decided they have the time, motivation and means of turning back the hands of time for their smile.
A few years ago, I took a trip abroad and noticed something very interesting in the airports I traveled through. You know those giant billboards you see scattered around the airports for the airlines, for local restaurants, car rental companies and popular tourist attractions? Well, something about them really stood out to me.
As I was going through customs at the DFW airport, looking at these huge advertisements, I noticed that all the people in the photos had perfect smiles. Beautiful teeth. I didn’t think a whole lot about it except to just notice it. Then, when I landed abroad, I noticed that the models they used for their billboards and advertisements had crooked, imperfect and often even yellowed teeth. And when I returned to the U.S., there were the signs with beautiful teeth again. It struck me then, just how much we focus on our smiles here as opposed to many other countries.
In many countries, like in Europe or Canada, basic dental care is often covered or heavily subsidized by the government. However, cosmetic procedures are not covered, leading to a greater focus on essential dental care only, rather than aesthetics. In developing countries, access to dental care can be limited, and preventive care may not be as widely practiced.
While oral health is important globally, the emphasis on achieving a perfect smile is particularly pronounced in the U.S. Here, it is seen as a reflection of one’s overall well-being and success.
Since much of the dentistry we Americans tend to desire is often cosmetically inspired, it is important to seek out a dentist who will be able to deliver the very best results. After all, the expense for cosmetic treatment is all out-of-pocket. Our government doesn’t pay for it and neither do our dental benefit plans. And it’s not cheap. We’ve all seen people with crowns or bonding or veneers that don’t match their other teeth. They look terrible. Or people with false teeth that look like they were made for someone else’s mouth! Sadly, comparing dentists’ skills is not like comparing apples and apples.
The dental specialty called “Prosthodontics” is tailor-made for this demographic. A “Prosthodontist” has three years of dental training in a formal residency program after finishing four years of dental school. A Prosthodontist is the expert in any and all types of tooth restorations. Like crowns, veneers, bridges, dental implants, dentures and partials.
Some of the procedures we offer to enhance smiles to make them more beautiful include: Dental cleanings and checkups, teeth whitening, orthodontics, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, dental bonding, gum recontouring, and dental implants.
If you’re in need of crowns, veneers, bridges, or dental implants, come see us for a thorough and complimentary consultation. To schedule your visit, CONTACT US here or call us at 214-956-9100. We’re confident we’ll be able to help!
