Having a beautiful smile has never been more important!
Dental health is very significant to people, but with the improvements in orthodontics and dentistry, having a pair of straight, pearly whites became more accessible and much more prominent. But, as always, dental trends are changing throughout the decades, and the discourse around celebrity teeth is the best example of this!
Let’s take a ride through the last 100 years and see how dental treatments have evolved, and who was celebrated for having the perfect smile years into past.
The Golden Age of Hollywood (1920s-1930s)
Wide, expressive smiles with natural teeth were the trendsetters
In the 1920s and 1930s, during the silent film era, celebrities like Greta Garbo and Clarke Gable were trendsetters and seen as a beauty standard. In this point in time, because of silent films which relied on over-the-top facial expressions, having a wide expressive smile was the most desirable. The stars of this era had naturally beautiful teeth with limited dental procedures.
Silent films and expressive smiles
The Post-War Era of Hollywood (1940s-1950s)
Glamorous stars with natural but beautifully aligned and shiny white teeth.
With post-war prosperity significantly influencing people’s living conditions, Hollywood stars were becoming more glamorous in every aspect, including their teeth. Dental caps and teeth whitening were creeping into the mainstream through classic Hollywood stars such as Marylin Monroe and James Dean, who are to this day remembered for their talent and beauty. Their teeth were still natural in shape and size, but also beautifully aligned and blindingly shiny and white.
1960s and 70s: Embracing Natural Beauty
Unique smiles and natural beauty standards took the spotlight.
This era of pop culture was all about individuality and self-expression, giving rise to some of the most uniquely beautiful stars like Audrey Hepburn and Shelley Duvall. If we look from today’s standards, these celebrities had unique looks and smiles, and that reflected a broader trend of this time, which was more natural beauty standards. Having healthy white teeth was still important, but the emphasis on perfect teeth alignment was lost during this era. Invasive dental treatments were not that mainstream.
1980s and 1990s: The Age of Orthodontics
Braces and perfectly aligned, white teeth became mainstream.
A significant boom in new dental treatments was made during these decades, with braces being introduced as a new treatment for dental aesthetics, and just like that, perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth were back in the mainstream. Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise’s teeth are to this day considered to be the most beautiful smiles in Hollywood even today. Pearly, white, perfectly aligned teeth were the sign of success and glamour in the yuppie culture. Cosmetic dental procedures were becoming increasingly more popular, the rise which we see even today.
Julia Roberts and her beautiful pearly smile
2000-2010s: The Rise of Veneers
Veneers surged in popularity, driven by the pursuit of flawless smiles.
In the 2000s and 2010s, the Veneer Boom saw a dramatic rise in the use of veneers to achieve flawless smiles, heavily influenced by key celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Zac Efron. This period was marked by increased media scrutiny and the growing obsession with the Hollywood "perfect smile," where uniform teeth became a symbol of success and beauty. The surge in veneers reflected a broader cultural trend towards aesthetic enhancement, driven by the pressures of constant public visibility and the desire to emulate the seemingly effortless perfection of stars. As veneers became more accessible, they transformed from a luxury reserved for the elite to a common cosmetic procedure, further fueling the pursuit of immaculate dental aesthetics.
Tom Cruise's teeth are the most wanted
2020s: Health Comes First
Focus on natural-looking enhancements and holistic dental care.
In the 2020s, dental trends have evolved significantly, focusing on both aesthetics and health. Influenced by celebrities like Billie Eilish and Timothée Chalamet, there's been a noticeable shift towards natural-looking enhancements rather than the too perfect smiles of the past. The rise of social media has kept dental appearance in the spotlight, but the emphasis has shifted to achieving a more authentic, healthy look. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, have surged in popularity, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth. There’s also been an increased interest in holistic dental care, with a focus on preserving natural teeth through preventive measures and minimally invasive treatments. This era has also seen advancements in technology, such as 3D printing and digital smile design, making personalized and precise dental care more accessible. Overall, the 2020s reflect a balanced approach to dental aesthetics, prioritizing health and individuality.
Billie Eilish with her beautiful smile
Dental treatments and orthodontistry are just another reflection of the everchanging cultural landscape. But, no matter the trends, fixing your dental health is very important!
Contact Healing Travel to start your dental journey now!