Monthly Archives: October 2010

As a child I was burdened with teeth positioned so sparsely I could slot coins between them. No joke. I asked for a brace but my dentist refused, assuring me that my wisdom teeth would one day push through, forcing everything forwards and eventually closing the gaps. He was right of course (had I been fitted with a brace I’d now have a mouth full of overlapping snaggle teeth, the likes of which are usually only found in the smallest hick towns of America). I don’t feel the need to cover my mouth when I laugh any more (a habit I persisted with all through school) but I do feel they could be whiter.

It’s a given that most of us consider cosmetic dentistry a shrewd and worthwhile investment. The Holy Grail? A jaw full of pristine, symmetrical, pure white nashers right? Well no actually. At least not any more…

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry released a report this week which claims that two thirds of its members have seen a big decline in clients wanting ‘extreme’ Hollywood smiles. In place of this impossibly perfect aesthetic a new trend has emerged – patients are actually requesting a gap!

Dr Tapeshwar Anand, dental practitioner and founder of Harley Street-based dental practice Q Clinic explains: ‘The latest trend in the quest for perfection appears to be a slight imperfection – a great smile but with a small gap in the front teeth, for a quirky look that sets people apart from the crowd.’

The method? ‘At Q we recommend Invisalign as the best non-invasive method for straightening, however the procedure can be used to create the gap look as well. The main role of Invisalign is to reposition the teeth, which way the teeth are repositioned is up to the patient.’

Surprising though it may be, this increased desire for a more characterful smile is also comforting. As beautiful as Cheryl Cole is I’m beginning to find her impossibly groomed look (complete with veneers) more  than a little tedious. There’s making the best of what you have and then there’s remoulding yourself into something else entirely.

Although the gaps have long since disappeared my teeth still have one little quirk. My canine teeth are unusually sharp. I’m talking vampire proportions here. At one point I considered booking a procedure to have them filed down – it was my mum I inherited them from and this is what she eventually did – but my boyfriend asked me not to. To him they’re sexy (and possibly to all the Twilight fans out there). They may be sort of weird looking but they’re part of me, so I’m learning to love them.

What do you think? Would you ever get a Lara Stone-style gap yourself? If you already have one do you want to close it?

Q Clinic, 139 Harley St, W1G 6BG, (0207 317 1111)