Gapped Teeth – Something to Smile About
More often than not, people frown upon having gapped teeth. But as far as trends and celebrities are concerned, having gapped teeth may be a blessing in disguise.
To be specific, gap teeth, or diastema, is the space between two teeth. This commonly occurs in between the upper incisors, or the front teeth. Diastema happens when the size of the teeth and the jaw do not match or because of incessant tongue thrusting that pushes the teeth apart.
As ridiculous to some it might be, some cultures even embrace the space in between their teeth. Just like in Japan where men are said to find the gap teeth appealing, so much so that women are going to the dentists to have their teeth crooked.
This trend, called "yeaba," or "double tooth," seemingly makes girls more approachable, endearing, and cute, hence the women paying to have it done.
But this trend of having gapped teeth isn't really that outlandish as some might think. Back in September 2010, Nate Jones of TIME reported that in the Ney York fashion week, having gapped teeth was "totally in," and that having such teeth was a coveted attribute when casting models.
Jones credited the popularity of this physical flaw to the youth's skepticism towards the air-brushed perfection that the digital age brought.
Some of the biggest stars that we look up to have been sporting their gaps proudly, and in addition, feel no need to have it fixed.
An example of these stars who adore their teeth is Steve Buscemi, from the hit show "Boardwalk Empire," who said that he doesn't want to have his teeth fixed. US Weekly Magazine reported that Buscemi claimed that he would never have gotten anywhere in Hollywood if he had his teeth altered.
Same goes for Anna Paquin, from "True Blood," who said that she finds it rude when people ask her about why she never got her gap fixed.
"I've had dentists who have wanted to help me out, but I say, 'You know, I won't work again if you fix my teeth,'" the US Weekly reported Paquin saying.
The legendary Madonna also defended her teeth who back in 1990, graced the cover of Glamour magazine as woman of the year. However, the singer became so angry that she refused to accept the award because her gap teeth were apparently doctored in the photo, Tim Page of Luck Gap blog reported.