To Fix Or Not To Fix: That Is The Question Of Cosmetic Dentistry And Your Acting Career

You can make it as an actor with really horrible teeth, it is true, but would you want to? Sometimes, a really horrible set of chompers can land you some of the best roles of your life. (Just look at Gary Busey, Steve Buscemi, Madonna or Anna Paquin!) Other celebrities, specifically British ones, have had to have all of their teeth removed due to a hard life of partying and now have to wander about with dentures or implants (e.g., Shane McGowan of the Scottish punk band "The Pogues"). If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in order to further your acting career, you should weigh your decision against your career goals in the following ways. 

Directors and Producers Take You More Seriously

When you show up to audition for a leading role as a really attractive character, do you get the feeling that directors and producers are laughing internally the minute you smile? It may just be nerves, but directors and producers (and casting agents as well) are very particular about who can play a "beautiful person" lead. Unless the script pointedly describes an attractive person with some less than attractive or "average features," it is possible that you will not be considered for the role at all. If you show up with perfect pearly whites, however, and you fit the bill for the character, the directors, producers and casting agents would take you seriously.

Conversely, Playing Darker Roles Almost Requires "Bad" Teeth

Think about all of the serial killer and horror movies, bad guys in action films, etc. What do they have in common? Horrible teeth. It adds to their creepiness. If this is the genre of TV and film in which you want to define yourself, do not fix your teeth. Your other option is to whiten your teeth for less-dark roles, but then wear custom cosmetic fakes for your dark auditions and roles. Actors with incredibly nice teeth have done this, and there is no reason you, too, could not do the same. Once you are in demand for other roles, you can always cosmetically perfect your teeth then.

Choosing Less Extensive Procedures Later in Your Career

Many older actors have their original teeth, but choose to temporarily whiten and brighten when they want to play a younger role. As you age, your teeth begin to yellow and make you look older than you are. Certain habits actors pick up can cause yellowing too, such as smoking to stay thin, handle stress or for a role where a character is a heavy smoker. Whitening and brightening is not permanent and will not damage your teeth or make them look fake. If it happens to be a career goal to take on "pretty, young thing" roles a little bit longer, then you can choose something more permanent, like veneers. (Veneers can go as white as you want them and never change color or stain.)

However you decide you want to proceed with cosmetic dentistry, it is important to greatly consider the advice given by a professional dentist, like those at Alliance Family Dental. In some cases, it is imperative that you undergo some procedures, whether or not it will get you the perfect bad guy role. So consider these things while also communicating with your dentist for expert advice and care.