Embracing My Crooked Teeth: A Beauty Editor's Journey to Self-Acceptance

One woman's quest to love her unique smile in a world obsessed with perfection.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:00pm

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A beauty editor reflects on her lifelong struggle to accept her crooked teeth, from dealing with unsolicited comments from strangers to the pressure to conform to beauty standards. Through self-reflection and the support of loved ones, she ultimately decides to embrace the imperfections that make her smile unique.

Why it matters

This story highlights the societal pressure, especially for women, to conform to narrow beauty ideals centered around perfect, straight teeth. It explores how these unrealistic standards can negatively impact self-esteem and the journey to self-acceptance.

The details

The author describes her teeth as "sort of straight, save for my left canine tooth, which sticks out and obscures the incisor next to it." She has faced comments from men, including a stranger who told her she "would be so beautiful if you would just fix your teeth," as well as pressure from dentists and others to pursue orthodontic treatment. Despite these experiences, the author is determined not to chase perfection and lose the unique features that make her smile her own.

  • A few summers ago, the author was enjoying a drink with a friend when a stranger approached her and made an unsolicited comment about her teeth.
  • Recently, the author went to Rome and took a photo in front of the Trevi Fountain, which she decided to post unedited on Instagram.

The players

Katie Berohn

The author of the essay, a beauty editor who has struggled to accept her crooked teeth for most of her life.

Michael Apa

A dentist who told the author that her crooked tooth gives her "a lot of personality" and that the confidence behind her big smile is "powerful."

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The takeaway

This story serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty lies in embracing our unique features, not conforming to narrow societal standards. The author's journey to self-acceptance shows that confidence and happiness are the most attractive qualities, regardless of the shape or straightness of one's teeth.