Veneers, Veneers, Veeners…Unpacking our Oral Dissatisfaction 😁 Khadija Mbowe

👉 "Go to ground.news/Khadija to think critically about the news and improve your media literacy. Get 40% off their Vantage plan which is what I use, or try it for less than $1/month today✨
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@khadija.mbowe
0:00 ...Girl...
3:16 Part 1: An Oral History
7:03 Part 2: Straight White Teeth
17:37 Part 3: Tooth Philosophy
24:46 Part 4: Back-Alley Veneers
31:29 Thank You to My Patrons
sources 📚
Agents of Socialization
rwu.pressbooks.pub/rothschild....
TikTokers are sharing horror stories of getting dental work by unlicensed 'veneer techs'
www.businessinsider.com/tikto...
What To Know About Viral ‘Veneer Techs’-And Why Dentists Warn Against Them
www.forbes.com/sites/ariannaj...
Humans May Be Able to Grow New Teeth Within Just 6 Years
www.popularmechanics.com/scie...
HOW IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY DIFFERENT TODAY?
www.pvcompletedentistry.com/b...
The history of cosmetic dentistry over the last 25 years
dentistry.co.uk/2022/06/09/th...
A Brief History of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.lakewaycosmeticdentistry....
From Gunpowder to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of Urine
www.smithsonianmag.com/scienc...
Evolution of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.arrowheaddental.com/blog/...
Straight, white teeth as a social prerogative
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/f...
Don’t Trust That ‘Veneer Tech’ Fake certification courses - and their horrifying results - are all over TikTok.
www.thecut.com/article/veneer...
What To Know About Viral ‘Veneer Techs’-And Why Dentists Warn Against Them
www.forbes.com/sites/ariannaj...

[@KhadijaMbowe]

"Go to ground.news/Khadija to think critically about the news and improve your media literacy. Get 40% off their Vantage plan which is what I use, or try it for less than $1/month today✨

[@johnplayer420]

Teeth aren't just for eating, they're decorations for classism!

[@jacobjacob2502]

Yeah it turns out our whole bodies are😢

[@Rells2coolpeoplehavebadtastes.]

Yeah because humans are dumb. My god animal life -yes animal life, because humans are animals- is dumb as bricks sometimes.

[@jacobjacob2502]

Shout out to us who still have regular teeth deemed as ugly by societal standards but still love what we have🎉😊

[@dumbbirdwayne]

Ayoooo, I have one single tooth that’s badly out of line that could be fixed but honestly I’m fine with the rest of them being naturally shaped, I genuinely can’t stand the ultra perfect teeth people keep getting, a relative of mine (who went from working class to rich white asshole real quick) has his teeth in that ultra white sheen with perfect straightness, and it looks so synthetic, teeth aren’t supposed to be BRIGHT white, your bones are the same!

[@bobacore]

i love my spongebob teeth haha i feel like it makes me cute

[@dworf543]

I have canines that jut out of my lips and give me a cute vampire smile. My front molars are recessive and my bottom front fold like chairs. But I still never feel discouraged by my smile. I love it just the way it is.

[@drewberriesandcream]

i don’t (yet) love what i have, but i’m working on it.

[@serenity6831]

Hear hear!

[@afenix5902]

I used to hate my smile but honestly I would rather have a imperfect smile than have bleach white chicklets in my mouth 😭

[@diandriasmith889]

That reminds me of the movie Dennis the Menace. Matter of fact, I think Dennis literally replaced Mr. Wilson's front teeth with Chiclets when he broke his dentures.

[@princessslaya937]

Yesss. The eclipse gum lmao 🤣

[@JulianSteve]

Yeah, I’m still working on my teeth insecurities. So, no worries! At least you’re knowing your worth now😌

[@deno9607]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 same

[@Shyknit]

Yeah I was starting to get self conscious about my teeth not being white white but then with all the veneer stuff that's gone on it just makes me thankful to have teeth in general. And I realized they're a natural off white color lol

[@abracadaverous]

As someone who's disabled and at the mercy of US public healthcare, dental care is not covered. My country has decided that having healthy teeth is a luxury that I, and others like me, don't deserve. I need thousands of dollars of dental work, and there's no way I'll ever be able to afford any of it. I'm already missing eight teeth and I'm going to lose several more before long. Losing this many teeth can shave decades off your life. So it's a bit infuriating for someone like me to watch people with money deliberately doing things that will damage their teeth, knowing they can just buy some more.

[@mirithilrose54]

This makes me so angry. I'm in a similar position but I'm lucky enough to live in a country where this kind of dental work is covered when you really need it. I wish it was possible for you too. 💖

[@halliebirds]

This breaks my heart. I live in the US and was a social worker for awhile working with adults with disabilities. One guy had lost all his front teeth but because his front teeth weren’t “imperative for everyday functioning,” they’d never be covered. Our “healthcare” system is disgusting.

[@bemiatto67]

Get out while you still can. It's only going to get worse there.

[@oz4648]

@@bemiatto67 it's very difficult to emigrate with a disability. not just because of cost but because countries often don't let us in because they view us as a burden to their economy.

[@lepidoptery]

these ppl have a little bit of money but if they had enough money to get it done properly they wouldn't be going to a "veneer tech" to get it done on the cheap. they won't all be able to fix things easily later on.

[@MintakaSaiph]

Imagine what people will say in 700 years. "In the 21st century, at the peak of social media, people went to back alley amateurs to get ill fitted veneers made out of unknown substances; often times made out of dangerous materials that should be nowhere near anyone's mouth."

[@idiot_rat]

Tale as old as time

[@graceelle9605]

I read this in a British narrating accent.

[@killuazoldyckhunter]

when you phrased it like that it reminded me of how back in the day people thought mercury was good as skincare. damn we humans never really learn

[@Ozzymandius1]

“… Also, interestingly enough, abortions- which were legalized at one point- returned to back alleys in some states.”

[@staysafe_eatcake6587]

History repeats itself lol people used to put all kinds of poisons and chemicals over their faces in pursuit of beauty. Think face powder having arsenic

[@msdentist2011]

As a DDS, I don't think people realize that these are potentially irreversible procedures, with potential complications that a tech is likely not able to address. Be safe out there yall!

[@Gabster1990]

I worked at a dentist office for a while. Most people that brush and floss are fine. Braces are a good option to straighten teeth. Veneers are an option but people don't realize how much upkeep it requires!

[@charliepaige196]

I have a gap in my top teeth that I used to be so insecure about as a child. I remember my mom and I used to watch America’s Next Top Model and there was a season where Tyra told one of the models that she would never make it with a gap… so they kinda forced her to fix it surgically. This straight up scarred me because I thought that I would never be viewed as “pretty”. Flash forward to now, at 27, the amount of compliments I get on my teeth are UNREAL. People say my gap is so cute and I’m really grateful that I never let the insecurity push me towards surgery or braces, because even outside of people’s opinions, I love my teeth🥰

[@icechipz]

Gap teeth are considered a mark of beauty in my country :)

[@melyelizabeth7504]

All my cousins and I have a gap between our two front teeth. One by one they all got it fixed except for me and I used to be SO insecure about it. Tyra on ANTM only added to that insecurity. Now at 29, most people are so indifferent to it that I forget about it sometimes and have grown to accept it as me. It’s a unique little feature that I love and enjoy when I see anyone else with one too! I am also grateful that I never fixed it. Plus I saved so much money not doing so 💁🏻‍♀️

[@Shyknit]

I remember that episode it's crazy looking back on that show and others how they hated on things that today people would love to have. Freckles, thick eyebrows, gap teeth, a big booty etc lol

[@AlexJosephDesigns]

I had a gap when I was a kid, but got braces so now it’s closed. Any time I look back on old photos, I wish I had kept it because it was so cute

[@Ravenboppityzoppity]

I'm thankful I didn't watch ANTM as a little girl, my peers had regular access to cable TV but my household was strict and abusive. Needless to say I didn't need any help fostering body image issues. I'm so glad you kept your gap 🥰 i think they're adorable

[@ninjarabbitxo]

"it's almost like so many of us are trying to seek control and autonomy over our own lives by leaning into the very things that are giving us less control and autonomy" I had to run that back multiple times because that's a WORD.

[@GabriellaGodessa]

As a dentist that graduated in UK 2 weeks ago🎉 I can confirm from a professional perspective these veneers be making yall look crazy. Legit copy and paste veneers in shade A1 glow in the dark in a block square shape with no customisation whatsoever. Remember these tend to last 15 to 20 years at maximum and become more expensive with each replacement Please love yourselves teeth with gaps (diastemas) are beautiful. Please go to ethical dentists that tell you no when needed 😭😭

[@civail5699]

Congrats on graduating! 🎉

[@risxra]

Congrats!!

[@TheLadyBlerd]

Always have hated the idea of "first impressions" because deep down before learned the concept of confirmation bias, folks will GO OUT OF THEIR WAY N DAY to confirm their initial beliefs about who you are as whole person based on looking at you and extremely minimal (if at all) interaction with you. Then there's the hypocrisy of folks feeling justified in doing so towards others while wanting people to be understanding should they themselves be judged just as harshly and unfairly. People judging your trustworthiness based off how comforting they find your smile n style is annoying in most social contexts, but now living in country where it's okay incarcerate folks for sleeping on the street, in public areas, including your car, while landlords/employers are on Facebook gassing each other up about denying access to people who look too "woke" or "unkempt" - - people are being overwhelmingly threatened to fall in line or look forward to learning first hand the 13th amendment kept slavery legal for the incarcerated. Also include it was common practice to value enslaved people by the appearance = health of teeth. Like horses. Having a good smile at this point might save your life, and people enjoy being judgmental too much to change, and that's dystopian AF.

[@arianam6430]

I hear you, but where exactly are these corporate landlords creating a homeless class of ppl based on their wokeness/lack of veneers? I understand the current housing crisis and how unaffordable housing has become in many places, but there's a huge difference in denying housing because someone (through proof of employment/paybstubs, etc) can't afford it versus denying housing because someone/a company BELIEVES you can't afford it, based off looks or what have you. And I'm pretty sure the latter is illegal anyway

[@TheLadyBlerd]

@@arianam6430 it's only illegal if you can prove overt discrimination, while covert discrimination is much harder to prove which makes it effective. Also I made the comment simply to share it, and have no desire to "discuss" my comment with people who disagree or "don't understand" under bad faith. Example: Simply because somethingis illegal doesn't mean it doesn't happen. That's like trying to argue sex trafficking doesn't occur because you don't really see it and it's illegal, anyway. If you are unaware of the varying ways covert housing discrimination is still practiced within the the written law, and that it can (and does) happen on sight in many cases, I genuinely have little faith anything further I could share with you on the topic in a KZbin comment section will convince you to accept awareness of its existence. I work in banking and GUARANTEE you the business is trained in covert discrimination practices, and they legitimately use cases in training of people doing exactly what you're describing but only got caught because eventually someone had the money and resources to sue and hold lenders accountable. I'm going to stop here because with how you framed your comment gives the impression even this would be argued - - overall I've no interest in bad faith back n forths with strangers. You've made your perspective known, and I've no desire to influence it differently because it is highly unlikely to result in a productive use of my time. Maybe someone else will continue the conversation, yet even then feel free to retort however you please as the very least it helps Khadija's engagement ✌🏿

[@jenbunnyaqua]

@@arianam6430I mean- at the end of the day OP’s point is: any excuse to discriminate will be taken and justified by those trying to uphold the Status Quo. Because these people exert control through the legal and court systems they will never be rash enough to go online and post: ‘let’s keep physical stereotypes going; I like saying no to woke workers’. But they WILL try to justify the validity of these arguments by circulating them (ie reposts) and sussing out public opinion.

[@LenaLinzy]

I had 8k worth of orthodontist work and my teeth are still considered “ugly”. It makes me so angry bc it took years to fix my overbite, and I had to have teeth pulled and braces for years as a kid. In the end, it made my mouth hurt less, I could eat more, and my teeth were no longer impacted. Idc what social media has to say, I had a LONG dental journey and I’m happy that my teeth are healthy, strong, and useable. Of course I wish they could be less stained (some is permanent from my braces lol) but at the end of the day, it’s my smile and my parents worked hard for it, and I don’t want to change that.

[@izaiahdb]

personally, i love a smile with some character, but more importantly, as someone who's had extensive dental work - do not play around with your dental health (if your dentist says to wear a nightguard, wear the damn nightguard). you would not believe the amount of pain a messed up tooth can cause and how expensive it is to fix. i've seen getting veneers compared to getting your nails done, but that would only be true if they had to cut your fingers off and attach prosthetic fingers to fix a mistake

[@jerlinej3516]

Veneers are the new BBL. We’ve always sought body modifications.. then we backtrack bc we realize we’re doing too much.

[@Shyknit]

It's crazy these body mods being so invasive and being in areas of the body that will have such an affect on your life tho. You sit and lay down so much in your life and eating talking etc with your teeth

[@sunnysunflowers328]

Not you exposing Lydia like that😭😭

[@loliwelch9151]

Poor Lydia's business all out in these streets! 😂

[@nyleac4389]

Literally! She was just minding her business. Side note, I thought cats couldn’t get cavities bc no sugar in their diet, so what is this now? My cat’s teeth better not try it

[@Eloraurora]

Those pet-shaming posts, but instead of 'broke vase' it's 'got gingivitis.' ...when cats eat grass in the wild, does that serve a dental health function?

[@EvangelinaGrey]

0:21 me when I’m knawing at the bars of my enclosure

[@crunchysalmons]

me too

[@K4yter]

real

[@katekursive1370]

My teeth are all mine, they're in my head and they don't hurt. Dentist patched them up regularly and I'm grateful to be that lucky. What else is there honestly

[@t4tboys]

@@katekursive1370 so so true 💘 gratitude for the body is a lovely little shield from trending body mods 😭

[@UncannyCreative8128]

After knowing that certain parts of teeth arent supposed to be pristine (for example like the color) and lots of other particular stuff I think actively about how i view teeth and dental perfection in general

[@Imbatmn57]

Beavers have orange colored teeth and can take down full trees

[@yeetymcneety]

Fun fact! Not everyone's inside bones are white either! Things like medication and diet can *change the colour of your bones.* I personally think it's really cool that people have accidentally customized skeletons! It kinda makes me want to create a fictional society where the colour of your bones is a sign of wealth and good health and they take supplements and eat certain foods to get that colour 🤔 (If anyone sees this and wants to use the concept as well, go ahead)

[@suriarawlins6528]

8:44 as someone from the UK. A lot of people are going for more of the Veneer perfect ‘American Smile’ and are going to countries such as Turkiye to get it done for cheaper whilst being at good quality (…at least most of the time). So the rise in wanting veneers is definitely a global phenomenon!

[@annbunmia]

But I think what she stated is still upheld. At least where I am in the UK they are regarded as being vain or like its upheld as the “Essex” smile with its own cultural biases against that group?

[@georgieh7351]

I think british culture is heavily influenced by america (at least in the aesthetics department), so there is definitely a rise in 'turkey teeth' and wanting veneers. however, I feel like brits overall find that kind of procedure 'cringe' or 'vain'. the best most of us can get is hoping our teeth are just bad enough for braces to be covered by the nhs. otherwise you are forking out thousands to an orthodontist (which is a massive class indicator if you can afford that). the whole 'veneer' thing isn't really known to your average bloke in england.

[@futuristicgirl14]

@@annbunmiaI was literally going to guess Essex and from the US. It’s just notorious

[@laurazanetti8267]

I am italian and i know only one person with veneers of all of the people i know, and it's my aunt in her 50s that always had dental health problems. Almost everyone in their 20s has wore braces as teenagers, but no one has or wants veneers rn

[@potatothings7223]

I'm definitely self-conscious about my teeth but I would never get veneers.

[@keke8802]

I’m someone who visibly has ugly teeth. I don’t have any support from family or insurance and cannot afford 6k worth of braces. Plus a potential jaw surgery that was recommended when I did try to get braces as a teenager years ago. Factor in my depression which caused me to not care about my health. Ending in having actual yellow teeth (unlike the ones shown) and cavities for the first time in my life. Which only adds to my problems. I may never have the luxury to fix my teeth and have a nice smile. I don’t smile in pictures. I changed the way I speak and laugh so it won’t be noticeable. I wish i could have them only be off white or have a small front gap, even a chipped/crooked tooth because it would actually make my life easier. Those smile are what I see as beautiful and what I wish i could achieve. I beg you all to not get these porcelain veneers done seen on TikTok because you have no idea how lucky you are to have a normal smile. If it’s necessary go to a real dentist nothing back alley!

[@Lucifer-Riding]

This. I have teeth like Takehito Koyasu used to (he's had them fixed), and I've lived with them until I'm 40. I'd do anything to have them fixed, but I've accepted it's never going to happen. I don't have many photos of myself, I don't take selfies, I'm afraid to appear in videos, and I have a deep depression about the state of them. I would die to just have one slightly crooked tooth or a gap or something in an otherwise perfect smile, and it kills me to think people who had that luck are willing to risk the health of their entire mouth to fix a tiny imperfection.

[@Factorum...]

Never had veneers, but I've had several crowns due to a genetic disorder that makes me significantly more prone to cavities forming from within the tooth instead of exteriorly, despite maintaining good oral care. Porcelain crowns have a life expectancy of 5-15 years depending on what type of food you eat, if you grind your teeth, what you drink, and if you sustain good oral care.

[@MrTombombodil]

I can't wait for us to get over this as a society so we can circle back to the real issue of my teeth biting my tongue and lips and cheeks all the damn time ffs.

[@Boooo_39]

My poor cheeks were mangled when my wisdom teeth started coming out If it's a constant occurrence, there's a likelihood your teeth are misaligned or you have too much buccal fat. For some, the best way to stop it is buccal fat removal. I'm not sure if they take out less, more or similar amounts as they do when it's done cosmetically

[@justhearmeout3959]

Goodness, the breath control needed to do pole work while singing opera... You've got ALL my respect 🥰

[@salmahernandez3142]

PSA - untreated gingivitis (periodontist) lead to unrecoverable bone loss in jaw that further lead to teeth falling out. If I would have know this bet I'd brush/floss my teeth daily as a kid/teen. Had 1st cavitiy at 24yo so I thought I was good .... nah got bone loss and usually x-rays only reveal the loss around when 30% is gone, or 15% depending (30-50% for rest of skeleton). Smh bs - I now have anxiety of not being able to eat whatever I want not bc of getting older and my digestion not being able to take it BUT from not having a secure teeth root structure in my jaw

[@onkabetsekwili2954]

When I grow up I wanna be pretty like Khadija. Gworrrllll!!! 💅🏾❤

[@kgjames3603]

I never used to smile in pictures and the wild thing is (not to brag) but I have a full set of teeth that are pretty straight and white enough... but they're big, and I always hated how big my teeth were. I genuinely considered having something done about it, but now I'm just so appreciative of how healthy they are. They're big, strong, all the better for chomping with and I don’t have any fillings or gaps. So glad I've always been too poor to mess my mouth up over some insecurity.

[@Cmdr_Kellie]

Oooo, girl. If you made this video a year ago, I would've had the hardest time watching it. hell, I might've even avoided it lol. But damn do I appreciate it. I'd like to share my personal teef journey: My parents couldn't afford to keep up with my dental health and I sucked my thumb until I was 13. So my mouth was all kinds of jacked up. People judged me a lot for it from a young age, and it just warped my self-esteem/image. So... I'd try my best to hide my smile. As I got older, I just didn't want to deal with the pain, stress, shame and expenses. To get my smile where I wanted, it'd cost thousands. In 2017, I got instasmile veneers. Pop in plastic lol. They were sooooo white, but I loved that my smile finally looked normal. I was at relative peace when I looked in the mirror. I could smile! In reality, I was just trading one form of dental insecurity for another. People were often understandably off-put by how white and fake they'd look. Plus, wearing them on a regular basis was hell on my mouth and made things worse dental health-wise. To have white teeth that smelt like rot was a mindfuck to behold anyone and no amount of gum or brushing would fix it. My mouth was just a mess. It wasn't until January after going through a horrendous break-up that I was so depressed and fed up that I went to a dentist. I had two extractions and 17 or so fillings in about, three weeks lol. It was hell, but I am so glad I did it. As a result of the fillings, the dentist ended up filling in gaps/reshaping teeth, so my smile looks better than I ever imagined it could look. Next step is getting crowns on the upper front four to appear more uniform...but I'm not sure. Societal expectations removed, I like my smile. I think it's cute/me. And the crowns will completely change that. I'm 35 now, and probably the most confident I've ever have been. But it'll probably take some time before I fully step into myself. Years and years of anxiety, low self-worth/negative talk to undo/unlearn. Society is ruthless when it comes to appearance and we're all both victims and perpetrators of it.

[@Angel.p242]

For those curious about the stick its very common in sub saharian african households. The woods its made from can differ between countries, in togo i know ours is different from most other countries. Not only does it clean your teeth, and i mean the plaque on your teeth will be ancient history. It also strengthen your teeth and your bite: before using it to brush you teeth with you have to chew on it, when it is soften you can use it to clean your teeth and even your tongue and of course you have to rinse your mouth after and rinse the stick. And it takes care of the smell too, the ones we have in togo is not minty though, it has no taste and no smell. BUT this only worls if you follow a certain diet, when you see tribe people with their very white teeth its because they don't eat a lot of staining food or ultra processed food nor do they consume a lot of sugar, which is why it works. If you start eating ultra processed food and sugar then you NEED to use a toothbrush and toothpaste, and floss etc. Also if you have plaque (or calculus i am not sure how to say it in english) you can brush your teeth with Bicarbonate (dont mix it with anything but water though) and it will get rid of it, not more then once a week, and only if you have very little of it, if you have a lot only the dentist can help you. Anyway hope this helps some people

[@niyatisavur919]

I am Indian, miswak is used in India too!

[@Frequincy100]

I am disabled with a muscle wasting disease so it's actually hard for me to smile enough to show even most of my teeth. Combining that with the fact my teeth are fairly good I've never thought about whitening my teeth in any way.

[@pterodactylpie8825]

Just a forewarning for cat’s teeth, if left un monitored, it can cause infection that can kill them. Sadly when I adopted my cat, her breath smelled so bad I knew there was an infection in there that no one treated. When I took her to the vet, she had to have all her teeth removed. However, she is now pain free and much happier! So yes, please monitor your cat’s teeth and please take them to the vet if you notice the teeth are sensitive or the cat has bad breath

[@Samson16436]

Also if you have any insurance for your cat/dog it usually doesn't cover teeth stuff (from what I know in Europe). So brush them teeth!

[@starhill6792]

@@Samson16436Same goes for America, I work at a vet & pet insurance rarely covers dental procedures.

[@jordanyoussefzadehclementi9417]

I have discoloration on my front teeth because my mom had a fever when she was 8.5 months pregnant with me. I have never had a dentist fail to mention it and ask me if I want to fix it. I will always and forever ask "does it impact my oral health?" When I hear that no, I will gently ask them to never bring it up again, because fuck off.

[@justhearmeout3959]

Not veneers, but im working on getting my teeth fixed. People dont understand that if your tooth rots beneath a veneer, it's more complicated than just losing a single tooth. When you lose a tooth, the bone starts receeding. Thats why so many people with dentures look pike their faces are sunken in. You want to keep the teeth you have. And if you go to some backyard tech to get white teeth, youre at risk of losing them because the teeth can decay behind the pretty veneer, and you wont even know.

[@Natreasureee]

People don’t understand how cute natural teeth are. They hold soo much personality 🥹❤️ The only reason why anyone should get veneers or crowns would be for a medical reason or because they need it .

[@713majesty]

I feel the same way. Natural smiles just hit better imo

[@mirithilrose54]

Thank you for speaking about this, Khadija. As an older disabled woman, decades of medication and weekly migraines have ruined my teeth. I'm on the list for getting false teeth (not veneers) and feel terrible about it. But I do consider myself lucky to live in a country where this option is even possible for someone like me. It's something I'd wish for everyone in a similar position who doesn't have the financial means.

[@yeetymcneety]

I've had teeth struggles my whole life. I have autism and OCD, which makes taking care of myself really fucking hard sometimes. I've always hated brushing my teeth for sensory reasons, and in my later years my depression and physical disabilities rear their ugly heads and make it even harder to take care of myself. My teeth are yellow, which REALLY shows on me because I'm goth and often wear white foundation, even in my everyday. I dunno how, but I learned how to be nicer to myself about it. I'm having a moment right now and I'm entering a new era that includes redoing my bedroom + facing the results of my hoarding OCD, returning to my religious practice, and putting in more work on myself and taking better care of myself (with the help of my Lady). I'm determined to take better care of my teeth, which means I should face my dentist and give her a great big apology 😅

[@brittnis7294]

I cant wait to watch this! My crooked Teeth were my #1 insecurity for 30 years until i realized they reallt arent that crooked. I started to realize it would be easier and less risky to learn to accept my flaws and that i only want to be appreciated by people that wouldnt judge me for not having perfect white teeth anyway. I truly believe the best accessory is a smile even if you have no teeth at all your inner beauty shines thru compared to someone frowning in veneers

[@loliwelch9151]

I'm curious: did you consider braces as well, or just go straight to considering veneers?

[@brittnis7294]

@@loliwelch9151 I had braces when I was younger but I didn't wear my retainer so they went back over time

[@maryamkim1281]

Believe me, being toothless has no virtues.

[@Ravenboppityzoppity]

Honestly same, I used to be really self conscious about my teeth until I realize I should appreciate their function more than their aesthetic. As long as they don't hurt and they help me chew and speak they're working perfectly and I should be satisfied. It's dangerous and expensive to buy into social standards of beauty that come from the most basic milquetoast and powerful ppl and trickle down to the unique normies like me 😅

[@carter4069]

the eye makeup is so glam

[@Samson16436]

Love the eyeshadow with the hair 💕

[@sharonbaker3007]

I’m super blue biased but I LOVE THE MAKEUP!!! Teeth, oof…as an older lifetime coffee lover and former cigarette smoker (quit in 2003), my teeth are SAD. Oh well. I file it under can’t-do-shit-about-it file.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

4:04 In India, we have Neem Twigs.

[@manganess5126]

Ooh, wasn't expecting a miswak mention (from a fellow raised-Muslim kid)

[@sevenkpink2894]

Pretty sure she has a Muslim background but I loved that she mentioned that

[@manganess5126]

@@sevenkpink2894 Yeah, that's why I said fellow (:

[@sevenkpink2894]

@@manganess5126idk why I didn’t see that 😭😭

[@venomousbluefrog]

I found miswak-flavored toothpaste somewhere, in an interesting update on the tradition.

[@Noctis2004]

Veneers have always scared me, I always ask myself why people would want to tamper with their teeth so much that they would risk nerve damage. And i would just end up at "oh they're all just vain" but I'm starting to realise that i never took the time to consider allthethings that they had probably heard from those closest to them to make them feel like this was the right thing to do. Because I've certainly heard them too, and just because they didn't "affect" me as much for whatever reason (mostly cause I ain't got money for no veneers), doesn't mean that they didn't affect other people, leading them to take such drastic procedures.

[@nerd26373]

We appreciate how well you've articulated your insights. Keep doing your best.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I never had braces because I didn’t want to fulfill the Nerdy Trifecta of Glasses, Braces and Niche Interests.

[@bonk895]

me but with braces, glasses, and fat with curly hair 😔😔😔

[@PokhrajRoy.]

@@bonk895 I was/am the same without braces. You’re not alone lol

[@kellycelmira]

At 32 im liking the nerdy look, so much that when they told me i need glasses i looked for a very stylish one with transition glass, and now that my dentist said i needed to correct two of my molars i accepted the braces with no fight, but the pain of using them now makes me think i will be very carefull with them to be able to finish as soon as i can with the treatment 😅.

[@funymonkee]

I’ve had chronic dental issues my entire life. My baby teeth wouldn’t fall out on their own so I had to get most of them pulled. My teeth have always been very fragile and prone to breaking and infection no matter how much care I put into them. They’re very much not straight which does make it harder to care for them, but they’re also too fragile for braces to correct that. I felt so much guilt and shame my whole life. I got made fun of as a kid. But the worst was the shame from my own family. We didn’t have a ton of money and my family made it clear they resented me for requiring expensive dental procedures. My mom would even make comments like “well, we might’ve been able to save up enough for vacation this year but instead it all went to your teeth, oh well.” Eventually I just gave up. I hated brushing my teeth because it meant looking at them and thinking about them and feeling that anxiety and dread of knowing I was going to live a lifetime full of painful and expensive dentist visits, and it didn’t seem to make a difference whether I did or didn’t, my teeth were just gonna rot anyway. So I stopped. It wasn’t until I started seeing a new dentist in my mid-20s (already missing 4 teeth by that point) that I learned something that changed my whole perspective: sometimes dental problems are genetic. And yeah, both of my parents have fucked up teeth, their parents have fucked up teeth… two decades of guilt and blame and self-disgust I had carried. For no reason. My mom shaming me for something that was, in a way, kind of more her fault than mine. God I wish someone had told me that sooner. I still struggle knowing that I do have a lifetime of dental work ahead of me, but it’s a lot easier to manage without that weight. And yeah, I’m really hoping they figure out that new-teeth-growing med in my lifetime and it’s not prohibitively expensive when it does come out, cuz I will use the shit out of that

[@inshirahosman]

as a Dentist something I noticed (and we learned about it in university) is regular people lack dental education, people generally do the bare minimum which brushing their teeth (and some don't even do that) and only visit the dentist for emergencies. I had to tell many patients that pure white teeth are not natural, teeth whiting is not going to make their teeth white or that their teeth are too damaged that I can not give them veneers. Veneers are usually done on people with young teeth and immaculate oral hygiene practices. it is very often that whatever problem a patient has can be fixed by braces or some other none teeth invasive procedures but those take times, and people want the results in a day or two. we Dentists put patients satisfaction first so sometimes we may end up doing something we don't agree with (I had a fight with one of my superiors because of this 😅) ... though a good dentist should treat every disease (cavities and inflammations) before doing any aesthetics procedure on a patient.

[@laurapei420]

Porcelain veneers are more invasive than most ppl think. If you're not happy with your smile, I usually recommend starting with whitening or ortho. I almost never recommend veneers for my patients Like I'm all for bodily autonomy (im trans hi) I'd never agree to remove healthy tooth structure without a Very compelling reason

[@TLW369]

Exactly. 👏

[@pinkyhc4130]

The blue eyeshadow is stunning on you, absolutely gorgeous shade!

[@Samson16436]

And with that icy white hair! Soo nice

[@xevan_knight_official]

Getting a teeth BBL is crazy. I have always been conscious about my teeth and refuse to smile because not only do I have a small gap at the front of my teeth but I have chalk teeth as well. I don't have perfectly white, stright teeth, but no amount of clelbrities and influencers with their basement-applied donkey chompers will force me to get them. I've seenall the horror stories of the pain ppl feel afterwards and how their mouth stink no matter what and having to redo them etc etc etc💀💀💀

[@Shyknit]

Pretty sure the smell is partially because the teeth aren't even being CLEANED before they put the veneers on which is insane. It's also crazy hearing all the red flags that should be setting of alarm bells in someone's head but they're not even doing research and just going in blind on something so important and permanent. I guess it makes sense tho that the people doing these life threatening procedures are going to be on the ones less likely to do research tho

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Loved Khadija’s cold open. Can’t wait for the video essay on lower limb lengthening surgery. P.S. The look is fabulous!

[@LondonMoneyCashEnterprise]

Why call them insecure tho?

[@Cocochantelle]

Excuse me? What type of surgery??

[@popejaimie]

​@@CocochantelleI think they're talking about the leg lengthening surgery where they break your leg bones and then set the pieces farther apart so when they heal up they are longer. Or something like that

[@oj92120]

@@LondonMoneyCashEnterprisemaybe the risk of permanently disabling yourself for ✨ aesthetics ✨ comes off as insecure to those who could care less about height (a random physical trait that we have no real control over)

[@LondonMoneyCashEnterprise]

@@oj92120 most of the time insecure men are viewed negatively but they probably have mental health struggle

[@tinakassebnicco2573]

About the cleaning your teeth with a mint tasting stick thing. I saw my Togolese dad doing the same thing, but he's a christian. So maybe its an African thing as well?

[@gawdbodiii]

it is actually, we do it in Southern Africa too or at least in my country

[@BlackJustice2637]

My father and his father used to do it, and they're West African. It could be something that spread from Islam downwards. (Or the other way around, idk(

[@sufi_iccitii]

I believe it was used in gulf countries originally but the usage of the miswak spread to Africa and other countries that are now considered arab

[@lakegroce685]

Lol Lydia was not having being shamed in front of the internet.

[@priestesstapes]

I have bridges. I had to leave the US to afford them. The teeth conversation in the west DEFINITELY needs to focus on the astronomical cost of dentistry (for necessary procedures) and how, like several people in the comments have mentioned, your smile (not the health of your teeth) can affect your livelihood. and that is FUCKED up.

[@littlebat66666]

I have "ugly" teeth and I think it really gives me character, it may make me ugly but also individually!

[@GoingSwimmingly]

4:10 MISWAK Stick’s called a miswak! It’s one of those things that I saw my dad do throughout my childhood too lol

[@eyesofwater123]

Videos like these makes me appreciate my imperfections 😊

[@adoptedbykpop]

The girl I know who has veneers, has them cause her teeth didn’t grow due to her cleft palate as a kid. I didn’t know what they were till a few year back when teeth became popular. I just thought she had a really nice smile.

[@lug358]

I think people really need to understand the importance of teeth. But not in an aesthetically pleasing way, but on a healthy way. Having healthy teeth is one of the most important things. Changing the aesthetics of the teeth should be reserved for those with the healthiest teeth. And also people who obviously have the money for that. You dont need veneers to have a good smile. Braces and a little whitening can go a very long way. Thats all you need.

[@slickandslaycious6579]

Thanks for covering this! Its sad to see all the way we allow bs to alter our perceptions of fellow humans

[@hwhy2]

In Northern Vietnam, earlier 20th century, it was fashionable to dye teeth black. My grandmother would tell me about how she and the other women around her growing up especially would just have black teeth! (But the practice of teeth dying in Vietnam goes back centuries)

[@yarp1246]

I have peg laterals that I never got fixed (no insurance). When I met my ex's dad, he asked, "What happened to your teeth?" And it was very awkward to tell him that they grew in that way.

[@ArtichokeHunter]

tbh when I was in Japan I also found "snaggletoothed" women endearing

[@alexfraze12087]

YES ive been waiting since you said you were making a video on this! Also i got your Straight Arrow News ad before this video

[@TheMatazzmo]

I think it's a blessing to have unique features. I'm over the hyper-focus on the external self, I just wanna focus on my mind and finding meaning ya know. The world is so multicultural, so beautiful and different and we keep on trying to mass-produce a norm (that tends to gravitate towards white beauty standards). If you are a kind person, idgaf what you look like, you are a vibe ✨

[@TimidAction]

Teeth pain can be so minimal but damaging on the quality of life. I suddenly got teeth sensitivity for 2 weeks and it was terrible. It hurt to talk. I’m glad it went away for now but the dentist says my teeth are fine and doesn’t know why my teeth were sensitive. Now I’m too scared to try anything like whitening my teeth 😅

[@Drolfwulf]

Veneers *can* fix some actual issues with teeth (usually incisal chipping), but my thing as a dental tech is always like, dont fuck with your teeth unless you have to??? cause you can really fuck yourself up if something goes wrong.

[@edgarw5872]

your videos are just getting more and more thoughtful. i never would have thought the single topic of teeth could be so far reaching and its really giving me.... food for thought :)

[@katniss117938]

Phew Khadija so glad you’re here on this earth at a time we need you most ❤

[@elkeshultz4496]

I've wanted to "fix" my teeth since my adult set grew in crooked and small. We never had money for orthodonists so when I moved out of the house I tried invisaliagn...until covid and ADHD ruined my progress and I quit. After realizing the state of my mouth wasn't particularly unhealthy and it wasn't keeping me from getting laid I worked on accepting them. Cannot currently imagine having any other set.

[@ALADA]

Ur vids changes me from inside out, thats why information/education is so important!

[@basilkat21]

At 33 I finally have braces. Always hated my teeth (missing both my eye teeth and they were all rotated) but I came peace with them because i was always told it was cosmetic only. Turns out that wasnt the case! I am happy to have them, and will whiten them a tiny bit once I am done but will be happy with the imperfections of regular teeth.

[@its_hax_fools]

First of all it makes me so happy to see someone talk about this in such an in depth manner. Thank you for the work that you do. At my dentist i learned that the black spots and lines we get in our teeth is just the teeth absorbing minerals from what we eat to seal small beginner holes, and up until that point i was so worried i had cavities all the time! Learning that that was just the natual defense mechanism for teeth was soooo cool.

[@SLAYYY92]

I love this new look!

[@allielabr]

the tiny dentist app to veneer tech pipeline

[@soullooker]

You’re a awesome teacher and live up to your name!

[@docfabz]

I got an ad with you in it before the video even started. I aint mad at ya 💫

[@bananabob4567]

I just wanna say how much I love this channel. Even though you’re vastly more educated and well read than I am, it never feels like there’s a barrier. It always feels like we’re just learning about things together. You have a great manner in addressing your audience. Keep making great videos! 😊

[@Noctis2004]

I'm from Nigeria, the thing your dad uses is called a chewing stick here. You mostly only ever see the older generation using it nowadays.

[@lorelailuna]

I’m just staring the video but I had to stop and say I love this makeup look and your hairrrr! Stunning!

[@neryskkiran1820]

Yes. Lost a tooth recently, and you can see it when I smile. I've noticed ppl treating me differently. Can't remember not to smile. But I really need to, for now.

[@coya8coy175]

Teeth health is very important. It’s messed up people are willing to risk serious health issues just for back alley veneers.

[@hollysmith7828]

Another thing about composites is that they don’t last very long. I have my front two teeth built up after they’d worn down unevenly. They chip quite easily (no shocker, composite isn’t as strong as tooth enamel) and so every 5 years or so they need to be completely redone. I don’t mind because my natural tooth isn’t damaged underneath and it’s not thaaat expensive compared to other dentistry.

[@Jusjacy]

As always you ate down sis! We love you!

[@taylornicolehartman]

I've been thinking about this so much!!!!!!!!! Thank you for making this.

[@BrokeHomieTuan]

You are gorgeous with the white braids omg !!! Also, love the topic of the video! I want to be a dental hygienist bc of the class divide when it comes to dental care access. You never miss!!!

[@logenesis3108]

Makeup and hair on point! Chef’s kiss 💋

[@UnknownVir]

I got an ad for straight arrow news with you in it on this video 😅

[@whosluntu4354]

It's crazy how beauty standards go against our natural forms. Like there's some 'default' option for every part of our body. If everyone was meant to have straight white teeth then we would all be born that way, but we aren't. Someone with crooked teeth shouldn't be 'rare' or 'stand out' but they do 'cause they're not conforming.

[@hollysmith7828]

In the 1940’s it was common to have all your teeth removed and have false teeth instead. My grandma had it as her 21st birthday present 🙃

[@jazwhoaskedforthis]

That's wild

[@danagray9507]

loving the blue eyeshadow 😻

[@lisamvelase4770]

Oooo Khadija looks beautiful ❤

[@keeblebrox]

Luxury bones womp womp. You always manage to cast a wide net into the discourse, and you've nailed it again. Thank you!

[@opnuul]

oh SLAY!!! nice makeup 💞💞

[@drewberriesandcream]

i’ve been waiting for this one

[@shidatruth1515]

That stick your dad uses is a Miswak!!!! I have one right now..there are some that taste like licorice… it feels good to hear other ppl talk of these things Ty Khadijah!! And Ty for this video!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@gwenopt]

Never had veneers and i will never get them. I used to follow one of the girls from bad girls club and she still to this day talks about how terrible her experience was and how much pain she’s always in. Shes spent thousands just to try yo fix it and still no relief. Idk if that scared me into never getting veneers ever ir just made me scared of dentist even more.

[@thrutherhythm44]

I think maintaining your natural teeth is a healthier option, physically. Dentists have to drill down the enamel in order to make teeth small and grippy enough to put veneers on. After, you’re left with teeth with a much thinner layer of enamel on the buccal side, covered by a layer of glue and porcelain on top. Gum tissue will also only attach to natural tooth structure, so your gum tissue will move down a bit to where it can attach after this procedure. When gum tissue is lost and moves down, underlying bone tissue is lost and moves down subsequently… Our natural tooth anatomy is the way it is for a variety of reasons. Calcium hydroxyapatite is there for a reason which porcelain cannot replicate.

[@meghallie242]

I have 2 porcelain veneers on my top canine teeth and I love them. I had braces for multiple years in my childhood and the plan from the beginning was to have veneers put in. I was to young to fully understand what it meant and by the time I was scheduled to get them put on I saw no issues with it. I was comfortable with my smile after braces but I didn’t mind going the extra mile and doing veneers. Getting them done was a great experience. The dentists who did them were amazing and years later I am still happy with the results. My only complaint is the upkeep they require and the constant fear of them falling out.

[@LGrian]

Those paper white teeth look so weird too, especially on very light skinned and redhaired people who usually naturally have very off-white to dark ivory color. Everyone knows that’s not their teeth, but then maybe that’s the point