I have noticed that Americans generally have far better teeth than the British do, what are they having done?

[Anonymous]

I'm going to be going to the US soon and would like to have aesthetic work done as it is cheaper than over here in the UK. I have already had braces and whitening, but they still do not look perfect. What are some common procedures Americans have done to perfect their teeth?

Help appreciated, thanks!

[madhatters4]

the common understanding (in the past was) just better access and dental coverage. that's really about it. most americans with health insurance are taken from a very early age to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and those dentists will then suggest an orthodontist if they patient needs braces, retainers, etc.

my understanding of England is up until more recent times Brits didn't have the same dental practices.

[AbiGrimsby]

We get our dental on the NHS for under 18s and do visit twice a year but it's just the attitude in the UK has always been that braces are not needed unless the teeth are terrible, not just slightly unaligned as that was seen as more of a cosmetic procedure than medical. This attitude is changing recently though and more are getting braces. (My aunt is a dentist in the UK haha)

[madhatters4]

you should comment. sounds like you have the best answer to me

[AbiGrimsby]

I'll just C and P this haha

[madhatters4]

that'll do

[meatballs21]

Orthodontics when young.
Regular dental trips throughout adulthood.
Caps, crowns, veneers, and other aestethic procedures when needed.

The number of people I met in the UK who had bady cared for or multiple missing teeth was just staggering. The stereotype was true.

[springocelot]

I've always wondered about that. How much does dental care cost in Britain? Is it easily accessible?

I think Americans have nice teeth because of any of the following:
*a culture that admires straight, white, shiny teeth
*Dentist cleanings twice a year
*Braces usually when young or young adult
*Crowns and veneers when older
*A variety of teeth whitening products available at drugstores

[bijinbijinbijin]

I have noticed this as well. I always wondered if they just dont have dentist or maybe they are not taught about the importance of dental care. I have seen British movies and shows and you would think that if it is a matter of being too expensive then at least British actors and celebs could afford a dentist.

[bijinbijinbijin]

Ricky Gervais definitely has plenty of money but yet his teeth look so brittle and yellow. Does he not brush his teeth everyday? In the USA parents tell kids at a young age to brush their teeth. I remember when i was in kindergarten we had someone come to our class and talk to us about proper toothbrushing and flossing. Do they not do that in the UK?

[BertMacklinFBI]

a well maintained dental oral hygiene. that's it. you already got braces so not much more you can do just remember to wear your retainers.

[AbiGrimsby]

We get our dental on the NHS for under 18s and do visit twice a year but it's just the attitude in the UK has always been that braces are not needed unless the teeth are terrible, not just slightly unaligned as that was seen as more of a cosmetic procedure than medical. This attitude is changing recently though and more are getting braces. (My aunt is a dentist in the UK haha)

[amybeelicious]

If you're referring to celebrity teeth, most of them have veneers (white caps that go over your teeth so they looked perfectly shaped, etc) and other similar stuff

[MAJ4251]

I was under the impression that it was because they don't add fluoride to their water and we do. I never looked into it though so I don't know if that's a legit factor or not.

[Anonymous]

I was reading about this, apparently British actually usually have healthier teeth in general but they're just more stained up and stuff. Maybe because so many smoke and drink tea, because those both stain really badly.

[RationalMale]

Here I was thinking that was just a joke! Besides getting braces if you need to and whitening (obviously assuming you maintain your teeth so they don't rot or anything) is there anything else one needs to do to teeth?

[TheWiseOwl]

My teeth are fine and I use a NHS dentist. I've never had a single filling or any major work done.

[zinithin]

USA/canada adds fluoride to their water, UK usually adds it to milk.

[zinithin]

I have almost perfect teeth when it comes to shape, never had braces.

[Anonymous]

We brush our teeth everyday.