Dental Experts Discuss Aimee Lou Wood, Veneers, and the ‘Hollywood Smile’

Sometimes, that dazzling smile can come at quite a cost.

As Alec Baldwin humorously pointed out during the SNL50 special earlier this year, “All new cast members come here broke with terrible teeth. By year three, you can bet they’re getting those third-year veneers.”

His former co-star Amy Poehler is a prime example: While discussing her experience getting veneers on her podcast, Poehler revealed in April that she likely wouldn’t have opted for the dental enhancement if she weren’t in Hollywood, stating, “Coming from Massachusetts… I probably wouldn’t care about my chip.” (She was reacting to Paige DeSorbo’s assertion that veneers “never look good,” and promptly corrected herself, mentioning that Poehler’s veneers “looked great.”)

Conversely, celebrities such as The White Lotus’ Aimee Lou Wood are proudly showcasing their natural smiles, sparking conversations about authenticity.

Us Weekly consulted dental experts Dr. Marie Jackson and Dr. Victoria Rose Veytsman to explore veneers and assess whether they are essential for stars:

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are custom-crafted porcelain laminates aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of your smile.

“Generally, veneers can accomplish various objectives, from altering tooth color to size and shaping the smile,” Veytsman explained to Us. “When working with veneers, we undergo an extensive smile design process, considering the patient’s facial features. I view the smile not just as a standalone element but as a vital part of facial aesthetics and functionality.”

The celebrity cosmetic dentist estimates the cost of veneers to range from $3,500 to $5,000 per tooth — and they usually aren’t covered by insurance.

They’re Not For Everyone

Wood attributes her decision to embrace her natural smile to model Georgia May Jagger, who inspired her after becoming Rimmel London’s face in 2009. “Suddenly, my goofiness turned into, ‘Oh, you’re a bit of a model, aren’t you?’” Wood shared. “So I owe a thank you to Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth.”

After generating a cultural dialogue through her role in Max’s successful series The White Lotus, the English actress stated that the compliments she received about her natural teeth “felt wonderful. A true full-circle moment after being bullied about my teeth for so long.”

Dr. Jackson told Us that everyone, even celebrities, has unique smile traits that add to their personality, and those traits don’t necessarily need modification.

“I appreciate when people have distinctive features in their smiles. I do. And I’m not changing mine,” the New Jersey-based dentist expressed to Us. “I believe it reflects their confidence level, but there’s nothing wrong with making changes if desired… As long as someone’s teeth are healthy, functional, and not causing harm, it’s completely fine to keep them just as they are.”

Finding a Happy Medium

A flawless veneer-enhanced smile isn’t always necessary: Veytsman mentioned that at times, she and her clients incorporate subtle imperfections in veneers to capture the individual’s “character and personality.”

Jackson highlights Scarlett Johansson as an example of veneers that are very “subtle” and “well-executed.”

“I think Aimee represents an excellent example for young women and girls,” Veytsman remarked. “The focus should shift away from appearance. As a cosmetic dentist, I believe in helping individuals feel their most confident, but I really think the emphasis should be less on looks and more on our actions and their impact. Aimee exemplifies that beautifully.”

Ultimately, whether someone opts for veneers or not, it’s hard to envision stars like Ayo Edebiri or Johansson with any smile other than their own.