White Lotus Actress Faces Backlash Over Her Teeth — But Many Defend Her Unique Beauty

Aimee Lou Wood is proving that charm doesn’t need to be airbrushed. The White Lotus star is winning hearts not just for her talent, but for proudly embracing a look that’s all her own — complete with a radiant, natural smile that stands out in a sea of veneers. With her expressive eyes and unfiltered warmth, Wood reminds us that authenticity is the most beautiful thing you can wear.

She’s not the only one standing out for keeping it real.

Charlotte Le Bon, the stunning French Canadian actress who plays Chelsea’s friend Chloe, also shows off her unique grin—imperfect in the best way. Together, their natural teeth offer a striking contrast to Hollywood’s usual obsession with ultra-white, ultra-straight veneers. It’s not just refreshing, it’s a small revolution.

Much like Barbra Streisand famously refused a nose job to preserve her voice, Wood and Le Bon seem to understand that embracing what makes them different actually adds to their screen presence. Their smiles don’t just look authentic—they help their performances feel more grounded, more human.

Their teeth are more than just cosmetic, they’re cultural, too.

In a recent interview, Wood admitted her smile might’ve made it tricky to play an American. “No Americans have my teeth!” she joked. “I’d have to get veneers! It’s the teeth that give us away.”

Veneers have been around for a century. The first versions were made in the late 1920s to give Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford more camera-friendly smiles. Despite their price, they’re still in high demand, even leading some to travel overseas for cheaper options.

Those picture-perfect teeth can sometimes get in the way of a good performance.

When actors take on period pieces or grittier roles, their bright, uniform smiles can feel out of place. The team behind Griselda even had to create special false teeth for Sofía Vergara to help her character look more authentic.

Veneers have become something of a status symbol—a way to signal success or erase any signs of a modest past. Some dentists even claim a fresh set can take years off a person’s appearance. But whether they actually boost confidence is still up for debate.

A 2019 study in Australia found no strong link between orthodontic treatment and better self-esteem, though a few smaller studies have seen some improvement in self-image.

In the past, studios would often pressure actors to “fix” their teeth — whether through veneers, whitening, or braces — before landing major roles. Today, more and more casting directors are seeking out “real” faces, ones with character and unique features, including natural teeth. Jodie Foster has never had veneers or whitening, believing her smile is part of her individuality.

Kirsten Dunst refers to her teeth as “vintage” and has openly said she doesn’t want to look like she has the same smile as everyone else. Model Georgia May Jagger (daughter of Mick Jagger) turned her signature tooth gap into a trademark — and scored campaigns with Rimmel, Chanel, and Miu Miu. Gen Z is far less concerned with “perfect” looks and values authenticity instead. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it’s often the people who confidently embrace their natural features—teeth included—who go viral.

More and more brands, especially in skincare and fashion, are now choosing models with “real” smiles to highlight natural beauty and diversity.

Teeth are having a moment.

Fans can’t get enough of Aimee Lou Wood’s smile, and her natural teeth have become a beloved standout feature in a sea of perfectly polished veneers. One admirer wrote, “In an industry of veneers, Aimee Lou Wood’s teeth give her such a unique look,” while another gushed, “I could write a whole piece on the importance of Aimee Lou Wood’s teeth.”

Many are celebrating not just her individuality, but what it represents—a shift toward embracing real, unfiltered beauty. “Hoping that Aimee Lou Wood and Charlotte Le Bon being in The White Lotus having very natural-looking and non-veneered teeth signals a move toward less judgment of not-cosmetically-perfect teeth,” one thoughtful fan shared. And of course, there’s no shortage of pure joy in the mix: “Aimee Lou Wood teeth soooo beautiful, I’VE BEEN SAYING THIS.” Her smile isn’t just charming—it’s empowering, and fans are here for it.

Here are a few more celebrities who either refused to undergo plastic surgery to fit Hollywood beauty standards — or went through with it and later regretted the decision.