It's time for my 9-month retainer check! WooHoo!
Reminiscing about the good old days. From November 2010:
I remember learning in English class in high school, that historically,
gapped front teeth on a woman was a desirable trait. I believe the first
reference to this was in Geoffry Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales in
which the Wife of Bath is noted for the gap between her teeth.
Literary
scholars abound will attest to the fact that in the 14th century, gapped
teeth, was a mark of sensuality. Why, there's even a facebook page
devoted to Chaucer in which one poster states that "gap teeth meant you
were good in bed." Victor Hugo put so much importance on teeth that he
named one chapter in Les Miserables, "Ninety two years and thirty two
teeth." The front teeth were considered such a valued commodity that one
of the main characters, Fantine, sold hers to provide for her daughter,
Cossette. Although there are references throughout the book referring
to the "hideous" and "ugly" gap left in her smile, I am sure these are a
direct result of jealousy on the part of the characters dolling out the
insults. But even Hugo hints at the beauty of gap teeth when he writes:
"But she smiled on him with that sublime smile in which two teeth were
lacking."
From Webster's dictionary, we learn that sublime means--or can
mean--"to elevate or exalt, especially in honor or dignity" and "to
convert something inferior into something of higher worth." So, in
essence, Hugo is calling Fantine's gappy smile honorable, dignified and
superior.
Fast forward to today, and a quick Google search of "gapped
teeth history" will return as one of the top hits, an online article
entitled "20 Awesome Women With a Gap Between Their Front Teeth." Among
these 20 are such distinguished ladies as Condaleeza Rice, Demi Moore,
Lauren Hutton, Natalie Cole and our old friend, the Wife of Bath.
Powerful women, indeed. And who could argue with the sexy of Madonna and
Bridgett Bardot? Also on the list. I'll admit, I have no idea who Anna
Paquin and Jorga....crap I forgot her last name...are, but if some
online article says they are also among the 20 Awesome Women With a Gap
Between Their Front Teeth, then so let it be written, so let it be done!
Who am I to argue?
Now that I am in month seven of bracefacefullness, I
have a huge gap in my front teeth. I used to try to hide it. I would
hold my hand in front of my mouth when I spoke. When I smiled at people
along the walking trail, I quickly felt the embarrassment of Marsha
Brady and closed my mouth. I think I even scared my nephew once
when I smiled at him--that could have just been my post-onion-laden
sandwich breath, though. Poor kid.
But now that I have been reminded of
my sultry goddess-like qualities bestowed upon me by my braces-imposed
gapped teeth, I have a new lease on life. I will smile a little easier. I
will not hide my teeth when I talk. I will turn and walk knowing that
the person on the receiving end of my smile and conversation is
awe-struck by the gap between my front teeth. I will revel in my
awesomeness. I will vogue like Madonna, croon like Natalie Cole,
diplomaticize like Condi Rice, and ride side saddle (allegedly) like the
Wife of Bath. The rest, as they say, will not only be history, it will
be TMI! Cheers.
