A dazzling white smile worthy of a Hollywood star is held up as a mark of youth and beauty, and fuels the craze for teeth whitening strips, potions and pastes.
However, keeping your smile looking fresh and young requires more than regular trips to the dental surgery for laser treatment to remove signs of yellowing.
Factors like the shape of your teeth, gum health, enamel changes, and even the arc of your smile could be making you look older, Dr Deepak Aulak told the Daily Mail.
‘Many of the same markers used in forensic dentistry to estimate someone’s age are also the features that make a smile look older,’ Dr Aulak said.
One of the biggest changes happens to the shape of the front teeth due to chewing, grinding, and everyday friction. This is known as attrition and can signal an older smile.
‘Younger smiles usually have subtle variation between the front teeth, particularly a small step between the two central incisors and the teeth beside them,’ Dr Aulak explained. ‘With wear, that step disappears, and the teeth start to look more level.’
Other details dentists notice is how much of the upper teeth are visible, how light reflects off the enamel, gum recession, and the ‘smile arc’ – or how the upper teeth follow the curve of the lower lips.
And even A-listers who boast smooth and seemingly ageless faces can be given away by their teeth.
Here, three dentists at London’s Chelsea Dental Clinic reveal who has a truly perfect Hollywood smile and whose pearly whites are ageing them.
Keira Knightley
Teeth age: 32-36
Real age: 40
Based on Keira Knightley’s smile, the teeth suggest someone in their early-to-mid 30s, said Dr Rhona Eskander
Dr Eskander also felt that the Pride And Prejudice star’s teeth are healthy without appearing ‘overly treated or artificial’
Based on Keira Knightley’s smile, the teeth suggest someone in their early to mid 30s, said Dr Rhona Eskander.
‘The teeth appear naturally bright and relatively well aligned, with slight natural variations that can actually enhance a youthful and authentic appearance,’ she said.
Dr Eskander also felt that the Pride And Prejudice star’s teeth are healthy, proportionate and supported by good gums without appearing ‘overly treated or artificial’.
Ricky Gervais
Teeth age: Between 60-65
Real age: 64
Ricky Gervais’s smile in this photo suggests someone in their early to mid 60s, as Dr Justin Glastier noted the teeth appear well-maintained and evenly aligned
Factors such as good dental care, consistent tooth colour, and a relaxed smile posture give the 64-year-old comedian a vibrant and younger-looking appearance
Ricky Gervais’s smile in this photo suggests someone in their early to mid 60s, as Dr Justin Glastier noted the teeth appear well-maintained and evenly aligned ‘which helps create a youthful impression’.
However, characteristics like mild tooth wear, slight flattening of the incisal edges, and natural soft tissue changes around the mouth ‘indicate maturity’.
‘The presence of healthy gum levels and a broad, confident smile can significantly offset ageing cues, as fuller smiles expose more teeth and light reflection, which tends to make a person appear more youthful,’ he concluded.
Factors such as good dental care, consistent tooth colour, and a relaxed smile posture give the 64-year-old comedian a vibrant and younger-looking appearance – even as natural ageing occurs.
Steve Buscemi
Teeth age: 60-65
Real age: 68
Steve Buscemi’s teeth show some natural signs of ageing and do not appear to be cosmetically altered, said Dr Glastier
While this can give a smile character, it may also subtly reflect maturity
Steve Buscemi’s teeth show some natural signs of ageing and do not appear to be cosmetically altered, said Dr Glastier.
While this can give a smile character, it may also subtly reflect maturity.
‘Regular maintenance, professional cleaning, and gentle whitening treatments can often help brighten the smile and create a more youthful appearance while still maintaining a natural look,’ he added.
Kirsten Dunst
Teeth age: 34–38
Real age: 43
Dr Glastier studied Kirsten Dunst’s smile and concluded that it looks like it belongs to someone in their mid-to-late 30s
Contributing factors include a healthy enamel tone, slight variations that counteract an ‘overly uniform cosmetic look’, and good proportions
Dr Glastier studied Kirsten Dunst’s smile and concluded that it looks like it belongs to someone in their mid-to-late 30s.
Contributing factors include a healthy enamel tone, slight variations that counteract an ‘overly uniform cosmetic look’, and good proportions.
Speaking about the Spider-Man star, 43, he added: ‘The smile line follows the curve of the lower lip well, and the teeth appear proportionate to the face, both of which contribute to a fresh, vibrant smile.’
Johnny Depp
Teeth age: 58-63
Real age: 62
Based on his smile in the image, Johnny Depp’s teeth suggest someone in their late 50s to early 60s
He noted some natural discolouration that can develop over time due to lifestyle factors
Based on his smile in the image, the teeth suggest someone in their late 50s to early 60s, Dr Luk Athwal said while analysing Johnny Depp’s grin.
He noted some natural discolouration that can develop over time due to lifestyle factors such as coffee, wine, smoking, or general enamel wear.
‘Slight irregularities in the edges of the teeth and a more relaxed smile posture can also contribute to a more mature appearance,’ he said.
‘However, individuality in a smile, including natural tooth shape and character, can be part of someone’s signature look.’
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star, 62, has reportedly since undergone extensive dental work to transform his stained teeth into a gleaming set of pearly whites.
Renee Zellweger
Teeth age: 45–50
Real age: 56
Renee Zellweger’s teeth appear bright, evenly aligned, and proportionate, said Dr Eskander
Other dental factors that soften the visible signs of ageing are healthy gums, consistent colour, as well as minimal visible wear on the upper teeth
Dr Eskander said: ‘Her teeth appear bright, evenly aligned, and proportionate to her facial features, all of which contribute to a youthful-looking smile.’
Other dental factors that soften the visible signs of ageing are healthy gums, consistent colour, as well as minimal visible wear on the upper teeth.
‘They maintain a natural curvature along the smile line, which is often associated with a younger dental appearance,’ the founder of Chelsea Dental Clinic said.
Hannah Waddingham
Teeth age: 48-52
Real age: 51
Hannah Waddingham’s smile gives the impression of someone in their late 40s to early 50s, said Dr Glastier
The upper teeth maintain a natural curvature and symmetry, while the brightness of the enamel reflects light well
Hannah Waddingham’s smile gives the impression of someone in their late 40s to early 50s, said Dr Glastier.
‘Her teeth appear bright, evenly aligned, and well-proportioned to her facial features, which are all factors that contribute to a youthful-looking smile,’ he explained.
The upper teeth maintain a natural curvature and symmetry, while the brightness of the enamel reflects light well, helping to create a fresher, more vibrant appearance.
Kate Moss
Teeth age: 50–55
Real age: 52
Analysing Kate Moss’s smile, Dr Athwal said her teeth showed signs of natural enamel wear and a slight softening of the tooth edges
He said that a slight spacing or irregularity can also develop with age as teeth shift gradually
Analysing Kate Moss’s smile, Dr Athwal said her teeth showed signs of natural enamel wear and a slight softening of the tooth edges.
He said that a slight spacing or irregularity can also develop with age as teeth shift gradually.
‘However, maintaining a relaxed, natural smile and healthy gums still helps the overall smile appear expressive and balanced,’ Dr Athwal concluded.
Treatments such as professional whitening, edge recontouring, or minor alignment can often help rejuvenate a smile and create a more youthful impression.
Paul McCartney
Teeth age: 70–75
Real age: 83
While seeing some subtle signs of natural ageing – mild tooth wear, a more relaxed smile line – Dr Eskander said Paul McCartney’s teeth appear ‘well-maintained and functional’
Professional cleaning and subtle whitening can help enhance brightness
While seeing some subtle signs of natural ageing – mild tooth wear, a more relaxed smile line – Dr Eskander said Paul McCartney’s teeth appear ‘well-maintained and functional’.
‘Over time, enamel can thin and teeth may appear slightly darker or less reflective, which can contribute to a more mature appearance,’ she added.
However, professional cleaning and subtle whitening can help enhance brightness and restore a more youthful dental appearance.
Donatella Versace
Teeth age: Early-mid 60s
Real age: 70
Donatella Versace’s smile suggests someone in their early to mid 60s in comparison with her real age of 70 – however Dr Athwal noted cosmetic restorations or veneers
‘This can sometimes create a slightly less natural look that subtly signals a more mature smile,’ he said
Donatella Versace’s smile suggests someone in their early to mid 60s in comparison with her real age of 70, said Dr Athwal.
While the teeth appear bright and evenly aligned, the dentist noted the Italian designer may have undergone cosmetic restorations or opted for veneers.
‘This can sometimes create a slightly less natural look that subtly signals a more mature smile,’ he added. ‘Over time, factors such as gum recession, tooth proportion, and the way teeth sit within the smile line can influence how youthful a smile appears.’
Demi Moore
Teeth age: 45-50
Real age: 63
The experts at the London-based practice estimate that Demi Moore’s smile age is around 45-50
Dr Athwal said the 63-year-old’s teeth appear bright, evenly aligned and well-proportioned
The experts at the London-based practice estimate that Demi Moore’s smile age is around 45-50.
Dr Athwal said the 63-year-old’s teeth appear bright, evenly aligned and well-proportioned.
In addition, he noted there was ‘minimal visible wear’ and consistent enamel colour that ‘reflects light well’.
A balanced smile line, where the upper teeth follow the curve of the lower lip, is often associated with youthfulness as Dr Athwal said: ‘Well-maintained teeth and healthy gums can significantly soften the signs of ageing and enhance facial harmony.’
Mickey Rourke
Teeth age: Mid-late 60s
Real age: 73
Mickey Rourke’s age-defying smile might be due to dental work and possible restorations as Dr Athwal noted ‘a slightly artificial uniformity in colour or shape’
He explained how, in some cases, overly opaque or bulky restorations can make teeth appear heavier and subtly contribute to a more mature appearance
Mickey Rourke’s age-defying smile might be due to dental work and possible restorations as Dr Athwal noted ‘a slightly artificial uniformity in colour or shape’.
He explained how, in some cases, overly opaque or bulky restorations can make teeth appear heavier and subtly contribute to a more mature appearance.
‘Additionally, factors such as gum position, tooth length, and how the teeth sit within the smile line all influence how youthful a smile looks,’ Dr Athwal said.
He added that ‘a natural balance’ between brightness and proportion of the teeth can help maintain a fresher dental look.
Anna Paquin
Teeth age: 35-40
Real age: 43
Anna Paquin’s teeth look healthy and fairly well-aligned, said Dr Eskander, with slight natural variations that can actually ‘enhance a youthful appearance’
‘The tooth edges appear defined with minimal signs of wear,’ she added
Anna Paquin’s teeth look healthy and fairly well-aligned, said Dr Eskander, with slight natural variations that can actually ‘enhance a youthful appearance’.
‘The tooth edges appear defined with minimal signs of wear, and the enamel maintains a natural translucency, which is often seen in younger smiles,’ she studied the Almost Famous actress’s grin.
Eva Longoria
Teeth age: 38-42
Real age: 50
Eva Longoria has all the key features associated with a youthful smile, the dentists said
Dr Eskander highlighted brightness, symmetry, and alignment
Eva Longoria has all the key features associated with a youthful smile, according to Dr Eskander.
Most notably, the dental practitioner highlighted brightness, symmetry, and alignment as she noticed that the enamel colour is ‘consistent and reflective’.