Whether you’ve been complimented on your smile or the dentist is always an easy visit, if you have a perfect set of pearly whites, you may consider sinking your teeth into a modeling career. Champing at the bit? Before you bite off more than you can chew, be sure to read this guide to becoming a teeth model.
Teeth modeling, or dental modeling, is a type of body part modeling, which focuses on specific body parts to be used in ads for a brand’s products or services. This type of modeling showcases hands, hair, feet, legs, and—you guessed it—teeth. Body part models may be used to showcase hair products, jewelry, footwear, or anything that requires close-up shots of a person’s body parts.
For teeth models, some possible opportunities exist in the dental hygiene world (think toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash), cosmetic dentistry, and makeup such as lipstick and other lip products.
Teeth model requirements
To become a teeth model, you need:
- A beautiful smile, which usually means straight, white teeth and healthy gums. Keep in mind, however, that trends are changing and having unique teeth, such as a gap, can set you apart.
- Rigorous oral hygiene habits and regular professional cleanings.
- Industry knowledge of modeling in general.
1. Become acquainted with modeling.
The first step is to get a sense of modeling your whole body. Some agencies that specialize in body part modeling still ask for a full-body photograph, so knowing how to pose with your whole body and having a portfolio of work beyond teeth may be useful. Starting with modeling your whole body is also a way to gain recognition with agencies and brands. Many models are often chosen because of something specific about them, such as their neckline, hair, or hands, so having a gorgeous smile and beautiful teeth may be something that could be picked out from a roster of models for a gig.
2. Take care of your teeth and lips.
Keep those pearly whites healthy by making regular dentist visits and keeping on top of your oral hygiene. Brush, floss, rinse, and repeat every day. If you’re a smoker or coffee drinker, invest in whitening to make sure your teeth are stain-free. Moisturize your lips regularly.
3. Research.
Look at ads for toothpaste, toothbrushes, cosmetic dentistry, lipstick, and anything else that may be teeth-focused. Review the images: How do their teeth look? Their lips? What expressions are the models portraying?
4. Practice posing with your teeth.
Teeth modeling may seem basic—just smile, right? But there may be times when you’ll need to hold a smile or an unnatural-feeling facial expression, so put those muscles to work with some face yoga exercises.
5. Build your portfolio.
You’ll need a modeling portfolio, with simple, straightforward images that showcase your chompers. Include multiple variations of your teeth and mouth, as well as some neutral shots with your mouth closed.
6. Show the world those teeth.
Post your teeth modeling images across your social media pages with hashtags such as #teethmodel, #toothmodel, #dentalmodel, and #bigsmile. Follow and engage with brands and agencies that may be useful for jump-starting your career. Sometimes a gig is all about who you know, so help open that door by putting yourself out there.
7. Land gigs.
Check out our modeling casting call database to find teeth-specific (as well as general) modeling gigs. You can also try reaching out to local dentists to see if they need a model—or even get really creative with it by attending relevant events such as SmileCon and local dental expos.
8. Seek representation.
An agency—especially one focused on teeth and lip modeling or parts modeling more generally—can be a huge help in expanding your modeling career. Here are some that help support teeth models:
Remember that there’s nothing wrong with seeking representation with a full-body modeling agency! Those agencies will also have better access to jobs and clients.
Kathy Hutchins/Andrea Raffin/Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock
- Lauren Hutton covered up her famed tooth gap in her early modeling career, but it soon helped her become an icon.
- Kate Moss turned down a dentist when he asked if she wanted to cap her teeth.
- Lara Stone has a gap in her teeth that makes the Dutch model’s smile unique and memorable.
- Georgia May Jagger is a famous model who’s known as much for her gap-toothed smile as she is for being the daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall.
- Aimee Lou Wood was recently in the news for her reaction to a “Saturday Night Live” sketch that mocked her overbite.