When “This Is Just How My Teeth Are” Turned Into a Life-Changing Decision

For years, Keerthi from Guntur avoided smiling in photos. She felt insecure about her crooked, discolored, and uneven teeth—problems caused by an old childhood injury and general wear. She often convinced herself that a smile makeover was unnecessary, telling herself, “It’s okay… I’ll fix it someday.” But one unexpected comment at work made her realize that she had stopped smiling not because she didn’t want to—but because she didn’t feel confident enough to.