I don't have any issues with my teeth, but I wish I had straight teeth because they look better. They are not that crooked, just a bit sticking out of the rest. Also, I have never had a dental cleaning.

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

If there are no functional issues with your bite or jaw, the desire for straighter teeth falls into the category of aesthetics. While the Coptic Orthodox faith emphasizes that our true beauty is internal—the "hidden man of the heart"—the Church does not forbid or condemn correcting physical features for one's confidence, provided it does not become an idol of vanity.

However, the more urgent matter you mentioned is that you have never had a dental cleaning.

1. Stewardship of the "Temple"

From a theological perspective, your body is a gift from God. We are called to be good stewards of everything He gives us. Neglecting basic hygiene, such as dental cleanings, is not a "natural quirk"—it is a risk to the health of the body God entrusted to you.

St. John Chrysostom often spoke about how neglecting the health of the body can lead to greater pains later. In his homilies, he notes that "to be diseased is worse than submitting to the knife." In your case, a simple cleaning is the "cure" that prevents the "disease" of gum disease (periodontitis) or tooth loss later in life.

2. Prioritize Health over Aesthetics

You should distinguish between Cosmetics (braces) and Healthcare (cleanings).

• The Cleaning: This is a necessity. Even if your mother prefers "natural" things, God gave humans the wisdom of medicine to preserve life. You should book a cleaning and a check-up immediately. This is not about vanity; it is about maintaining the temple.
• The Braces: Since they are "not that crooked," you have the freedom to choose. If having them straightened will help you feel more confident and stop you from focusing negatively on your appearance, it may be worth doing. But do not let it become an obsession.

3. Dealing with the Feeling of "Looking Better"

It is natural to want to look your best. However, as Coptic Christians, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of the world which demands physical perfection. If you decide to get braces, do it with a spirit of thankfulness to God for the ability to fix them, rather than a spirit of complaining about how you look now.

4. Moving Forward

As a 20-year-old, you have the blessing of agency. You can respect your mother's love for your "quirks" while also taking responsibility for your hygiene.

My recommendation:

1. Book a cleaning first. This is the priority for your health.
2. Ask the dentist's opinion during the cleaning about the two teeth sticking out. Sometimes a very minor adjustment or a short term of aligners can fix it easily.
3. Pray for contentment. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. Whether your teeth are perfectly straight or slightly "quirky," you are an icon of Christ.

Do not feel bad about the past. Start today by taking care of your teeth, and the anxiety you feel will likely diminish once you take that first step of stewardship.