Erase the Denture Smile: AI Fixes for Natural Headshots

Spotting the Denture Smile in AI Results

Have you ever noticed that some headshots look too perfect, like they've been Photoshopped to the point where the subject's teeth look like they've been capped? That's the denture smile. It's a common issue in AI-generated headshots. I've seen it happen more often than you'd think. The teeth are unnaturally white, and the smile is too wide, making it look forced and inauthentic.

One time, I was shooting a corporate headshot session, and one of the clients had a particularly bright, wide smile. When I reviewed the AI edit, the teeth were so white they stood out like a beacon. It was like looking at a model's headshot, not a real person's. I had to tweak the settings to bring back a more natural look.

Upload a Clean Raw Photo for Best Baseline

To fix the denture smile, start with a clean, raw photo. This gives you the most control over the editing process. I always recommend shooting in RAW because it retains all the details that a JPEG might lose. It's like having a digital negative that you can manipulate without losing quality.

When you upload your photo for editing, make sure it's well-lit and the subject's face is centered. This ensures that the AI can work its magic without any distractions.

Use Portraze’s ‘Smile Shape’ Slider to Soften Teeth

Now, let's talk about the 'Smile Shape' slider. This is your secret weapon for erasing the denture smile. By adjusting this slider, you can soften the teeth and narrow the smile, making it look more natural. I usually start with a small adjustment and then tweak it until it looks right.

Remember, the goal is to make the smile look genuine, not to make it disappear. You want it to be subtle, so it doesn't draw attention away from the person's eyes and expression.

Avoid Over‑Smoothing – The Common ‘Plastic’ Pitfall

One of the biggest mistakes I see photographers make is over-smoothing the teeth. It's easy to go too far and end up with a plastic-looking smile. This happens when the teeth are too white and the smile is too narrow. It's like the subject's face has been frozen in a smile that doesn't match their natural expression.

Keep an eye on the overall balance. The teeth should complement the rest of the face, not overshadow it. If you're ever in doubt, zoom in and take a close look at the teeth. They should look natural, not like they've been airbrushed.

Result: A Trustworthy, Natural‑Looking Professional Headshot

After you've made the necessary adjustments, you should have a headshot that looks trustworthy and professional. The smile should be natural, the teeth not too white, and the overall look should be one that makes the subject look like themselves, just a bit better.

One client of mine, a lawyer, was particularly concerned about his headshot. He wanted it to look professional but not too stiff. By using the 'Smile Shape' slider and adjusting the teeth color subtly, we ended up with a headshot that made him look approachable and confident, exactly what he needed.

So, how do you know if you've done it right? Ask yourself: Does the smile look natural? Can you see the subject's personality? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track.

Spotting the Denture Smile in AI Results

Remember, the key to fixing the denture smile is to start with a clean, raw photo and use the 'Smile Shape' slider to subtly adjust the teeth and smile. Avoid over-smoothing and keep an eye on the overall balance. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to create natural-looking headshots that make your clients feel confident and professional.

Upload a Clean Raw Photo for Best Baseline

And here's a practical takeaway: Always shoot in RAW. It gives you more control and flexibility in post-processing. Plus, it's the best way to ensure your headshots look natural and authentic.

Where this stops short, Erase Edge Artifacts: Get Perfect AI Headshots Every Time picks the thread up.