In her recent column, Lotta Backlund reflects on her experience with self-image and dental aesthetics, triggered by a photo taken in 2019 for a project. The image revealed that one of her front teeth was noticeably crooked, prompting her to reconsider how she perceives herself and the importance placed on physical appearance. She recalls that this was the first time she had recognized such a flaw in her smile, which significantly affected her confidence and self-esteem.

Backlund mentions that, although her friends and acquaintances teased her by saying they had never noticed her crooked tooth, she interprets this as a polite gesture rather than a truthful observation. Her internal struggle with her self-image is highlighted by her humorous comparison of herself to a well-known Finnish character, Uuno Turhapuro, suggesting that personal perception can cloud one's judgment about how others see them.

The broader implications of her decision to seek orthodontic treatment stem from societal pressures regarding beauty standards and the influence of imagery on self-esteem. Backlund’s story exemplifies how photographs can impact our self-perception and lead to significant financial and emotional investments in our appearance. The article opens up a dialogue about the balance between self-acceptance and the pursuit of societal standards of beauty, underscoring a common dilemma faced by many in today's visually-driven world.