Well first, let me say this. YIKES!!!
Why did you make that comment?
Shame on you. I'm sure you didn't intend harm. Men are used to throwing insults back and forth with eachother and not thinking anything of it. Women are different in that respect.
Secondly, what others say and do is all about their own reality and how they see the world. It actually has little to do with the person they are insulting. Someone else might not even notice her teeth and see more positive attributes. Thats what she wants from you.
Keep in mind that the comment you made was a 'direct hit' not a general comment. It was an insult and not something you can take back. It had to do with the way she looks to you and every woman wants to be seen as beautiful in her mates eyes. When she isn't seen that way, her 'mind talk' and 'self accusations' go crazy.
Daycruiser had it right saying that people need to speak up for themselves and let their partner know that the comment really hurt them. However, sometimes you are in such shock you don't know what to say which is what probably happened to your wife.
You can try an apology starting with that you really didn't intend to hurt her feelings. That men are stupid that way, we just say whats on their mind without thinking sometimes.
The fact that it did hurt her feelings makes me think she is very conscience of the fact and maybe would like to have something done about it but has been afraid to ask. Most people are aware of their flaws but don't want to hear it from someone else.
Since its all out on the table now, pony up for teeth whitening and all will be good (or not).
