ALIVE - August 2007
What Does Your smile Say About You?
Dr. Dhaliwal, DMD
The popularity of shows like "Extreme Makeover" and "Dr. 90210" make it apparent that image is the forefront of the American public's consciousness. Whether it be our body, wardrobe, or most recently, our teeth, enhancing one's appearance is a priority. After all, your smile, how you dress and interact with others projects who you are. All of these factors can have a significant impact on both personal and business relationships.
Have you ever noticed how confident you feel when you're wearing your favorite outfit? You seem to stand taller, speak with assurance, and generally project a more positive image. The same can be said about having a beautiful smile—it is a sign of good health and can have a profound influence on your self-esteem and confidence. If you are happy with your smile, you tend to smile more often, which exudes a warm and personable nature.
There has been much research done about the impact of appearances. The most recent study was conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The goal was to see how people were perceived based on looks, more specifically what role teeth play in perceptions of overall attractiveness and whether appealing teeth can affect perceptions of personality.
According to the research, a new smile will make you appear more intelligent, interesting, successful and wealthy to others. Moreover, ninety-six percent of the adults surveyed believed that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex. Nearly three quarters felt an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. When questioned about the first thing noticed about a person's smile, the most common responses included straightness, whiteness and color of teeth, cleanliness of teeth and the sparkle of the smile.
People are realizing the benefits of having a beautiful smile. No longer is it models and famous personalities alone who undergo cosmetic dentistry-it's everyday people like you and me. Whether it's a gym membership to get your body in shape or a smile makeover to enhance your self-esteem, people are giving themselves the gift of better health and well being. Moreover, with zero interest loans from outside financing companies, it has become more affordable to take advantage of the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry. These advancements allow for minor enhancements or complete makeovers of your existing smile. No longer is orthodontics the only way to straighten teeth. With the use of porcelain veneers, implants and bonding, your dentist can close gaps, elongate or shorten uneven teeth, straighten crooked teeth, repair chipped or broken teeth, and even replace missing teeth. Combined with the advent of in-office whitening systems such as BriteSmile and Zoom, you can achieve the smile you've always dreamed of in just a few visits.
Imagine what having a healthy beautiful smile can do for you. It can boost your self-confidence and make you more self-assured. More importantly, it can allow your outward appearance to express the exuberant personality within.
If your smile is keeping you from projecting the best of yourself, it may be time to consider a smile enhancement.
Dr. Guri S. Dhaliwal DMD, Cosmetic Dentist - Providing services in invisalign and porcelain veneers to the areas of San Francisco, San Ramon, East Bay, and Northern California (CA).
