Page 164 - Amazing Smiles

Chapter Nine
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
T here has been a dramatic rise in
cosmetic dentistry procedures
throughout the United States in
recent years. This dramatic
interest is the result of public
realization that a beautiful smile the problems of aesthetically imperfect teeth that
is attractive, thanks in large
part to Hollywood makeover
shows and Madison Avenue.
But an attractive smile projects more than beauty,
according to studies conducted by the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It also projects
to others a sense of intelligence, interesting per-
sonality, success, friendly, happiness and wealth
as well.
Anyone can have a great looking smile. The
first step to achieving the ideal smile is recogniz-
ing that shame and embarrassment of the appear-
ance of one’s teeth can be easily overcome. Many
patients claim that they forgot how to smile natu-
rally. Some avoid being photographed because of
their teeth and cover their mouth with their hands
when they smile, dodge kissing and even steer
clear of situations that require speaking in front of
others. The number of people suffering from a
lack of self-esteem because of their smile as a
result of aesthetic dental problems has reached
epidemic proportions, which may account for the
sudden surge in the interest in cosmetic dentistry.
Self-consciousness and/or discontent with one’s
smile leads to a lack of confidence which leads to
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unhappiness which leads to an overall negative
body image. The good news is-you can change all
of this.
Most of the procedures necessary to correct
will create a beautifully attractive smile are not dif-
ficult, painful or time-consuming to perform. The
three biggest problems most people have in mak-
ing the commitment to have the procedures done
are lack of information, procrastination, and fear.
“I thought nothing could be done, otherwise
someone would have suggested I do something
about it” and “Someday I’m going to have my
teeth fixed” are typical responses. Others believe
it will be a painful procedure or they may fear
they can’t afford it. Others fear that the results
may not meet their expectations.
Lack of information is no longer an excuse.
This book contains all the information you need
to know to seek answers on how to address your
specific concerns. As far as not receiving advice
from those around you, it is difficult for family and
friends to feel comfortable telling someone they
care about that their smile needs improvement.
Even when negative comments are heard, they
tend to expand an individual’s own negative
thoughts about their smile and will normally lead
to unrealistic fantasies of what must surely be
involved to correct the situation. In fact, there are
easy solutions for smile enhancement that may be
life changing events.