Over time we all find ourselves comparing today’s “me” to yesterday’s “me.” The most blatant change is in our appearance. We note the changes in our skin, angles of the face, curves of the body and that the radiant smile of our youth has now become a little dimmer. It is difficult to ignore all of the advertisements that promise a more youthful appearance “if you just buy this product.” We should all appreciate the life journey that has brought us to this point and all of the blessings along the way. But from time to time it is fun to treat ourselves to one thing that revitalizes our youthful spirit.
A smile makeover can actually be as complicated as a full set of porcelain veneers or as simple as bonding a few teeth to correct the overall flow of the smile. Of course, the easiest method of rejuvenating a smile is through teeth whitening. Before the makeover, the dentist will do a consult to evaluate the teeth and give treatment options depending on the budget and how long the patient would like to be in treatment. At times it is necessary to involve more teeth in the treatment plan in order to make the smile line more harmonious. If only a few teeth are treated in an effort to minimize cost, the end cosmetic result may not be ideal. This is similar to a plastic surgeon doing liposuction without removing the excess skin adequately. The end result is only a partial improvement unless the surgeon can sculpt the surrounding skin. 
A smile is one of the most powerful forms of communication. It can tap into someone else’s emotions regarding your intentions without uttering a single word. A smile can convey many things including trust, comfort, empathy and of course attraction. On the other hand, a person who does not smile conveys an array of negative feelings.  Many patients who are embarrassed by years of dental neglect find it difficult to even grimace, fearing that a broken tooth will be shown to a stranger. These are cases where the patient needs to find a dentist who will gently guide them back to dental health. It may be a long process, but definitely worth the time and effort to be able to smile proudly again.