A New Smile in 9 Days

A fashion model came into my office on a Wednesday, wanting a new, beautiful smile in 9 days. She had just received a call from her agent, informing her, that she had been selected to model for the new BMW ad campaign. The photographs she had been using for close-ups, enhanced her smile using an airbrushing technique, and were not acceptable for this shoot. Her plastic surgeon referred her to me.

Dental photographs were taken to diagnose the necessary corrections, not only for changes to the tooth anatomy, but also changes to enhance the symmetrical framing of the teeth by the gingiva or gums. Considerations in tooth contours were made to enhance her lip posture in smiling, as well as at rest.

Treatment was determined to be ten porcelain laminates or veneers. Laminates are thin, hand-sculpted pieces of dental porcelain. They are molded and shaped on a model made from an impression of your teeth. They fit over your teeth and are often used as an alternative to crowns for severely discolored teeth. They can also eliminate unsightly gaps and spaces between teeth and can magically "straighten" crooked teeth.

Arrangements were made with my dental lab technician to quickly "turn around" the case once the preparations and impressions were carried out. The dental lab is an integral part of my dental team.

The following Sunday evening, her teeth were prepared for veneers, provisional temporaries were made, and impressions were taken. This step allows a "test run" to check esthetics of a new smile, and to "feel" the effects on lip posture and speech.

On Wednesday, after a thorough review of the provisional stage, several modifications were determined necessary. Then, the final veneers were placed. My patient was ecstatic! She loved her new smile, which we completed within her timeframe. She left my office with greater confidence in herself and her career. The final results show her fabulous "new smile" ready to be photographed, no airbrushing required!

As a cosmetic dentist, nothing is more professionally and personally rewarding than seeing the transformation of a patient's self-esteem and confidence through a new smile. In this case, my patient wanted a beautiful smile to enhance her career. Some patients are looking for a more youthful smile, and others, unhappy with their smile, want to correct problems they have had since childhood. Although the reasons vary from person to person, the results I see are always the same. Patients with a new, beautiful smile radiate an aura of self-confidence, health, and positive self-esteem. They are happier because they smile more. It is exciting to be a part of that transformation.

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