The Best Accessory 

Back to school. Tweedy clothing. New school supplies. Changing foliage. Everyone has some of those "special" Fall memories and associations. For some, it's an excuse to newly accessorize! But there is one accessory that will work with everything. Not just for Fall, but for every season. Give up? It's a smile.

The impact of a great smile simply cannot be underestimated. Having a warm, inviting smile can be a great asset in life. Both business and social situations are enhanced by a confident attitude, and that goes hand in hand with an appealing smile. A great smile can serve as an icebreaker in difficult or unfamiliar situations. Being able to smile is one thing. Remembering to use it, that's something else!

What a great smile you have! People rarely make mention of teeth per se, instead they are drawn to the "power center" of a face and are impressed with a smile. In essence, your smile becomes your signature, your professional calling card.

Did you know that according to research, by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 92.5% of Americans agree that an attractive smile is an important asset and that 74% agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chance for career success. But only 50% of our population are satisfied with their smile, otherwise known as their teeth. People who have unattractive teeth often avoid smiling due to embarrassment and can suffer from a lack of self-esteem. They will suffer in job interviews and are often relieved to just "get" a job, any job, just to get the process over with. It's a vicious cycle.

It's easy to say a smile comes from within. There's a lot to be said for that. But for that extra edge, a trip to the dentist might be the perfect solution - everyone can see from the outside what you feel on the inside.

Extreme Makeover. The Swan. Regardless of what makeovers and plastic surgeries are taking place on these television shows, each of the "contestants" adds on some form of cosmetic and/or restorative dentistry. It might be as simple as whitening or bleaching. Or as complex as a complete "smile make-over." This could include bonding, crowns, braces or porcelain veneers enabling a permanent change of the color, shape, size and length on each individual tooth to create a harmonious look more in tune with a patient's personality and facial structure.

Look in the mirror. Is your smile sparkling? Are your teeth shouting with joy? When it comes to image building, your teeth are just as important, if not more, than your clothes, colors, makeup and hair. So the next time you look in the mirror - listen to your smile.