A New Smile For Every Occasion
by David S. Eshom, D.D.S.

Each New Year, the top resolutions among people who make them are goals that have to do with looking better. Looking younger, healthier, and prettier all lead to feeling better and more confident. There are also many recent studies that have shown a direct correlation between a well put together, outwardly confident appearance and success in work, home, and social situations.

Even those in optimum physical condition have areas that they’d like to improve or enhance. Yellow, chipped, and worn teeth or wrinkled skin all diminish a person’s outward presentation. Perhaps it is time to think about turning yourself inside out — let your outward appearance represent how you feel inside.
When patients ask what they should do to improve their smile and appearance, I tell them to do things in this order:

+ Get your teeth and gums healthy — red/swollen gums, bad breath, and brown, decayed teeth are a turn-off.
+ Whiten upper and lower teeth — whitened teeth look younger without looking fake.
+ Replace yellowed or black mercury fillings — like getting white carpet, whiter teeth will often show stains and old fillings.
+ Look at your smile from all angles — you only see yourself from the front, most people talk and see you from the side, so your smile must look good to the full width of your lips when smiling.
+ Finish the job — nobody wants to look fake, so complete your whole smile by making sure your lower teeth look the same shade and are in the same condition as the uppers; your lower teeth are seen as much as your uppers when you speak.

Recently a patient, Mary Lachut, was referred from a plastic surgeon after completion of procedures on her face and body. The surgery was a great success. The problem was her teeth, and therefore her smile, did not match her new, younger look.

To match her smile with her ten-years-younger facial appearance, her teeth and smile were analyzed with digital photography, computer imaging, and digital x-rays. Results indicated a treatment plan that slightly lengthened, whitened, and aligned her teeth so they looked natural, yet took ten years off her appearance.
Lachut’s husband was initially against her undergoing the treatment, but now absolutely loves his wife’s younger look. Lachut recently attended her 30-year high school class reunion and was overwhelmed by compliments. She is proud of herself and feels as good inside as she looks on the outside.

Dr. David Eshom has practiced dentistry for 18 years in the La Jolla/UTC area, and incorporates three different lasers into his cosmetic and dental heath treatments. Complementing his technical skill, he has a gifted eye for nature, balance, and symmetry. Eshom is a recognized leader in his field and recently served four years as a national board of director for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Call
858/455-9151, or visit www.eshomdds.com for more information.