By Dr. Alan R. Grodin D.D.S.

It’s the year of the makeover.  Everywhere you turn, physical enhancements are evident.  Not necessarily because people are “so vain” now, but because in 2009 medical skills and techniques have so dramatically improved that we actually “can” have the youthful appearance that we desire.

When it comes to aging, turning back the hands of time has become a priority.  My parent’s generation never had the option to electively try and retain (or regain) their youthful appearance.  Basically, they were part of the “grow old gracefully” generation.  I believe that I belong to the “fight aging every step of the way” generation.

Virtually every part of the physical body, from head to toe, can be improved upon with today’s modern technologies.  That is the premise behind such popular television shows as “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan.”  Being a cosmetic dentist, I may be a bit biased, but in my honest opinion it is almost always the smile makeover that has the most dramatic effect on the final, youthful look of any makeover.

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then it’s the smile that is the key to your outward aura.  I’ve witnessed, first hand, the amazing transformation that takes place when modern cosmetic dentistry is used to improve a person’s smile.  I’ve been performing these great procedures for years, but the results still constantly fascinate me!

As I’ve implied, one of the most interesting aspects of a smile makeover is the effect that the new smile has on one’s overall look.  It’s not unusual to see a total upgrade in someone’s appearance and also their entire aura after the smile has been beautified.  An increase in self confidence and self esteem goes hand in hand with a beautification of one’s smile.  It’s almost uncanny!

The great thing is that virtually anyone’s smile can be enhanced.  The result is always a beautiful thing.  And while many smile makeover clients fear that the end result will look “fake,” most cosmetic dentists with adequate experience can produce a smile that is natural, straight and white.

I take many before and after photos of my smile enhancement cases and I spend a significant amount of time reviewing all facets of each case.  One of the most amazing, rewarding and consistent things that I notice is that the person in the after photos virtually always looks younger than the same person in the before photos.  This observation has solidified my belief that improving your smile really can improve your life.  After all, don’t many of us spend a lot of time trying to keep a youthful appearance for as long as possible?

Its always fun to hear the perspective smile enhancement client use the word “Wow!” when seeing photos of actual smile makeover cases.  To see how some people can go from a situation where they were totally embarrassed to smile, to the present where they can’t stop smiling is a beautiful thing!

The bottom line is… If you want to turn back the clock and regain some youthfulness, there’s no better way than to get that smile of your dreams!

Dr. Alan Grodin has spent his entire career improving people’s lives by improving their smiles.  His expertise with porcelain veneers earned his practice “Office of the Month” honors, a national award.  He is the official dentist to the Detroit Tigers baseball team and he teaches his unique cosmetic techniques to dentists from around the world.  Dr. Grodin’s gorgeous smile makeovers bring beauty and youthfulness to his extremely satisfied clientele. www.flossininclawson.com.  Clawson, Michigan

Tags: cosmetic, dental, dentist, makeover, teeth, youthfulness