Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Are you worried that people are judging you on your less-than-perfect smile? Do you find yourself covering your mouth while talking?

Often, we may feel embarrassed, awkward and self-conscious about our appearance. Subtly, without our knowing it, our teeth can affect our self-esteem.

And if we're critical of our smile, there's a good chance others are too.

If recent research of the hiring process is to be believed, then our real resume has more to do with our appearance than with our abilities. Whether or not we realize it, our teeth may affect whether we land a job, lose a lover or make that all-important sale.

According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 74 percent of people agree that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chance for career success. Eighty-five percent agree that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex. Surprisingly, the academy found that only about half of us like our smiles.

For many, cosmetic dentistry is rapidly becoming a necessity and not just a luxury in today's environment. First impressions often determine career and personal success, and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Through cosmetic dentistry, people are able to change not only their teeth, but their lives. With today's technology, the solutions are many. A good example is the new dental porcelain, which is much more aesthetically pleasing and replicates natural teeth perfectly.

We can now determine how we want our smile to look. With new digital computer imaging, we can create and preview our own "before" and "after" photos. We can shorten, lengthen, straighten or reshape our teeth and even change our gum line.

Fortunately, a trip to the dentist's office is no longer a "Little Shop of Horrors." Many procedures are simple and quick. For example, with the help of an overnight bleaching process, we can achieve the appearance of being 10 years younger.

Whether we wish to gain more confidence, to attain career success, or simply to look younger, small changes in our smile can make a big difference, leave a lasting impression and improve how others relate to us.

Dr. Lloyd Herman, D.D.S. is a seven-year Steamboat Springs resident and cosmetic dentist at Pine Grove Dental Associates.