Smile inducing technology

There are psychological benefits to having a healthy, happy smile. One Kerikeri dentist has the technology to make it possible.

The psychology of a winning smile has been understood for a very long time and braces for straightening teeth go back an awfully long way. Crude metal bands have been found on mummified remains and one Roman tomb in Egypt revealed a number of teeth bound in gold wire. Then there is George Washington and his famous wooden teeth.

Of course dentistry and orthodontics have advanced considerably thanks in part to Nasa and Silicon Valley who have vicariously given the profession advanced management tools such as CADCAM design, 3D imaging and remarkably efficient composite materials. In his practice, Kerikeri dentist, Simon Leith, uses 'invisible' braces for example and can make crowns in one visit with an on-site Cerec machine. Nowadays there's a 'magical wand' that replaces the old-world syringe and you can be sedated if necessary before you've even had time to yawn.

Yet the benefits to having a decent smile have never changed in centuries and Mr Leith says the transformation in patients afflicted with crooked teeth and who have them corrected can literally be life-changing.

"People understand the important psychological benefits of having a great smile. It has been shown in numerous studies over the years that people who smile are perceived by their others to be more confident, attractive, friendly and more successful."

Not everyone is blessed with perfect teeth however and the debilitating effects of maladjusted teeth can affect all ages. Children with buck teeth or crowded teeth, teenagers worried about crooked teeth, adults with old fillings on their front teeth that have discoloured, or people with worn chipped teeth may not smile as they would want to and which can affect how they project to the outside world.

"People with crooked teeth often cover their mouth when they smile or never smile at all. This behaviour affects how people respond to them and they come across as a different person because it really affects their confidence."

Mr Leith says one of most rewarding treatments is the 'Six Month Smile' using clear braces and he sees a dramatic transformation of patients throughout the process.

"They often come in shy and self-conscious and when the braces are removed there is complete change in their confidence," he says.

That alone is enough to make you smile.