There are a number of ways to analyze your smile.

At BigSmiles Dental Care, we regularly use two different approaches – the emotional evaluation and the objective analysis.

Below is a simple list of questions using each approach that you can do on your own in the convenience of your own home.

The Emotional Smile Evaluation

The emotional smile evaluation is based on each individual's subjective perceptions of his or her smile. The questions below are designed to help reveal a person's inner feelings about how their smile affects their self image, how it impacts interactions with others, and how it influences the quality of their relationships.

1.    Do you love the appearance of your teeth and smile?

2.    Do you ever turn your face when smiling or hold your hand up in front of your mouth when talking to others?

3.    Have you ever found yourself looking at models or other people with beautiful smiles and wishing you had a similar smile?

4.    Have you figured out a way to use your lips to cover any aspect of your smile?

5.    Are you embarrassed to visit a dentist due to the condition of your teeth or the length of time since your last visit to a dentist?

6.    How does your smile make you feel? Confident?

7.    Do you shy away from showing a full smile in front of other people, especially strangers?

8.    When taking pictures, do you tend to smile with your lips closed instead of flashing a happy smile?

9.     Have you ever held back a laugh because you felt uncomfortable about your smile?

10.   How would a beautiful new smile make you feel?

11.   What would you like to change about your smile

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any of your questions or concerns:

Dr. Larry Lu.

or you can contact us via email here:

dr.larrylu@cloverdalecosmeticdentistry.com

The Objective Smile Analysis

For the objective analysis doing at home, the best thing is for you to stand in front of a mirror mounted on a wall.

Now, smile at yourself using your "normal" smile.

Next, look at the mirror and think of a hilarious moment in your life and give a big, laughing smile.

This big smile is probably a much larger smile than you feel comfortable if you are not happy with your teeth.
When your smile is improved, however, your big smile appears much more spontaneously because you look (and feel) great!

So let's figure out what's holding your big smile back -- what it is that bothers you about your teeth.

1.     Are all of your teeth brilliant white or are they somewhat yellow, dark, or stained?

2.     Are there spaces between any of your teeth?

3.     Are you missing any of your teeth?

4.     Do you have teeth that are crooked, uneven, or out of line?

5.     Do the biting edges of your upper teeth follow the curvature of your upper lip?

6.     Do any of your teeth appear short and fat or too small or too large?

7.     Are the edges of any of your teeth even with the rest of your teeth or are they too long or too short?

8.     Do your teeth (as a group) slant one way or another?

9.     Is the midline of your two front teeth centered with your face and nose?

10.   Are the edges of your canine teeth too long, sharp, or look out of line?

11.   Do you grind your teeth or are any of the biting edges on your teeth chipped or worn down?

12.   Do you have a "gummy" smile -- showing too much gum tissue or having gums that are too thick?

13.   Are your gums even and in line and symmetrical or irregularly shaped -- higher on some teeth and lower on others?

14.   Have your gums receded or do they appear red or puffy?

15.   Do you have any gray, black or silver (mercury) dental fillings in your teeth?

16.   Do you have any old crowns that have dark edges at the top or that don't really look natural?

If you answered yes to ANY of the above questions, we can help give you a better, more beautiful smile.

Use the contact us form to schedule your appointment today!

What We Believe
We feel there's only one way to practice dentistry: with concern, clear communication and clinical excellence. Our responsibility is to help you plan for a future of good dental health. We can only do that with your help. If you have a concern or need additional information, please ask. Let us know your thoughts about our practice. We want to keep you smiling.

Comfortable Dentistry
Many people feel uneasy about dental treatment. But if you haven't been to the dentist in a while, you may be pleasantly surprised. Our gentle approach to care will make your visit a positive experience. Nitrous-oxide sedation, stereo headphones and TV/Monitors in each room will help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Thanks
Thank you for visiting our site. Any time you have a question or concern, do ask us via email or phone or fax at any time. We think candid communication-especially when it comes to your health-is evidence of quality care and mutual respect.