Executive Esthetic Dentistry: Smile Makeovers for Executives

In a recent Forbes magazine article, executive smile makeovers were featured. It mentioned that CEOs may not be worried about their wrinkles, but rather are more concerned about their “not so pearly whites”. “Executive Esthetic Dentistry” is cosmetic dentistry for high level executives, but differs somewhat from cosmetic dentistry that let’s say a model or actor would want.

Although Executive Esthetic Dentistry is not necessarily a new trend, it probably does get more attention in the media these days along with other cosmetic surgery procedures. And it may make some people perplexed. They can understand someone wanting a professional makeover when they are working their way up the ranks, but once they get there? In the Forbes article, Cendant’s Henry Silverman said, “I was going on TV a lot, and I didn’t like the way my teeth looked.” Having it, he confides, “gives you a sense of self-confidence, which never hurts.”

Executives, too, want to have a natural smile that takes years off their appearance. As business is becoming more competitive worldwide, even business people in Japan are starting to turn to cosmetic dentistry. Although each individual is different, the Executive Esthetic Smile tends to have certain traits.

Although many executives may enjoy the spotlight, they tend to prefer a more conservative approach to the smile. Whereas someone who is a model or actor would be more likely to want their teeth to be more perfect looking or a brighter white, executives may lean towards a something more subtle. There are exceptions, but the tendency is away from a Hollywood-white smile.

Younger, Healthier Smile, Rather Than Brilliant or Dazzling

The look that executives tend to feel comfortable with is a natural, youthful and healthy look. It’s a rejuvenation of their current smile. Perhaps the shapes and sizes of the teeth will stay similar, or perhaps slight alterations for a more enhanced look. They don’t necessarily want to call too much attention to their smile. But the overall effect will be to make the smile look 10 – 15 years younger, to brighten their appearance and to look more professional in front of prospective clients.

For one thing, because of the age group of corporation presidents and CEOs, teeth bleaching alone tends to not be an effective solution. Reasons for this includes the build-up of stain over the years leaves the stain too engrained to be lightened enough with bleaching. Or perhaps existing restorations in the front teeth would also prevent a uniform color. Or even if their teeth were whitened through bleaching, they may still be unhappy with the overall look and shapes of their teeth.

Therefore executive restorations would most likely be performed using porcelain veneers or crowns, depending on the amount of healthy tooth available and desired end result. If teeth are missing, an implant may be needed to fortify the foundation under a crown or bridge for an increased biting strength. If teeth are worn down through years of grinding, then the restoration may rebuild the length of the tooth to its natural, previous length. And if old, failing restorations are being replaced, the new restoration will give the illusion of a natural tooth, not an old crown.

One local executive came to my office saying he was extremely dissatisfied with the look of his smile, and also suspected that years of avoiding the dentist had placed his overall dental health in jeopardy. His teeth had the appearance of being crooked and worn down, to the point where he was beginning to feel more self-conscious about his smile. Although he had attained the position of president within his corporation and certainly was a success in his professional life, he still felt held back by not being able to express himself comfortably. He did feel he could become a better communicator and seem more approachable if he could express himself with his smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Success – Helps Patient’s Self-Esteem

After extensive gum therapy, this patient’s old restorations and decay were replaced with natural-appearing porcelain restorations. The results were amazing to him. Little by little, he found himself smiling more when meeting people, when talking, or taking photos. He was also happy with the youthful look it gave him. And most importantly, the treatment received allowed him to continue on a road of good oral health, allowing him to keep his natural teeth. He had self-confidence again, and a bright smile.

One of the best things about state-of-the-art dentistry is the ability for cosmetic dentists to custom make each individual smile to fit face shape, personality, age, gender, and profession. This is due to a combination of advancements in dentist technique and smile design, dental materials used, and laboratory expertise. For example, in my office we use a technique that allows patient input and feedback on the smile we are creating together. Patients can feel comfortable knowing their final smile is a collaboration of science, art and their ideas, too.

So regardless of if you’re an aspiring super model hoping for jobs in New York or a CEO who has already arrived in their penthouse office, cosmetic dentistry can create a smile makeover well suited to your wants and needs to upgrade both personal and professional life.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an award winning international leader in cosmetic dentistry. He is one of only 280 dentists in the world to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Okuda turned the dental profession on it’s head nearly a decade ago , replacing pain, fear, & discomfort with the Dental Day Spa system. His offices for cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Okuda has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, American Spa, Shape Magazine, Better Homes & Garden, Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, New Woman, and dozens more!

Dr. Okuda is the founder of “Give Back a Smile”, a charitable foundation of the A.A.C.D. which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation to restore their smiles and lives. He has assembled nearly 1,000 cosmetic dentists nationwide to help fight against domestic violence.