It seems that the old adage that “straight teeth in your mouth is more important than the words that come out of it” remains true - at least when it comes to job interviews and promotions. A recent study by the The British Dental Association found that bad teeth can dramatically hinder job applicants at interview. When surveyed, 83% of respondents agreed that visibly decayed or missing teeth and bad breath would disadvantage applicants to a client facing role (eg. customer service, reception, solicitor). In fact, respondents would rather see an interviewee looking unkempt than lacking in dental hygiene. Bad teeth and breath were found to be the biggest hurdles to career advancement. Bad teeth and career prospects The report found that: 70% rated visibly decayed or missing teeth as a hindrance to gaining employment in client facing roles 62% rated bad breath as a hindrance to gaining employment in client facing roles 83% agreed that these factors are disadvantageous in a job interview for these roles 62% agreed that these factors would harm an interviewee’s chance in any role 60% agreed that these factors would hinder promotion prospects   Options for improving your smile, and your career prospects! If you’ve got a “bad smile” it’s likely that you feel self conscious not just in job interviews but in everyday interactions. So many of our cosmetic dentistry clients come to us because they want to feel more confident in social situation, first dates and when interviewing. Luckily dental technology has made leaps and bounds in recent years and there are some quick, simple fixes available. Crowns and Veneers Dark teeth and teeth that have suffered such decay that they cannot be saved by fillings… these are the main hindrances to climbing the corporate ladder. Veneers are placed in a cosmetic procedure called a “smile makeover”. Your new look tooth is colour matched to your existing teeth and bonded to the discoloured tooth. A crown is a ceramic or metal “tooth cover” that gives at flawless look - so it’s ideal for teeth front and centre of your smile. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry. Implants, Bridges and Dentures Implants replace missing teeth for a smoother smile, and for easier chewing! They’re tough and permanent. Bridges are also permanently placed but may need further maintenance in the future. Old fashioned dentures (or false teeth as they’re commonly known) are the most affordable option but can be fiddly and inconvenient. They’re also prone to making existing mouth issues worse. Learn more here. Zoom Whitening Attention coffee addicts and cigarette smokers! Zoom Whitening is ideal for removing “lifestyle stains” from your teeth. If you don’t want to advertise that you smoke a pack and drink five cups a day,...

Wedding Photo Tips Wedding photo tips are usually about angles and lighting but your smile is the most important part of the picture! Here’s some wedding photo tips from your dentist, for looking your best in those all important photographs! Lippy on the teeth - no we’re NOT kidding Clear lip gloss or Vaseline on your front teeth will make your teeth shine on camera. Back in the day, it was the hot tip of Hollywood actresses and directors! Apply a very small amount to your front teeth and you’ll be sparkling! Wedding photo angles for wonky teeth See our bride above? She’s got an imperfect smile! You need to look very closely to tell though, don’t you? She has a crooked tooth right in the front. If it’s too late to get some straightening work done, speak to your photographer for tips on beautiful images taken from your best angle! Bright in a sea of white! A big tip for wedding day photos is about colour. If you’re wearing a white dress, your smile may come off as “yellow” if you’re not careful. If you’re planning on wearing white, off-white or a pale cream, consider having a Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment before your big day. Best of all, it’s quick because we know that brides don’t have much time! If money is an issue (who knew a wedding could be SO expensive!) consider asking mum and dad for a dental gift voucher, or check out our easy dental payment plans. Lipstick, Flowers, Teeth, Dress Wedding photo tips are often about colour and your smile is no exception! Your photographer will be keen to get those bold matching colours together. If you’re planning on a white dress and white teeth, be sure to choose lipstick and flowers that also match perfectly (or compliment beautifully). Wedding photos tend to be about black suits and white dresses so every colour will leap from the image. Smile even though your feet hurt Yes, you’ll be photographed for at least an hour. During that hour, your feet will hurt, you’ll be thirsty, it’s Brisbane so you’ll be hot…. meanwhile, your guests will be drinking champers and talking about how beautiful you are. You might be dying to get back to the party and celebrate your future together. To make the process easier, carry water, lipstick, powder, a fold out fan and even some band-aids with you. When the photographer says smile, think about your fabulous future together, not the pain in your toes! Smile from the heart If you’ve got wonky or discoloured teeth, you might find yourself covering your face when you smile. You may even feel like your smile could ruin your...