Cosmetically-fashioned smile

Supermodels have done it; so have film stars. What was restricted to the glam world is now a common option. We are talking about teeth and smile reconstruction. Sparkling with a diamond or two, teeth are the latest to join the 'have-it-flaunt-it' list.

Options in abundance

Welcome to the world of designer smiles. A beautiful smile is no more a natural asset and getting a perfect one for those photo op moments can burn a wee hole in your pocket. Cosmetology is no more limited to skin it has expanded to dentistry as well. And there are many options available to make your smile a style statement. experts say, "Madhuri Dixit's gummy smile doesn't suit all. So a lot of people go for correction.

They shape the gum to suit the teeth. Mal-positioned teeth need to be aligned with orthodontic correction with brackets. Smile designing includes use of botox, surgical correction of the lip and involves plastic surgeons, beauticians, ceramists and dentists."Adds Dr. Vikas B.V.J, prosthodontist and head of Pananiya Mahavidyala Dental College and Research Centre,India, "Actors go in for contouring of teeth, replacement or implants.

Most go for veneers. You have laminates or veneers in colour." Veneers or laminates are thin sheets used to cover discoloured teeth (due to chewing paan or smoking). They are stuck to the teeth with resin cement. "It may need two sittings or more and costs between 200$to 250$," says Dr. Hormuzd.

There are other grotesque fashion dos making the rounds in the dental world, the do-it-at-your-risk kinds. "At Berlin, I saw the fad of carving teeth and blowing of colour into them. But that can be dangerous as it cuts into the tooth pulp," says Dr. Hormudz.Each season comes with new haute trends. Tooth talk is here to stay till yet another shining idea hits the fashion street.