In my last book, Making Faces, I had the opportunity to address two non-makeup areas that have a profound effect on the way a person looks: cosmetic surgery and skincare. However, I was remiss; there was a third area that has an equal impact: your smile. A great smile can do a lot more for you than a whole makeup kit full of expensive cosmetics. Even the most dour circumstances have been enlivened with a smile—whether it is someone else's or your own. In the same context as last time, which utilized professional advice (geniuses Dr. Daniel Baker for cosmetic surgery and Dr. Pat Wexler for skincare) instead of my own personal conjecture, I went to Dr. Gregg Lituchy for his expert opinions. The duo of Lowenberg & Lituchy have been doing smile "makeovers" for more than fifteen years and are often referred to as the "dentists to the fashion world," with a client list that includes Christy Turlington, Amber Valetta, Shalom Harlow, and countless others.

The smile is the focal point of the face, but its enhancement has been neglected in favor of more popularized, though highly effective, procedures. While a new nose and a clear complexion can improve your appearance, they may also call attention to an imperfect smile. If you are uncomfortable with your smile it affects the way you carry yourself and how you behave with others. Raising your hand to hide chipped or yellowed teeth can make you guarded and insecure. Your embarrassment can be read as uptight and unfriendly behavior. If that's not who you are, something can be done about it. There is one particular procedure, for which Dr. Lituchy is highly regarded, called a porcelain laminate veneer