Monday, December 12, 2011

Celebrate curve with verve: flash those pearly whites





Image of a fantastic toothless smile courtesy of fellow blogger Tim Oestmann.

HERE'S one for the trivia quiz buffs and a prize for readers who get it right: What are the four words that complete the song title, "All I Want for Christmas Is ..."?
No, the answer isn't "A Nice New Car". It has been the same since the song was written in the US about two generations ago: "My Two Front Teeth."
Now, the prize for every correct answer: a smile.

IN case you haven't noticed during the early December rush, it's the season of the smile, which must be one of the most intriguing aspects of human behaviour.
We can read all sorts of things into that simple expression. On the good side, the wide range of interpretations may include empathy, love, respect and fun, but a smile can also be a very cutting put-down and a partner for aggression and cruelty.
The line between 'smile' and 'smirk' is thin.

OF the many published quotations about the smile, those from comedians can keep the pearly whites flashing. US comedian Phyllis Diller reportedly summed it up as "a curve that sets everything straight".
While smiles are evident in such a time of goodwill, an army of highly trained professionals is at work to create them.
The dental clinics are busy at this time of year. Dental prosthetist David Dixon offers an option for those who need dentures or repairs; early this year he started a mobile service, based at his home laboratory at Robertson.
He gives free consultations and home visits.

DAVID graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dental technology from Griffith University in 2007 and qualified with a masters in dental prosthetics in 2009.
He has continued teaching at the university's Gold Coast campus while he has worked at Brisbane laboratories and set up his own business.
After reviewing demographic trends, David now aims to open a clinic at Victoria Point to service its rapidly increasing population of retirees.
David often sees the depth of emotion that underlies a smile.

"PEOPLE who lose their natural teeth or damage their dentures often say they don't 'feel like themselves'," he says.
"They don't feel comfortable smiling and this can make them feel vulnerable and bit insecure.
"A lot of patients get teary when they look into the mirror and see their own smile, with their new dentures.
"Some say they have felt uncomfortable smiling for as long as 15 or 20 years."
Dentists and the associated professions deserve a special toast on Christmas Day. As David says, everyone wants to look their best when the cameras come out.

Thanks for joining me to meet the people in the marvellous community of classified advertising; this column has appeared in
The Redland Times.

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