Trans Zen Dental

In a society where tanning salons and Brazilian waxing spas out-number Starbucks stores, it’s no wonder people are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their looks can have on their life. In the dental field, I hear of it every day: people unable to order certain foods on the menu because they can’t chew it, people with crooked smiles, cracked teeth, and even those who prefer not to show their teeth to their own dentist! Most of those smiles come with a disclaimer. Before these patients open their mouths to me, they must declare their disclaimer: “my teeth are really crooked” or “I have lots of staining”. Either way, my patients warn me of their own insecurities before opening up.

What most people don’t realize is that almost all smiles have imperfections. These imperfections can range from a charismatic gap inbetween the front teeth to many missing and badly decayed teeth. Some people are born with such crooked teeth, they have actually paid for their orthodontist’s family vacation cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Others hide behind such badly stained teeth, they have actually purchased stock in Crest Whitestrips. Even those who have perfect teeth can have an ugly metal crown showing in the back when they smile. Some of those imperfections are wonderful and add a charismatic sense of personality to a smile. For many, those imperfections are what make those smiles unique. But for some, the itch for a perfect smile must be scratched.

In a society where faster internet and stronger coffee are a must, there’s no surprise that people are finding better and quicker ways to improve themselves, including their smile. The introduction of the hit TV show Extreme Makeover shed some light on common cosmetic dental problems. It also showed viewers how simple cosmetic procedures can enhance overall facial features. Celebrities have sought to be the first to have these cosmetic procedures done and their fans have followed suit. They have found fast and relatively painless ways to achieve the same smiles seen on TV.

This blog posting is the first of a two part blog. Part one will show that dental mis-haps can happen even to some of our most favorite (or bling-ing!) celebrities. Here, I will show you some celebrity smiles that could, in the very least, use a bit of an improvement. Commentary will describe what is wrong with the smile as well as quick procedures that can be done to improve the smile. Just think of this blog as What Not to Wear… except for your smile!

Tom Cruise: his midline is off (space between two front teeth isn’t in line with the rest of his face: gives his face an asymmetrical look and emphasizes his nose), inflamed gums, gummy smile, big teeth.

Recommendations: invisalign (invisible braces) to correct midline problems , dental cleaning (deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing may be recommended) and gingivectomy to clean gum tissues and clear gummy smile, dental veneers.

Mike Tyson: large gap in the front (called a diastema), two esthetically un-pleasing gold teeth.

Recommendations: removal of gold crowns, dental veneers across visible top teeth, eye brow wax (kidding!).

Jon Heder: gummy smile, fluorosis of teeth (white, chalky discoloration of teeth).

Recommendations: dental cleaning to reduce inflammation of gum tissues, gingivectomy to correct gummy smile, dental veneers.

Kirsten Dunst: two front teeth lean inwards, other teeth buck out. Short teeth (two front teeth are long, others are not in proportion).

Recommendations: Invisalign (clear braces) to correct alignment of teeth, dental veneers for mis-shapen teeth (longer and rounded veneers can create a more effeminate smile).























Flavor Flav: can't BBQ this 4th of July? I know someone who could lend you their grill!

Recommendations: check your clock necklace and run, don’t walk, to the nearest dentist!






















Jewel: crooked top teeth, crooked bottom teeth with chipping.

Recommendations: invisalign (invisible braces), ZOOM in-office whitening (commonly used on Extreme Makeover) small fillings for chipped bottom teeth.

A faster alternative: Lumineers on all top teeth

Avril Lavigne: pointy canine teeth (vampire teeth), crooked bite.

Recommendations: invisalign (invisible braces), ZOOM in office bleaching, lumineers (a brand name of veneers) on canine teeth.





















Amy Winehouse: missing tooth, cracked tooth (way in the back), bulky teeth, inadequate spacing.

Recommendations: dental implant with all ceramic crown (ceramics look like natural teeth, they don't have an ugly metal underneath them), crown in the back, invisalign (invisible braces), and dental veneers.


If you have any questions regarding any of the recommended procedures above or think you may be a good candidate for some cosmetic dental work, please contact Trans Zen Dental for a free cosmetic consultation with Dr Mena Bhatt (480) 563.4936.

To be continued...