Hollywood insiders say the number of times Julia Roberts smiles on screen is directly correlated to how well her films do at the box office.
Her million-dollar grin has been a huge contributing factor to her status as one of the world�s best-paid actresses.
And research proves a beaming smile will enhance your looks and win you friends, jobs and even the man of your dreams.
But while the Americans place huge importance on teeth, we Brits are still notorious for having bad to non-existent dentistry.
However, these days there is no excuse for dodgy teeth. Follow Lifestyle�s comprehensive guide to the best treatments from quick fixes to long-term solutions.
Crooked teeth
Straight teeth can not only improve your smile but are also easier to clean, so are less vulnerable to disease.
Treatment:
One way to overcome crooked teeth is with veneers, a thin porcelain shell, which is bonded to your own teeth.
A tooth shade is chosen and an impression taken of the teeth then a small amount of the tooth�s surface is filed away.
Each tooth takes roughly ten minutes to file with no pain or discomfort.
Once the veneers have been made, they are bonded on with a special dental bonding material, which is extremely strong and can last up to 20 years.
Who does it?
It usually takes up to two weeks to make a set of veneers, but Dr Joe Oliver of London�s Welbeck Clinic, offers an express service and can create a new smile in a day.
How much does it cost?
Same-day treatment does, of course, come at a price - £995 per veneer. For more information visit www.thewelbeckclinic.co.uk.
Yellow teeth
Whitening teeth can do wonders when it comes to transforming a dull, uninspiring smile.
Treatment:
A whitening gel is applied directly on to the teeth and a blue light positioned over them.
It can effectively brighten teeth up to 11 shades whiter in just one treatment, with results lasting up to two years.
Who does it?
WY10 is the latest whitening system available at The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry you can be in and out of the dentist�s chair in 20 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The treatment costs £775 but that does include consultation, two treatments and a home whitening kit, so you can top up when necessary.
Wrinkles
Lines and wrinkles around the lips and lower part of the face can be very ageing, especially when the lines are deep and numerous.
Treatment:
The Smile Lift And Wrinkle Remover is a non-scalpel face-lift.
By manipulating the size of porcelain veneers, i.e. thickness, width and length they can help smooth ugly wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth and plump up lips.
Who does it?
Dr Mervyn Druian at his London Cosmetic Dentistry.
How much does it cost?
Price is dependent on treatment, which is discussed in the free consultation.
Thin lips
Thin and uneven lips can cause even the most perfect of gnashers to appear disproportionate and mismatched.
Treatment:
The latest dermal filler (launched nine months ago) on everyone�s lips is Laresse. Very different to anything else that has been on the market in the past 20 years, it is made from absorbable medical polymers. The clear, colourless gel is designed to plump lips and fill out lines and wrinkles.
Who does it?
Dr Nick Lowe already offers it in his clinic. �I am using it particularly in the lips as it hurts less for the client and gives a nice soft result,� he says.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from £250, for more information visit www.laresse.com.
Bad breath
While there are ways to help improve your pearly whites and overall smile, nothing beats good oral hygiene. Yearly check-ups with your dentist and visiting a hygienist every three months can keep your teeth in great condition and keep them looking healthy and white. Proper brushing and flossing is essential, too.
Products:
Brushing alone cannot totally remove plaque, so flossing is essential. As well a removing plaque, it removes debris and polishes teeth. Try Swiss Smile Waxed Dental Tape - the waxed tape slides easily in the space between teeth.
Using a good toothbrush is another good place to start. Oral-B�s all-singing alldancing Triumph with SmartGuide (£139.99, www.oralb.com) is brushing for dummies. It will instruct you how long to brush an area of your mouth - no more than 30 seconds apparently - before you should move on. Weleda toothpastes are made from natural ingredients, grown organically or ethically sourced from around the world.
Herbal extracts help promote oral health. If you dare, try its Salt Toothpaste (£2.95, www.weleda.co.uk). It stimulates salivation, which promotes self-cleansing. Now that really is something to smile about.
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