But standards of what constitutes an attractive smile have changed, say cosmetic dentists and the makers of dental products like porcelain laminates and crowns. Influenced by the cosmetically enhanced smiles flashed in movies, advertising and on television, patients insist on teeth that are white, whiter, whitest. Several dentists cited the influence of Regis Philbin, whose blinding pearly whites appear to have penetrated the American consciousness as profoundly as his offer to mint new millionaires. A look at dentists' shade guides, or standards for matching a patient's natural teeth to dental products, shows that the bright smile of several years ago appears to be too dim today. In the last few years, laminates, crowns, inlays and filling material have become lighter, dentists say.
People emulate what they see on the screen or tube.
A few years ago, today's shades would have been considered ridiculous or laughable,'' he said. Now, the shade, called Hollywood White, has become the favorite for average patients who simply want Hollywood-style glamour. Other dental product makers report a similar shift to the blinding end of the spectrum. Cosmedent in Chicago and Ultradent in Salt Lake City have added lighter shades named Bleach White and Opaque Snow, respectively. Fifteen years ago, the model Paulina Porizkova had her teeth bonded, a technique in which resin is applied to correct dental defects.