Have you ever noticed that many older people, especially those past the age of 50, rarely smile in photographs? Even many celebrities don't smile when their picture is taken. I suspect it's because when we age, our teeth change. Some get longer in the tooth, some teeth twist. I never knew what it meant when an older person would say about his or her age, "Hey, at least I have all my own teeth."
If you're one of those lucky individuals who go to the dentist a couple times a year and never have any dental problems, then you might not be interested in finding an excellent dentist or a periodontist in Midtown, Sacramento. However, if you're at that, um, age when you need to preserve that smile, I can definitely refer you to great services.
I switched dentists last year because I was unhappy with my present dentist. Apart from the fact that she refused to change her billing system and continued to send my dental bills to my husband, she lacked communication skills. I had asked her to fix a little groove in one tooth that seemed to attract plaque. When I got the bill, I discovered she had worked on two teeth instead. Since it was purely cosmetic, I was confused as to why she didn't follow my wishes.
I discovered that every time I left her office, I was irritated. Now, when I was younger, I used to believe that it didn't matter if I liked my dentist. It was like going to the car wash. The dentist did her or his job, and I was out of there. But now that I've reached that certain age, having faith and trust in my dentist has become important. Just like a home buyer or seller should have faith and trust in a real estate agent. It's a business relationship that can affect your entire future.
Last week I had implants. This is a process where your existing teeth are removed months prior, you go through an agonizing process of wearing a temporary plate, and then the dentist drills a hole in your jaw and sort of screws in a post that will hold your crowns. If you're considering that type of procedure, or need a bridge or even just crowns, you really want a team of specialists.
My dentist explained that I could choose the type of smile I wanted -- the shape, color and contour of my new teeth. He suggested I not choose the smile of an 18-year-old because it would look silly at my age. I looked online at a bazillion photographs of older women smiling. Didn't like Jamie Lee Curtis' smile nor that of Mary Tyler Moore. Hmmm, Julie Roberts was a possibility but way too much gum showing. She's also much younger than me. Jane Fonda's smile is just weird. I finally settled on Sally Field. OK, she's a bit older, but she has a fabulous smile.
I highly recommend my periodontist Dr. Leland Lee. His office is located at the corner of 22nd and Capitol, phone: 916.444.1121. Plus, he puts you out during the procedure, and for a wimp like me, that's important. His office staff is fabulous, and he is meticulous in his work. My regular dentist is Dr. James D. Coyle, and his office is across the street at 2201 Capitol Avenue, Suite 101, phone: 916.444.2957. Dr. Coyle has been a dentist probably forever, he has excellent communication skills and is simply awesome. When I leave his office, I am always smiling.
And this week I walked out with my Sally Field's smile.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming in June 2009.
Photo: Big Stock Photo
If you're a home buyer or seller in Midtown, Sacramento, who needs a Midtown real estate agent and would like to see my Sally Field's smile in person, call or email me: 916.233.6759, elizabeth at elizabethweintraub.com.
---
Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.
Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.
The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
