When I look in the mirror, I like the smile I see … for the most part.

The thing is I like to laugh — a lot. I would say it's my favorite pastime. Unfortunately, I haven't always taken good care of my teeth.

I have a couple of silver fillings in my rear molars. You can’t see them when I smile but you sure can when I laugh! So the idea of getting rid of my silver fillings has always been in the back of my mind.

Fillings are used to repair cavities, but they are also used to repair cracks and breaks in teeth. (My fillings were used to repair cavities, unfortunately). Amalgam, or silver, fillings require removing more of the healthy parts of teeth to make enough room for fillings to fit, so they can wind up looking pretty big.

There are other types of fillings such as composite (tooth-colored fillings) or porcelain (also tooth colored). The tooth-colored ones cost a bit more than amalgam fillings but are very good for cosmetic reasons since they blend in with your teeth.

After speaking to my dentist, we decided that changing my silver fillings to composite would be the best bet for the most visible molars.

So far, I have gotten two done and I am very happy with the results. I think they look great and I'm really anxious to get the other ones done. I really do feel a lot better about my smile when I laugh ... which, as we know, is my favorite pastime! :)

I can’t control my fingers. I can’t control my brain. Oh no oh oh oh oh.

How is it that we are born with very specific fears and phobias?

What we fear is distinct to individuals. Sometimes we can’t even blame these fears on a bad experience. But regardless, these fears can make our minds run wild and the body can respond to that anxiety that builds up.

Personally, I have had a needle phobia as long as I can remember. I’ve learned to tone down the hysterics involved with needles, but it’s still there. For others, the level of anxiety never wanes.

No matter how wonderfully sweet and gentle a dentist can be, sometimes that is still not enough to give you peace of mind.

This prevents millions of people from even going to the dentist, which in the long run could result in more lengthy and costly procedures that could have been prevented with regular checkups and cleanings.

There are many levels of sedation dentistry that can be offered to patients to help relieve that anxiety. The spectrum ranges from a mild oral sedation taken to calm nerves to being put completely under.

Communication Is Key

Talk to your dentist.

If your dentist does not take your dental anxiety seriously, find another dentist. A really great dentist will understand how to make adjustments for you, and there are dentists out there that love to care for fearful patients. 

Since my fears are not super deep, the most I need would be nitrous oxide or oral sedation. If, in the future, I get an implant, then I may reconsider deep sedation.

This is different for everyone and usually requires some out-of-pocket expense, but making sure you get your necessary dental work done in a relaxed way is worth it. 

Sedation dentistry may be your key to getting back in that dental chair!

“What if …?”

One of the many troubles with toothaches is not only the pain but also the mental anguish caused by asking “What if … ?”

Too many of us scare ourselves out of going to get professional help when we first feel a toothache because we think we know what’s going to happen, and it’s never good.

“What if I have to get a tooth extraction?”

“What if drills and shots are involved?”

“What if the bill is really expensive?!” (The scariest thought of all.)

But what if it doesn’t have to be this way.

What if by ignoring the pain, you’re making it a whole lot worse then it has to be?

What if by not visiting the dentist, this pain spreads and it affects your overall health?

Yes, that can happen, and it probably will.

Denial Ain’t Just a River in Egypt

Think of it like a sunburn that not only won’t go away but will also continue to get worse with each passing day.

Sure, you can slather some aloe on it to relive the pain for little while, but say you wake up tomorrow and your whole body is a deeper shade of red, maybe starting to blister and the pain is so harsh you can’t even move your legs. You would go see someone about it because not only is it affecting your mobility, but no one wants to be seen like that, all red and blistery.

Now, think about denying a toothache for too long and the consequences that come with it.

They might be pretty much the same. Things could get so bad that it might affect the way you move your mouth and your overall appearance. Not to mention how it might be affecting the rest of you.

Next time you feel a toothache, ask yourself “Is it worth it to deny it?” I didn’t think so.

When we first launched the My Smile Bites! Smile Makeover Contest, we had high hopes -- I mean, $30,000 worth of free dentistry is a BIG deal!

Still, we didn’t know how many people would take the time to make a personal video and tell us their story. …

But a lot did. And not 20 or 30 a lot -- but HUNDREDS a lot!

So folks, now we need you to do your thing. Vote for your favorite contestants now through December 1st, noon PST.

You can cast one vote per day. Please don’t try to trick the system and cast more (you know who you are!).

Get your friends and family involved.  Remember: Your votes will help someone win a life-changing smile makeover.

If you’re still reading this, you probably haven’t voted. What are you waiting for? Vote now!