It’s easy to feel self-conscious—even when you’re the one helping others feel their best. That’s exactly what Jane experienced.
Jane worked behind the cosmetics counter at Nordstrom, helping customers find products to look and feel their best. But there was one thing she couldn’t fix with makeup—her own smile.
She said it made her self-conscious. Every day, she helped customers feel more confident in their appearance, but when she looked in the mirror, she felt disappointed by her own reflection. Her smile felt too “gummy,” and her front teeth didn’t line up in a way that looked natural to her.
We see this more often than people might expect—especially in client-facing roles like sales, retail, and education. People put on a professional face, but they’re carrying discomfort inside. Jane was no exception.
What We Did
When Jane came in, we started with a digital scan and diagnostic photos. She had about 4 millimeters of excessive gingival display when smiling—what’s commonly called a “gummy smile.”
- We used a hard tissue diode laser to gently recontour her gum line with minimal bleeding or discomfort.
- We coordinated with Wayne Payne, our master ceramist from Payne Dental Lab in San Clemente, CA, who’s been doing our cases for over 20 years.
- Wayne custom-matched the porcelain shade to VITA 040 /B1, ensuring it matched Jane’s natural enamel and skin tone, as well as the whites of her eyes.
- We placed 10 porcelain restorations on her upper front teeth to improve shape, symmetry, and shade consistency.
- We used a combination of digital and analog modalities to capture precise impressions during the prep appointment.
Jane’s smile makeover took three visits over the span of about 5 weeks.
What Changed
A few weeks after we completed treatment, Jane came in for a follow-up visit. She looked more relaxed, more energetic—even before she spoke, it was clear something had shifted.
She said she finally felt comfortable with her appearance, especially when smiling. What stood out was how much lighter and more joyful she seemed. Her family had noticed it too—how much happier she’d become.
Jane told us she didn’t realize how self-conscious she had been until the feeling was gone. Now, she smiled more freely at work and in everyday life.
That’s the kind of change we care about.
Why This Matters
If you work in a job where you’re around people all day, like Jane does, it’s easy to overlook how much your expression affects your confidence. A smile isn’t just cosmetic—it affects how you communicate, how you show up, and how people respond to you.
Not everyone needs porcelain restorations or laser treatment. But everyone deserves to feel good when they smile.
If you’re struggling with something similar, let’s talk through your options—no pressure, just clarity.
For more Smile Stories, click here.