If you examine a U.S. dollar bill, you may notice that George Washington hides his smile behind a serious expression. The swollen look to his cheeks may be because his mouth was packed with cotton gauze to ease the pain.

Custom-designed smiles, 18th century

Over the years Washington lost all of his teeth except one, due to his health problems and medical practices of the late 1700s. He had a series of dentists create several sets of dentures for him.

Many people believe that George Washington's dentures were made of wood. However, researchers have discovered that they were sophisticated creations of gold, lead, ivory from a hippopotamus, and teeth from humans and animals.

In fact, the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, MD is sponsoring a contest to replicate the dentures that were originally created for George Washington in 1795 by John Greenwood, a New York dentist. (Entries are due in mid-May, and winners will be announced in June 2006.)

Custom-designed smiles, 21st century

More than 200 years later, custom-designed smiles are still in high demand. For example, rap star Nelly has a hit song "Grillz," a high-energy description of his elaborate mouth jewelry. (A grill is a removable mouthpiece that covers the teeth with gold, platinum, silver, and jeweled inlays.)

But there are risks involved with mouth jewelry. According to the American Dental Association, the bacteria trapped in the teeth by these pieces can escalate disease and decay. Jewelry cleaners may burn the gums, and irritation can cause the gums to recede. Also, if cheap metals are used, allergic reactions can lead to additional oral problems and health complications.

Your own custom-designed smile

Nelly may be able to use the investment in his teeth as a business-related tax deduction. While your own investment in your teeth may not be a tax write-off, some people believe that a beautiful smile is an important asset for your career. It also reaps enormous benefits in terms of your health, self-esteem and attractiveness.

According to the American Dental Association, "extreme makeovers" such as Nelly's grills are not necessary to make dramatic or even subtle changes. Instead, enhancements to your smile that can reflect your own unique personality may include:

·       Cleaning and flossing your teeth and gums, so that they stay whiter, fresh and healthy

·       Having regular dental appointments and cleanings to help prevent cavities or signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding gums

·       Replacing worn fillings

·       Restoring gaps, cracks or chips in your teeth

·       Straightening a crooked alignment

Sometimes you are unable to keep all of your original teeth, due to disease, decay or injuries. In this situation, like George Washington, we can restore your smile with a complete or partial set of dentures, or we may recommend implants. We will advise you on what is the best solution for your situation.

It's important to replace your missing teeth. When cheeks are sagging due to missing teeth, it makes you look older. (And you probably want to avoid the puffy, cotton-packed appearance of George Washington's mouth.) Dentures and implants not only improve your appearance and your health, they also help you to chew, talk and smile more easily.

Your own beautiful smile may be the only mouth jewelry you need. Nelly's hip-hop lyrics sum it up:

"... call it a drink, call it a smile on da rocks...
But it's my smile dats got these on-lookers spectatin."

Save the grill for your barbeque instead of your mouth, and invest in keeping your teeth healthy and pearly white.