I understand why Geisha smile with their mouths closed--their lipstick makes their teeth look more yellow. Mine are ok for the most part--but my incisors (which are pretty prominent) are a few shades darker than the rest.

Of course I wouldn't want to pull a Ross and get the teeth that shine like beacons in the dark, either.

I'm with you Zen. I'd like my teeth to be whiter, but not bright white. I am a great proponent of two of the worst teeth yellowers -- coffee and red wine. Having dark skin, I don't think that it's as noticeable in pictures and whatnot, but I wouldn't mind a few shades. I keep meaning to try the Crest whitestrips or whatever. Speaking of, has anyone used the OTC whitening stuff? Any recommendations or warnings?

I have used the OTC whiteners, and they didn't work for me, but - caveat - they made my teeth hurt and I know I didn't keep them on as long as I should have. The aforementioned Chiclet-toothed friend claims she did it by wearing the OTC whiteners for a couple hours a day, with no pain, so I guess you just have to try it to know.

I'm thinking of spending the $500 and getting the laser thing done. My dentist says the OTC stuff works better for keeping them white than getting them white.

Beautiful pictures Cashmere!

Beautiful pictures, Cashmere. I especially love the one of you and DH. Your kids are going to love seeing that in years to come.

I came across a photo of (most) of my extended family, gathered together for my grandmother's memorial service a couple of years ago [link] I'm just to the right of the photo of my g'ma, my dad is behind me, and my mom is next to me.

I keep meaning to try the Crest whitestrips or whatever. Speaking of, has anyone used the OTC whitening stuff? Any recommendations or warnings?

Not those, but I have used the Crest Vivid White toothpaste - it comes in separate day and night versions - to good effect.

Gloomcookie, that's a LOT of pretty!

Hush, you, you're deflating my righteous wrath and replacing it with "Aw, golly shucks."

t growls softly

Another sad fact about the family photo is that it was taken on my dad's b-day. He was upset after the memorial for his mom, so he wanted no b-day celebration, which is totally out of character. Poor Dad.

Vincent's voice always gave me shivers--the good kind.

Beverly is me. That voice just slays me. And the wounded nobility and all. ::puddles up:: I just wish they didn't throw in the Rambokitty rides on top of the subway in every, single episode.

Go you Joe with the VA possibility. I'm serious, with your CS background, wit and fixy-ness, you could make a hugely rewarding career for yourself out of VAing. Plus, 99% of VAs are women. You could brand yourself as the "OTHER VA meat." By which I do NOT mean porn.