HEALTH: MILLION DOLLAR SMILE

Before you jump into the dentist's chair, do your homework. Not all practitioners are equally trained in esthetic techniques, so check their credentials, which may include membership in an association like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (aacd.org). Ask to see before-and-after photos of their patients--not generic ones of another dentist's work. And think about payment. Companies like Enhance Patient Financing (enhancefinance.com) offer loans for cosmetic dentistry similar to car loans, except that interest rates are higher because there's no collateral. (You can't repossess dental work.) And remember, a little bit can go a long way. "Not everyone needs an extreme makeover," says Messina. "Small changes may make a big difference."

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