Why Did People Not Smile in Old Pictures? - The Center For Holistic Dentistry

Focusing On Your Whole Body Health

Traducir al español: English | Spanish

Old photographs are packed with memories, but they’re also lacking quite a few elements that are common in pictures today. Color, for one. But perhaps the most noticeable difference between old time pictures and modern snapshots is the lack of smiles. At my Yorktown Heights dental office, we want all of our patients to smile big and wide in photos, and we were curious to why this wasn’t always the norm.

 

Technological Limitations

Back when the very first photo was taken in 1826, it took over eight hours to expose. That’s about an entire work day to take a picture — which also meant the subject could not move or the photo would be ruined. Luckily, this first picture wasn’t of a person. Thirteen years later, the exposure time was shortened to just fifteen minutes. While a huge time saver, fifteen minutes was still a long time for someone to sit as still as a statue, let alone hold a smile. Try it yourself. Set a timer, put a smile on, and don’t move until the timer buzzes. Impossible, right?

 

Bad Oral Health

Let’s say our ancestors had the technology available to take quick, instantaneous pictures. Would that have changed things? Would great-great-great-grandmother Ethel be grinning wide in those old photos? Probably not. Unfortunately, dental care wasn’t very advanced, and oral hygiene suffered. Even it was possible to get a picture quickly, many people would have been too embarrassed by their teeth to actually show them off.

 

From Stoic to Smiling

As time went on, things changed. Technology got better, and photos can now be taken in an instant. Advancements in dentistry makes it easier to get a smile you’re proud to show off. Now, people aren’t as afraid to show off their many expressions in photographs, including big, wide smiles.

 

However, there are still some who may be shying away from showing their pearly whites in pictures because they’re embarrassed by their smiles. Perhaps teeth may be a bit crooked. Maybe they have unsightly stains. Possibly silver fillings are making the smile appear dark and dingy.

 

If this sounds like you, there are ways we can help. Cosmetic dentistry, along with high-tech equipment, makes getting the smile you’ve always wanted easier than ever before. If you want to stop hiding your smile in pictures, give my Yorktown Heights dental office a call today to set up a consultation. We’ll discuss your smile goals and the best solutions to get you the smile of your dreams.

 

Accepting patients from Yorktown Heights, Putnam Valley, Mahopac, Cortland, Croton, Somers.

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Yorktown Heights, NY

"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

- Greg R.

"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

- Jodi B.

"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

- Chloe L.

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

Holistic Veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstien, Oprah’s vet of choice, shares how it was Dr. Lerner’s expertise and shared holistic approach that made him trust his treatment.

Dana talks about her concerns about injections and pain and how Dr. Lerner’s holistic approach was reassuring to her.

What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

Discover Your Options & Receive A Custom Treatment Plan