Actress Goldie Hawn has been quoted as saying, "I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile."

Indeed, your smile is a powerful tool. It can help you get a job, make friends, and negotiate your way out of life's stickiest situations.

Those who weren't born with a movie-star smile, however, are increasingly turning to cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as veneers, to improve the look of dull, worn or misshapen teeth.

Fueled in part by the popularity of "makeover" reality shows, aesthetic or cosmetic dental services increased an average of 12.5 percent in the past five years, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Veneers in particular are among the top three cosmetic dentistry procedures requested by patients age 20 to 50, having increased by over 250 percent.

If you are considering veneers, the doctor you choose to perform the procedure can make a big difference in your final results. Here are some vital questions to ask your dentist:

* Do you place Lumineers? Because traditional veneers require the painful removal of sensitive tooth structure, more dentists are choosing a painless alternative called Lumineers by Cerinate. Lumineers are made only from patented Cerinate porcelain and are offered by more than 8,000 dentists nationwide.

* Will I need any shots or anesthesia during the veneer placement? Most likely, if you are getting traditional veneers, the pain involved from the removal of sensitive tooth structure would require anesthesia or shots.

With Lumineers, however, no anesthetic or numbing shots are needed. Plus, no uncomfortable temps are required while you wait for your Lumineers to be created. Once the procedure is completed, there is no post-placement discomfort or sensitivity, which means the Lumineers will look natural and feel comfortable from the start.

* How long do Lumineers last? Lumineers have been clinically proven to last up to 20 years and come with a five-year warranty.

* What if I don't like the veneers? Because traditional veneers require grinding down sensitive tooth structure, the effects are irreversible. This is not the case with Lumineers, as your original teeth will remain intact.