Your smile is one of the most important features of your face. When it looks good, people notice you immediately. However, many people don’t realize just how much their smiles reveal about themselves. A smile says a lot about us. It tells others if we’re happy or sad, stressed or calm, friendly or unfriendly, attractive or unattractive, healthy or sick, and more.
So why do some people not smile, knowing how important it is in relation to how others perceive us?
Because they don’t like their smile.
If you aren’t smiling because you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about the state of your teeth, you’re not alone. Many adults feel this way, and, as a result, they cover up their smile.
Individuals who don’t like their smile tend to shy away from relationships, pictures and even job interviews.
If you feel like you need to hide your teeth, cover up your mouth or avoid talking to anyone because you’re unsatisfied with the state of your smile, you don’t have to live like this forever.
You can change your life by changing your smile.
Smiles and Self-Esteem
Smiling has been linked to improved self-esteem. Smiling makes us feel better about ourselves and our lives. This helps us to be more confident in social situations.
Why Does Smiling Make Us Feel Better About Ourselves?
When we smile, we release neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin into our bodies, helping us feel good about ourselves and feel more relaxed, less anxious and more energetic.
Research has shown time and again that having a beautiful smile that you love isn’t only a confidence booster – it’s also an overall happiness booster. People who love their smile are more confident, experience less anxiety and have a better overall outlook on life.
Smiling and Health
Not only does smiling make your emotional health better, but it also makes your overall health better.
A 2012 study published in Psychological Science found that smiling makes us healthier. The study showed that smiling also helped reduce stress levels. Participants were asked to rate their level of stress before and after smiling for 30 seconds. Those who smiled experienced lower levels of stress than those who didn’t smile.
Smiling can also:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce pain (grin and bear it!)
- Improve immunity
Improving Your Smile
The goal of emotional dentistry isn’t just to fix someone’s teeth. It’s to give people a smile that represents who they are — a reflection of themselves. For many reasons, people find it difficult to express themselves through their smile. They may have a weak jawline, misaligned and crooked teeth, or show too much gum.
They want to feel better about the smile they share. They want to be able to smile confidently and enjoy life without worrying about showing their teeth.
That’s where cosmetic procedures come in.
Cosmetic Procedures to Improve Smiles
There are several cosmetic procedures available today that can improve smiles.
These treatments can improve smiles in a number of ways. They can whiten teeth, fill cavities, correct bite problems, repair chipped enamel and replace missing teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings. Tooth-colored fillings can replace metal fillings and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Dental Implants. Dental implants are a popular tooth-replacement option and look, feel and function just like natural teeth.
Smile Makeovers. A smile makeover is a comprehensive treatment plan designed to create a healthy, attractive smile.
Cosmetic Dentures. Cosmetic dentures are removable false teeth that look and feel like real teeth.
Teeth Whitening. Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures performed today. It can dramatically lighten stained, yellowed or discolored teeth.
Gummy Smile Treatments/Gum Contouring. Gum contouring is a procedure used to remove excess tissue from around the gums. This helps to smooth out any wrinkles and lines and creates a more pleasing smile.
Orthodontics. Orthodontics are often recommended as part of a complete smile makeover. They straighten teeth and align them properly so they appear more symmetrical.
Veneers. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain bonded over the front surface of teeth. They’re usually used to cover minor imperfections such as chips, cracks, stains and gaps between teeth.
Crowns. Crowns are caps placed over damaged or broken teeth. They help protect the remaining tooth structure and restore its strength.
These procedures can be performed solo or in combination as part of a smile makeover.
The result is a beautiful, confident smile you will feel good about.
You owe it to yourself to feel happy and confident in your appearance. We’d love to give you a healthy smile that’s worth smiling about. Learn more about our approach to emotional dentistry and how improving your smile can boost your self-esteem. Call us now to schedule a consultation.