Have you seen the videos of influencers shaving down their teeth with nail files on TikTok?
In case you’re common-sense challenged, dentists and oral surgeons have responded with a harsh “don’t do it” across the internet.
So, what drives people to do such crazy things? It turns out that one-third of Americans are dissatisfied with their smile.
But, is cosmetic dentistry right for you? Here’s why you should get your smile shaped by a pro.
- Life Advantages
It might seem unfair, but there has been some serious science backing the fact that attractive people are treated better. There is an episode in the TV show “30 Rock” that perfectly explains the way attractive people experience the world as “The Bubble.” Tina Fey’s character is dating someone who is so attractive that their experience in life is completely different than the “average” Tina Fey.
Research shows that “beautiful” people are both viewed as being healthier and are actually healthier than others. They perform better at their jobs, are able to get more of what they want, and are more likable.
Where does a smile fall into this? Whether we like it or not, our brains prefer bilateral symmetry. The placement and structure of your jaw, teeth, gums, and lips can radically change how attractive you appear to others.
- Confidence Boost
Yes, we should be able to be confident and completely joyous and happy in the bodies we’re given. But it’s a whole lot easier when you like what you see in the mirror.
Our culture has become a little misguided and confused when it comes to body image. On one hand, popular media tells you to be happy with what you’ve got, regardless of how it actually makes you feel or how unhealthy it might be.
Then, on the other hand, our culture is obsessed with self-improvement and upward mobility. So it’s not just you, you’re constantly sent mixed messages on what the “OK” way to feel about yourself is.
This is why self-confidence is something that is best relied on by—yourself. If you’re doing all that you can and the appearance of your smile and face is weighing you down, have no shame in doing something about it.
There is significant research on the way your appearance alters your self-perception. Self-confidence is everything.
There is even more science on how the belief in our ability to do things is the compass directing us toward everything in life. How much success we achieve, the quality of the friends we have, the careers we pursue, etc.
- Improved Health
Even though we’re conditioned to view dentists and physicians as separate entities, our oral and body health closely interlink. Many oral diseases and problems can greatly impact the overall health of the body.
For example, gum disease can spread and evolve into diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and even rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that people with gum disease are actually two times more likely to die from a heart attack. The same study also found they were three times more likely to have a stroke.
Oral problems can make it easier for oral health diseases to manifest. They can also make it more difficult to chew food.
The body flourishes when it’s fueled with a variety of different healthy foods. Dental problems can limit someone’s ability to provide their body with all of the nutrients it needs to operate at optimum efficiency.
Other oral problems can cause pain that impacts a person’s quality of life. Migraines, tension headaches, and jaw pain can become chronic life-altering issues. Many people suffer through unnecessary pain caused by misaligned teeth.
Ready for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Are you ready to make a change in your life with cosmetic dentistry? Sometimes we can get so used to something that we forget that we can improve it.
One of the most well-known forms of cosmetic dentistry is orthodontics. Braces and aligners that were once only used by teens are now being more widely used by adults. Consulting an orthodontist is beneficial to fixing the alignment of your teeth because they can ensure that your dental choice suits your unique smile.
You might have also heard of crowns or caps. Crowns can be used to prevent tooth decay or help shape chipped or unpleasant-looking teeth. Caps are simply acrylic or porcelain fillers.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry. Who doesn’t want a shining smile?
Teeth whitening isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. That’s why it’s best to consult a professional versus trying a kit at home.
Dentists can also try shaping and bonding teeth to alter their appearance. Dentists can shape the teeth in a similar way that a manicurist can shape and alter the appearance of fingernails.
Tools can be used to shave imperfections and sculpt teeth to be even and rectangular in appearance. Dentists can also bond materials to the teeth to fix small imperfections like chips or bad stains.
If teeth can’t be fixed by bonding or shaping, you might opt for veneers. Veneers are custom-made porcelain “teeth” that are cemented onto the front side of the tooth. Dentists apply veneers by shaving down the existing tooth so that it is only present enough to attach to the new veneer.
If you’re missing teeth or suffer from very large gaps, a dental implant might be used. Dental implants are metal devices that are surgically fused to the jaw to anchor artificial teeth. Bridges might be used to replace multiple missing teeth together.
Love Your Smile, Love Yourself
We all have the “things” we would like to fix about ourselves. Maybe it’s your eyes, or your hair or your feet, or of course, your teeth. Making a change to your physical appearance doesn’t have to be in vain.
If you don’t like something, the best thing to do is change it, if it’s something within your control. Cosmetic dentistry is one way to do this.
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