Even if your teeth are only slightly crooked or uneven, the effect on your self-confidence can be very damaging. People who are self-conscious about their smiles tend to smile less often, and are therefore perceived as less friendly, trustworthy, and honest. Every time you’re having fun with friends or laughing at jokes, your attention is drawn back to your teeth as you consciously try not to smile too much. Your quality of life suffers when you’re not confident about your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is a solution often sought out by people who suffer from all manner of dental problems. Whether you got into an accident or were born with bad teeth, various cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you feel great about your smile.
Bonding, veneers, and crowns
Each of these cosmetic dentistry options changes the shape or look of a tooth. For example, bonding can fill in gaps or change the colour and shape of your tooth, while crowns cover a tooth completely and veneers are placed over the tooth. Each of these procedures is relatively quick, though some procedures can be expensive (veneers that are custom-made in a lab, for instance).
Reshaping and contouring
If you have crooked teeth but don’t want to or can’t get braces, simple reshaping and contouring can make your teeth look even and well-aligned. If all you need is a few subtle changes, your dentist may recommend reshaping or contouring your teeth, particularly if you are having bonding done at the same time.
Small procedures can mean big changes in self-esteem
If you currently feel self-conscious about your smile, you aren’t alone. About one in four of us would like to change our teeth somehow, and though not everyone goes through with the procedure, any dentist can tell you about the patients whose quality of life have improved since seeking cosmetic dentistry.
Although cosmetic procedures may seem unnecessary since your smile isn’t physically hurting, smiles are the first thing we find attractive about others, linked with the trust we place in people, and much more. When you feel good about your smile, you’ll feel good about yourself and you will present your best face to the world.
