As we all know, our outward appearance and personal hygiene can have a significant impact on our self-esteem. Whether it’s in a personal or professional setting, how we look can directly affect how we feel about ourselves.
A major facet of physical appearance is our mouth, as we talk, laugh and smile in social interactions. A happy, healthy smile makes you look more radiant and youthful. We recommend cosmetic procedures to patients for a variety of reasons, but our primary goal is for the improvement of mental health, self-esteem and confidence.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on practices and procedures that improve the state of a patient’s gums, teeth and bite. When we perform cosmetic dentistry, we’re not only talking about the look of your smile, but also the overall health and functionality of your teeth. Form and functionality work together to transform how your mouth is shaped and what kind of smile you have.
Here are some common signs that you might need to consider cosmetic dentistry:
- Missing teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Embarrassed to smile
- Shifted jaw
- Digestive problems
As we age, tooth erosion and discoloration occur much more frequently. The outermost protective layer of the tooth —known as enamel—begins to wear away. There are a variety of reasons for this, including particular medications, poor drinking and eating habits, smoking, specific diseases, as well as certain genetic predispositions. Teeth with eroded enamel are more likely to become damaged or cracked.
Older patients who have lost teeth experience a collapsed jawline, which can make them look older. Cosmetic dentistry involves not only replacing missing teeth, but can also enhance the jawline to give the face a younger look. Cosmetic dentistry helps resolve these types of issues with deliberate, effective treatments that are known to boost mental health.
How does cosmetic dentistry affect my social life?
Research tells us that social isolation often results in feelings of depression and anxiety in patients. During these self-isolating times, cosmetic services can help eradicate or lessen those feelings, making you feel comfortable and confident enough to maintain and develop new relationships. If you don’t feel confident about your smile, you might begin to withdraw from strangers, friends, and even your closest family members. This is a natural, physiological reaction to our environment.
Cosmetic dentistry opens doors for people, empowering patients to speak openly, smile often, laugh out loud and eat in public without the underlying stress of what they perceive to be an unattractive smile. As you become more expressive and engaging, people will be naturally attracted to your energy and confidence. This feedback loop emboldens you to keep socializing, further boosting your self-confidence. You’ve created a cycle of ever-increasing self-esteem.
Improving your career
An authentic smile builds credibility with people, especially in the workplace. Whether you are in the running for a promotion, presenting to an important client or interviewing for a new position, cosmetic dentistry will only further enhance your confidence. Employers and colleagues view those with a big, expressive smile as honest, driven and dependable. Concealing your teeth actually has the opposite effect, making you come across as deceitful and disingenuous.
A true, natural smile is contagious. Your boss and co-workers will feel more cheerful when they see your smile, and they’ll begin to smile back. Businesses search for candidates who display conviction and confidence because they are perceived as being more proficient and responsible. It may seem small, but a confident smile can take your profession to the next level, also boosting your self-esteem.
Here are some of the cosmetic services that Dental Arts offers:
- Teeth whitening
- Tooth-colored fillings and bonding
- Porcelain crowns and veneers
- Orthodontics (porcelain brackets & clear aligners)
- Porcelain dental implant crowns
- Tooth reshaping and contouring
How do I get started with cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry begins with an in-depth examination by one of our doctors to understand your needs, goals, and expected outcomes. From there, we will design a custom plan for you that aligns with your treatment goals. We will also address any existing oral health concerns that we identify as part of our treatment plan.
Modern psychology has shown us that our attitudes and self-esteem are directly associated with our physical appearance. Investing in cosmetic dentistry means investing in your mental health. In fact, studies have shown that smiling actually produces ‘feel-good’ hormones which make you feel more optimistic. We could all use a little more of that these days, right?
If you would like to get more information on how cosmetic dentistry can impact your psychological wellbeing, how to improve your oral health or want to learn how Dental Arts can help you get the results you want for your mouth, please contact us. We’re always here to help!
Dental Arts is a full-service general dentistry and orthodontic practice for the entire family. For more than three decades, we have provided the highest quality dental and orthodontic care available to the residents of New Orleans. Explore the Dental Arts difference today.
