An Orthodontist Can Boost Your Self Esteem!
People who are happy with the the way they look are typically more confident and have higher self esteem than those who are not. The way our teeth look and the appearance of our smile can have a pretty significant impact on the way we view ourselves.
It’s true that individuals with misaligned (crooked) teeth usually are more reserved, shy or self conscious. They in turn cover their mouths when they smile or laugh, smile with their lips closed, or avoid speaking when around strangers or peers.
This is where an Orthodontist comes in. Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that has a focus on the alignment of teeth. Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, intercept, and treat dental and facial irregularities. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the goal of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful smile and a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw and look great.
Having healthy self-esteem and self-confidence is especially important for children, as it can impact their mental and emotional well-being during their early years of development and can shape the person they grow up to be. In today’s competitive world, you want to empower your child with everything you can to feel confident about themselves.
But, braces is not just for kids. Nowadays, adults are getting braces to get the smile they always wanted and deserved. There are several different types of braces to choose from; traditional metal braces, ceramic braces that match the color of your teeth and even clear aligners, like invisalign. More and more adults are getting braces and totally embracing the journey, like Mollie (pictured below) that’s owning her braces journey.
Mollie expresses that “I was a cheerleader but I never smiled big. Group photos and everyone is smiling but then there’s me looking all angry with the soft smile. The school picture photographers always used to tell me to smile with my teeth but I always refused.” Now she is on her way to a straighter, more beautiful smile and embracing every step of it.
Mollie with the soft smile, before she was comfortable to smile showing teeth.
A more confident Mollie, with braces showing off her beautiful smile.
Smile/non-smile :)
The changes that occurred in only 3 months of having braces on. Bottom: month 1; Top: Month 3
Her smile is getting straighter and more beautiful.
Follow along with Mollie’s braces journey by visiting her instagram page (molliewearsbraces).
In my practice, I have seen how life altering getting a straighter, more beautiful smile can be. Orthodontists can help boost one’s self-esteem by:
Improving one’s appearance - Straighter teeth means a much more beautiful smile, which in turn means a more attractive appearance.
Improving Health - straighter teeth are easier to clean than misaligned (crooked) ones, which means healthier gums, fewer cavities and fewer staining.
Correcting Speech Impediments - While not all speech patterns can be corrected without the help of a Speech & Language Pathologist, the straightening of teeth can help to improve some speech patterns.
If you’ve been thinking about a more desirable smile or have been considering Orthodontic treatment, visit the AAO website here to find an Orthodontist in your area.
Disclaimer: I am not Mollie’s Orthodontist