The truth is, you smile impacts self-esteem for many people. For people with near-perfect teeth, a smile is an easy way to socially engage with the people around them. This is especially true in the United States, where a smiling is frequently expected in public social settings and the workplace. People who don’t smile or don’t smile genuinely enough tend to be perceived negatively in these situations, which can have far-reaching ramifications for someone with poor oral health.

People who avoid smiling are more likely to be avoided, mistrusted, and generally seen as anti-social. The case is even worse for people who try to smile naturally despite visibly damaged teeth or severe halitosis, which may prompt a less sensitive individual to respond with disgust. As a result, many people who worry about the state of their teeth choose to cover their mouths and avoid smiling altogether. They still won’t be able to send all the same social cues as their peers, but at least they can avoid some embarrassment.

Beyond Social Consequences: How Your Smile Impacts Your Self-Esteem

Unfortunately, feeling out of place and uncomfortable expressing your emotions isn’t just about fitting in. The way we fit in socially determines so many parts of our lives that a bad smile can actually take a serious toll on our mental health. People with damaged smiles may struggle to find fulfilling work that matches their qualifications. They may have a difficult time finding friends or romantic partners. In the end, a problematic smile can leave a person feeling undervalued and alone. These feelings directly target our self-esteem.

To make matters worse, smiling naturally triggers the reward systems in our brains. By refusing to smile, people with visibly damaged teeth deny themselves hormone-driven happiness. Every time we smile, it sends a signal to our brains, encouraging it to release neuropeptides. These little guys actively fight off neurological responses to stress. And they encourage the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Sadly, it means that hiding your smile isn’t just adding to your stress levels. It is actively inhibiting your ability to deal with stress naturally.

Finding a Way Out with a Cosmetic Dentist Cerritos

The truth is that we are tremendously lucky to live in a time period where the state of your smile isn’t absolute. Regardless of how much damage has been done, your local dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS can offer you realistic options. Each treatment can address the physical and cosmetic consequences of tooth decay and gum disease. There’s no reason to suffer and hide your smile anymore. From dental implants to veneers, you can find an option that makes everyday activities more comfortable and gives you the winning smile you always wanted.

Dental Bonding:

If your teeth are uneven, chipped, or have noticeable gaps, then dental bonding is an easy way to fix any irregularities. Your dentist will quickly etch the problem tooth to give the resin a grooved surface for a better bond. Then they will apply the resin to give you an effective cosmetic fix.

Veneers Cerritos:

If the damage to your teeth is more pronounced, then porcelain veneers may be a better option. Porcelain is an excellent material due to its durability and ability to fully imitate naturally white teeth. These super-thin layers of ceramic are bonded directly to the front of your teeth, fully correcting color and misalignment issues.

Dental Implants:

Neither bonding nor veneers will actually fix underlying medical issues. Your dentist will want to treat those before addressing your cosmetic concerns. Dental implants, however, are often part of a dentist’s approach to treating severe tooth decay and gingivitis. If your teeth are bad enough that you’re actively hiding them, and it isn’t just due to misalignment, then you may need to have teeth pulled to restore your oral health. If this is the case, a dental implant is your best option for replacement. An implant fully mimics a natural tooth and even helps to preserve the integrity of your jawbone.