Never Be Embarrassed About Your Teeth Again With the Help of a Cosmetic Surgeon
In the age of the selfie, our smile matters. Unfortunately, a large percentage of the population remains embarrassed by the state of their teeth. Part of the problem, of course, is that getting to the dentist is an item on the to-do list that very few of us enjoy. The Centers for Disease Control reported that between 2014 and 2015, under 65% of adults between the ages of 18 and 64 went to the dentist. However, over 90% of adults had some experience with cavities.
There have been increasing studies that link the state of our dental health to our overall health, so visiting your dentist regularly is important. In fact, the recommended amount is once every six months. However, if you want something to change about your smile (or your teeth in general), a regular dental practice might not do. You might need to check out cosmetic dental services.
The Importance of a Smile
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ran a survey that showed that almost 100% of adults thought that having a healthy smile was important to their social life. Yet, a quarter of respondents in a 2015 survey said they often or sometimes kept from smiling in the last year because of issues related to their mouth and teeth. Almost a quarter said they were embarrassed because of their dental issues, 20% claimed they experienced anxiety, and almost 15% reported cutting down on their social activity because of it.
This all goes to show that a smile can go a long way. It’s part of the initial first impression we make of someone -- and part of what we judge them by. Have you ever noticed that almost every Hollywood actor or actress has perfect teeth? Good teeth are an important standard of beauty in our culture. Having good teeth can raise self-esteem and self-confidence in an important way.
Why Choose Cosmetic Dental Services Over My Usual Dental Practice?
In some cases, a dental practice may even refer you to a cosmetic dental service if you need serious work done. If, for example, you were in an accident and had teeth knocked out or loosened, a cosmetic dentist could help replace missing teeth and restore a cracked or chipped tooth. This is something your regular dental practice couldn’t do.
A cosmetic dentist can also help you whiten your teeth, straighten or realign your teeth, reshape your teeth, and fix any issues with discoloration. Essentially, while a regular dental practice focuses on keeping your teeth, gums, and overall mouth healthy, they’re not focused so much on the actual cosmetics of how your teeth look. Naturally good dental care tends to go hand in hand with a nice smile, but if you need a little extra work or are starting a better dental regimen after years of neglect, a cosmetic dental service could be just the thing.
How Can I Keep My Smile Looking Good?
Once you’ve had your cosmetic dentistry completed, you want to make sure that you’re keeping up with it. Follow the instructions your cosmetic dentist gives you -- for example, if they require you to wear a retainer at night, you should do so. And following your regular dentist’s orders of brushing, flossing, and coming in to see them regularly will also help keep your smile looking perfect.
Your dentist may also advise using the tooth whiteners. Luckily, you can purchase these items in the drugstores for upkeep, if needed. Remember that coffee, tea, and wine all stain badly, so be sure to brush your teeth after drinking these if you can.
If you've been embarrassed about your smile, take hope! A cosmetic dentist can work wonders on your teeth and improve your self-esteem, perfect your smile, and get you picture-ready.