Dealing with "Bad Teeth": Advice

I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!

Does Your Smile Hold You Back In Business?

Dentist Blog

If you are reluctant to smile because you're not confident about your teeth, you may be losing business or not advancing as much as you'd like in your career.

Why Smiling is Important For Your Career

People who smile are considered more attractive than those who normally have a neutral facial expression, according to one study in the European Journal of Social Psychology. Subjects evaluated pictures of people with smiles to be more sincere and competent, which are key factors in how others perceive you in a business environment.

Smiling can also indicate that you're more trustworthy -- another important factor in how you are perceived in the business world -- according to a study that compared women who smile against women who have a neutral expression. 

Why Aren't You Smiling?

If you aren't confident about your teeth, chances are that you are not smiling as often as you could. And that could mean that others don't see you as being competent or trustworthy.

Even if your teeth are straight, you may have other concerns. Perhaps you think your teeth are not white enough, or you are uncomfortable with how they are shaped. Anything that keeps you from having a perfect smile can have a direct impact on how often you smile, even if it's not a conscious decision.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Smile?

Seeing a cosmetic dentist like Russell M Morrell DMD is a good first step to understanding how your smile can be better. There are several cosmetic dental services that can be done in one or two visits that can make a dramatic difference in how your teeth look.

  • Whitening. Some people have naturally darker teeth, but most people have accumulated stains from foods or drinks they consume or because they are older. Teeth whitening is a simple process that can immediately make you feel more confident with your smile.
  • Veneers. If you have a chipped tooth or one that is more discolored than the others, you may be especially self-conscious. Your cosmetic dentist can evaluate whether it's possible to put veneers on just one or two teeth to quickly improve your smile.
  • Contouring or reshaping. With a laser or a drill, your dentist can smooth out areas that are jagged or reshape your teeth.

There are many other, longer-term solutions to more challenging smile issues. But chances are, a few quick fixes can give you an increased interest in smiling and a boost to your career.

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22 July 2016