Teeth Whitening and Invisalign - Gaining Self-Esteem through Cosmetic Dentistry

As a prosthodontist, I have read a lot about the relationship between oral health and self-esteem. It’s an issue that follows us throughout our lives, from school to the boardroom. It’s been shown that the state of our teeth can be a source of bullying in our formative years, and many speculate that our teeth can also help or hinder our odds of landing our dream job. One particular study found that dental disorders such as tooth loss and untreated decay can have a significant impact on the psychological behaviour of adolescents, which can seriously affect their self-esteem.

So what’s the solution to our dental woes? Of course, as dentists, we believe prevention is always better than cure, so we’d highly recommend a great dental routine. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, use a good mouthwash - we all know what we are meant to do and what tooth-staining foods we should avoid. The reality is, however, sometimes our genetics predispose us towards darker or more crooked teeth. If this is the case, it hardly seems fair that we should have to suffer from poor levels of confidence throughout our lives.

Many people are turning to cosmetic dentistry for a smile deserving of a Hollywood starlet. Thankfully, dental procedures such as teeth whitening, Invisalign and porcelain veneers are becoming increasingly accessible to everyone, with many providers offering free consultations and finance plans. Below, we cover the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry today and what they can offer you in terms of increased self-confidence. In a few short months, you might just be seeing yourself in a whole new light.

Teeth Whitening

It might not surprise you to know that bright, white teeth are linked to increased confidence. In fact, one study has shown that whiter teeth can lead to greater success in both work and love. This may well be why teeth whitening is one of the most in-demand cosmetic dental procedures today.

Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them several shades lighter. While it can't give you dazzling white teeth, teeth whitening can remove the stains that have accumulated on your teeth over the years. At-home whitening kits do exist, but they carry certain risks. If the convenience of whitening from home appeals to you, talk to a dentist. They may be able to advise on specially formulated, dentist-recommended kits that are tailored to your particular teeth.

Invisalign

Crooked teeth can be a huge source of embarrassment for many people. But with today's technology, fixing crooked teeth is not impossible. An orthodontist will be able to help you with it. Correcting them with traditional braces wouldn’t feel like such a big deal if you were a child, but if you’re an adult, you might find the idea of metal train tracks across your teeth an unappealing prospect. If this is the case for you but you’re still determined to look in the mirror and love your smile, you might want to consider Invisalign teeth straightening.

Invisalign, also known as clear aligners, are an orthodontic alternative to traditional braces. They work over time to adjust your teeth and, as an added bonus, they're virtually invisible when they are in. They are also removable, making them an ideal lifestyle match for many people. This might be why Invisalign is favoured by celebrities across the world.

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers may well be the true origin of the famous Hollywood smile. With the use of this flexible resin, dentists can create a near-perfect smile that you’d be proud to show off. Veneers don’t come cheap, but they represent a great long-term investment, as they are durable and able to give you a beautiful smile in just a few visits to your dentist. If you are curious about how your self-esteem could be elevated by the use of porcelain veneers, research before and after photos and you’ll be left in no doubt of the difference dental veneers can make.

Dental Implants

A missing tooth in an otherwise perfect smile can make anyone feel self-conscious and embarrassed. Dental implants can help you regain a healthy smile and a great deal of self-esteem by closing the gaps in your grin. Dental implants allow you to do away with false teeth, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Filling in teeth in this way can also make eating and speaking easier, which will put an extra spring in your step.

Taking the first step into the world of cosmetic dentistry can feel a little daunting at first, but much like a brand new haircut or a fresh new style, a glamorous new grin can do wonders for your confidence, your self-esteem and your general happiness - something we all deserve a little more of.