Are you embarrassed to see yourself smiling in photos? Do you keep your lips tight when greeting people for the first time? Being self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth can affect the way you carry yourself – and in turn, affect how others react to you. Fortunately, there are many forms of cosmetic dentistry in Center, Texas, that can help you feel more confident about your pearly-whites. Here’s how teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures can give you more reasons to grin.
How Can the Appearance of My Teeth Affect My Confidence?
One survey found that more than 25% of the participants weren’t happy with the appearance of their teeth; of this group, two-thirds felt it affected their confidence, with 53% worrying it could impede any romantic endeavors and 46% believing it could hurt their chances of finding a job.
When you’re worried about discoloration, misalignment or disfiguration of your teeth, it can often cause you to be more reluctant to smile. Conversely, feeling good about your teeth can make you more willing to show them off; it’ll be easier to keep your mouth open when smiling or laughing, which helps you appear more sincere. Furthermore, a good mood is contagious; when you’re more positive, the people around you will tend to act more positive as well.
To this end, identifying exactly what aspects of your teeth you’d like to improve can be very good for your self-image.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help the Appearance of My Teeth?
Depending on the desired corrections, there are various forms of cosmetic dentistry that can improve your smile:
- Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures. Over time, your teeth can become discolored due to stains from drinks such as coffee or foods such as berries; since tooth enamel is porous, staining particles can seep into the inner dentin layer, where they can’t be removed by regular brushing. Teeth whitening uses a special gel that can clean extrinsic and intrinsic stains, creating a brighter look. It can be done in a single visit, or it can be done slowly over time using a take-home kit.
- Dental bonding can be used to fill small cracks in the enamel or thin gaps between teeth. A special tooth-colored resin is applied to hide the affected area.
- Porcelain veneers can be used for multiple or extensive changes including discoloration and tooth damage. These thin shells are applied to the front of the tooth and create a natural look; they’re safe and comfortable, so you won’t need to worry about sensitivity problems.
Everyone’s teeth are unique, so the best technique for achieving certain improvements will vary from person to person. Always speak with your dentist about the pros and cons of the available options before deciding on a cosmetic dental procedure; make sure you make a decision that will leave you smiling!
About the Practice
At the Family Dental Center of East Texas, Drs. Thomas Youngblood and Mireya Martinez take a friendly approach to dental care to help patients feel welcome. They offer a variety of cosmetic dental treatments, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and metal-free dental restorations. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (936) 221-5666.