One of the highlights of working in dentistry is seeing the joy on people’s faces as they check out their ‘new’ teeth for the first time. It might sound like a cliche, but for many, this really feels like ‘the first day of the rest of their lives’. But why is our smile so important, and so personal to us? Read on to find out.
Communication – as old as time
There are countless ways to move the muscles in our faces. Our faces are so expressive because they serve to demonstrate any combination of the following base human emotions: fear, sadness, anger, disgust, enjoyment, and surprise.
Smiling is universally considered to be a way we display joy. It really is the most authentic tool that allows us to communicate our internal world to the outside world, and it can be a welcoming sign to people we meet, especially for the first time.
If you can’t say it – display it!
If you have ever gone travelling to different cultures (especially when you don’t speak the same language!), you will quickly realise that your facial expressions are going to be your main form of communication. If in doubt, keep smiling! Why? Because generally people will help people who they believe are happy and have good intentions. Your smile is the first thing that everyone notices before you even say a word. For humans, the smile was the original ‘business card’, and is understood in every society across the world.
“Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” – Connie Stevens
Communication – In the digital age
Whether it’s sharing a moment on Facebook, or a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile, your photo is the message that you lead within a digital world. With a great smile comes real confidence that shines from within, whether in person or online.
The problem today
As we age, our teeth, which are vital tools to our health and well-being, do get knocked around, stained, chipped and even lost (so to speak)! No matter how good your dental routine is, you could have been born with misaligned or crowded teeth. Or perhaps you have an inherent love of the good things in life, like red wine or sweets! Eventually, our teeth will show wear and tear, and this can prematurely age us, as well as knock our self-esteem.
Beyond just “functioning teeth”
Having fully functioning healthy teeth is essential to good health. Teeth are the tools that begin the vital process of breaking down our food, and we need them every single day. Misaligned teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay and can crowd other teeth, making the problem get worse over time. And if you have lost a tooth, your remaining teeth lose the structural support that the tooth once provided. The result is that they can begin to ‘migrate’ – which means they slowly begin to move. Untreated, losing teeth can actually change your appearance as they are part of your facial structure. Lose enough teeth, and it actually becomes a disability. If you want your teeth to be treated right, we are here to provide all general & preventive care for your teeth.
Why a great smile is a ‘must have’
Almost as important as function, how we feel about our teeth has a huge impact on our confidence and general sense of well-being. If we do not like the appearance of our teeth, then we may want to hide them. It can make us not want to smile for photos, it can linger in the back of our mind when we are speaking to people. Instead of being present at the moment, you might be thinking “Are they looking at my teeth”? All of this can affect the way you think and feel about yourself, and the world around you. At the same time, you will subtly be communicating these ‘negative vibes’ to others. Furthermore, the act of smiling itself actually releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals, so the more you smile, the better you feel!
“Smile, it’s free therapy” – Douglas Horton
This is why we are called Proud Smile
Without a doubt, the smile is the most powerful and profound facial expression of them all. A smile has always been important. A smile will always be important. But long gone are the dark days when you had no choice but to ‘get on with it’. With the very latest advances in dentistry, the possibilities available can transform any smile faster than you might think.
Cosmetic dentistry is so much more than ‘cosmetic’. It is vitally important to your general sense of well-being – when you are proud of your smile, and can fully engage and get on with life!
If you have questions, concerns, or just want an understanding ear to discuss your situation, please give us a call, or check our website for an appointment. We look forward to handing you that mirror for your own ‘big reveal’ in the near future.
