Orthodontic Care During the Pandemic Results in Beautiful Smiles
In a profession that creates smiles every day, orthodontists may have experienced an increase in adult patients initiating orthodontic care during the pandemic.
COVID-19 turned into a time of self-improvement for many – both mentally and physically. Many extended that to their smiles. The self-reflection that occurred during the pandemic inspired individuals to talk action on latent self-improvement. Patients that may have been thinking about straightening their teeth made the move to start orthodontic treatment. Individuals felt they could hide unsightly braces behind a mask, at least for a time, then emerge post-Covid with a brilliant smile.
As a result, coming out of the pandemic, there may be more beautiful smiles that are building confidence, inspiring beauty, increasing social skills, and overall improving total health.
CONFIDENCE: Smile, it’s free therapy.
People with bright, straight healthy teeth demonstrate high self-esteem and radiate confidence.
Smiling activates muscles in the face that message the brain to release endorphins, known as “happy hormones.” A smile is literally a mood lifter. Smiling is a way to show people that you’re happy, friendly, and confident.
A smile not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits. These benefits include reduced blood pressure, increased endurance, reduced pain, reduced stress, and a strengthened immune system.
People get orthodontic care to feel better about themselves on the outside. These changes result in confidence radiating from the inside.
BEAUTY: Beauty in a face lies in the smile.
A smile increases the beauty of one’s face as well as one’s confidence. A nice smile with straight teeth will improve how others perceive one’s personality and one’s attractiveness.
Surveys were conducted throughout the world to determine what people find attractive. In the United States, 92% of people considered a stunning smile as one of the most important features. A similar survey in Australia revealed 9 out of 10 people believe an attractive smile serves as a critical asset. 90% of both men and women assert that they remember someone with an attractive, healthy smile.
People straighten their teeth to feel better about themselves. Truth be told, appearance does matter. Studies have proven again and again the advantages of an attractive appearance and smile as it relates to job opportunities, the amount of money one makes, and even the people one attracts into his life.
SOCIAL: Everyone smiles in the same language.
A study conducted in the Angle Orthodontist noted that facial attractiveness plays a key role in social interaction. It influences kinship opportunities, performance, and employment prospects. Furthermore, facial attractiveness is suggested to influence personality development and social interaction. Attractive children and adults are judged and treated more positively, and they are more socially accepted.
An independent study done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found the following:
99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset.
96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more engaging to members of the opposite sex.
88% say they remember someone with an attractive smile.
The bottom line here is that a smile is socially very important! Every time someone smiles, they are not only sharing a piece of themselves, but also offering an openness to another.
HEALTH: A genuine smile comes from the heart. A healthy smile comes from good dental care.
Beautiful, healthy smiles can make a big impact on one’s life. Millions of adults, teens and children have improved their lives and their health by getting their teeth and their bites corrected.
Besides having a beautiful smile, straight teeth are easier to keep clean which greatly enhances the overall health of one’s gums and teeth. Further, straight teeth that are easily brushed and flossed can improve heart health. Studies done in both medicine and dentistry have shown a link to cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease.
Straight teeth are healthier teeth. Straight teeth get fewer cavities, are less likely to have problems with discoloration, uneven wear, and fractures. Straight teeth are less likely to be sensitive to heat or cold and less likely to require painful and expensive dental procedures.
The pandemic propelled some folks to embark on orthodontic journeys that they had long put off. Because of it, today some folks are peeling back their face masks to reveal new, confident, beautiful, healthy smiles. There is no debating the power of a great smile!
Sources: A study by Peter Van der Geld, Paul Oosterveld, Guus Van Heck and Anne Marie Kuljoers-Jaagtman , The Angle Orthodontist (Vol 77), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and others.