Can you Afford to Have an Ugly Smile?

17 September 2021

crooked teeth needs orthodontist visit

 

Having a beautiful smile with straight, dazzling pearly whites is one of the beauty standards that most strive to achieve and what orthodontists in Singapore aim to deliver. Often, people associate the drawbacks of crooked teeth or gummy smile with poor appearance. This then leads to the question, can you really afford to have an ‘ugly’ smile? However, the implications of a smile can go much deeper than just an individual’s outward aesthetics.

 

Low Confidence and Self-esteem 

 

Confidence and self-esteem have a lot to do with both others’ perception of another person, or one’s’ perception of themselves. As it relates to your personal appearance, confidence comes from knowing the effect that your teeth and smile will have on others. Crooked teeth can negatively affect an individual’s self-esteem. This is true for children, teens and adults who are often already self-conscious about looks. Those with crooked teeth are more likely to be embarrassed about their appearance and may smile awkwardly, cover their mouth or avoid speaking much. Each of these actions can negatively affect someone’s opinion about another person. 

 

Low confidence and self-esteem can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, shame or guilt. Fear of judgement is also amplified by avoiding activities that involve other people, like sports or social events, from the fear of being negatively judged. Individuals start feeling self-conscious and stressed around others, constantly looking for ‘signs’ that people don’t like them. In fact, 38% of people feel life in general is less satisfying due to the poor condition of their mouth and teeth. Fortunately Invisalign or ‘invisible braces’ can help correct crooked teeth.

 

crooked teeth affects self esteem

Speech Implications

 

One of the causes of low self esteem among kids is speech disorders. There are many different types of speech disorders and some are caused by crooked or missing teeth. Since crooked, overlapping and twisted teeth change the placement of your tongue, excess air may pass between the teeth resulting in a whistle when speaking.

 

There are instances where children require help from therapists in later years due to speech impediments from untended early dental problems during their crucial years of language development. Should you notice your little one having speech difficulties due to possible dental issues such as tongue-tie, open bite, underbite or missing teeth, consider consulting an orthodontist in Singapore. 

 

Increased Risk for Periodontal Disease 

 

You may brush your teeth twice a day but having misaligned teeth can make it incredibly difficult to remove food particles that are stuck in between crooked teeth. Food is more likely to stay trapped in hard to reach places, contributing to the build-up of plaque and tartar. Lingering bacteria is the root cause of periodontal disease.

 

In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. Though the gums are typically the first area to be infected, they are not the only part of the body at risk. Prolonged gingivitis will lead to gum recession, or can cause tooth loss

 

Chronic Periodontal disease has also been linked to an increased risk of stroke, blood sugar complications in diabetics, heart disease and respiratory disease. Fixed braces or invisible aligners can straighten the teeth which help reduce the risk of periodontal disease.   

 

 Worn Down Teeth 

 

Stress and anxiety can trigger teeth grinding, but it is most likely caused by misaligned, missing or crooked teeth. If teeth grinding occurs regularly, it can cause sensitive teeth, fractured teeth, or even tooth loss. Though most kids tend to have bruxism (a condition where one grinds, gnash or clenches their teeth) and outgrow it, there are instances where it needs to be addressed, especially with the wearing down of some adult teeth.  

 

Meanwhile, excessive teeth clenching may result in jaw strain, temporomandibular joint disorder, and chronic headaches. 

 

orthodontists daughter has missing teeth

 

A smile goes beyond superficiality, beauty and aesthetics. The good news is that invisible braces also known as Invisalign can help to establish long term health benefits that people tend to overlook while aligning the crooked teeth. Consult your orthodontist to find suitable treatment for you to achieve that beautiful smile. 

 

Contact us today to find out how we can help you!  

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