Understanding The Psychological Benefits of Smile Makeovers

Can a smile makeover really change your life? The answer is “yes.” At Starbody Dental, we see this firsthand every day. Dr. Kaitlyn and Dr. Michael Starbody love nothing more than seeing patients smile for the first time after a smile makeover.

Cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than just covering up stains, treating gaps between teeth, and reshaping teeth. A new smile completely changes the way you feel about yourself. How? In this blog, we’ll explore the five biggest psychological benefits of a smile makeover.

1. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem

The most obvious impact of a smile makeover is that it allows you to show your teeth proudly once again. You’ll never have to feel self-conscious when you smile for photos at a wedding, speak to your boss, laugh at a friend’s joke, or have lunch with your colleagues.

With a bright, straight, and healthy smile, you can let your true self shine through. You’ll feel more confident in social situations, when meeting new people, and generally in your day-to-day life.

2. Enhanced Social (And Professional) Interactions

Following from the above point, feeling more confident and having higher self-esteem can lead to you opening new doors in your personal life. Being able to smile proudly and speak with more confidence makes it easier to make new friends and build relationships.  

Your new smile could even help you find a romantic partner. According to a study done in the UK, 45% of people said that yellow or crooked teeth were their “biggest turn-off” when meeting somebody for a first date.

Your professional life can benefit, too! A brilliant smile can help you make a good first impression when interviewing for a new job, giving a big presentation, or asking for a promotion. According to a study originally published in 2012, people with a straight smile are perceived to be:

• 38% more likely to be smart

• 45% more likely to get a job when competing with similar candidates

• 58% more likely to be successful in their careers

• 58% more likely to be wealthy

3. Reduced Anxiety and Stress

Another one of the biggest emotional effects of cosmetic dentistry is that you don’t have to feel anxious or stressed about your smile. You don’t have to avoid showing your teeth when you smile, cover up for photos, or avoid other situations where people can see your teeth.

Overall, you’ll be less worried about how you look and how others perceive you, which leads to a big drop in stress and anxiety. Not only that, but smiling more also helps reduce stress and improves your mood!

That’s because smiling more has been shown to reduce cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress hormones – while also releasing endorphins, hormones that help relieve pain and stress and put you in a better mood.  

4. Look (And Feel) Younger

Did you know that you’re only as young as you feel? And that’s more than just a cliche. A study published in 2018 about “subjective age” found that “perceived age” is more important to your overall health and well-being than your actual age.

In other words, if you’re actually 50 but you feel like a 40-year-old, this can boost your physical, emotional, and mental health – and can even reduce your risk of issues like depression and dementia.

This leads to another psychological benefit of smile makeovers. Crooked, yellowed, and missing teeth make you look older than you really are! So if you get a new smile from Starbody Dental, you can rejuvenate your appearance. Not only will you look younger, but according to the above study, you may feel younger, too!

5. Better Oral Hygiene & Lifestyle Habits  

If you’re not happy with your smile or are suffering from serious oral health issues, you may feel like it’s not “worth it” to brush frequently, floss, or eat a “tooth-healthy” diet. You may even avoid going to the dentist for checkups since it’s likely that the dentist will find cavities, gum disease, or another issue with your smile.

But once you get a smile makeover, you’ll be more likely to take good care of your teeth. After investing in treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, or implants, you’ll want to protect your new smile.

From brushing regularly to quitting smoking, changing your diet, and seeing Dr. Kaitlyn or Dr. Michael for checkups every six months, getting a smile makeover can transform your attitude toward dental care. You’ll set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Get The Smile You Deserve at Starbody Dental

If you’re looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist in Murfreesboro to transform your smile, look no further than Starbody Dental. Drs. Michael and Kaitlyn can help you explore your options, find the right treatment for your budget and your needs, and get the smile you deserve. Contact us now to book your first visit and get started right away.

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