People that have naturally straight teeth often take them for granted. For the majority of us that do not have perfectly straight teeth, we invent all sorts of reasons for why a beautiful smile is not important. The truth is that teeth matter. A smile can be an asset or a distraction. While there are certainly functional and medical reasons for braces, the aesthetic benefits are equally important. For those of you willing to entertain the potential importance of straight teeth, consider these cosmetic benefits.
The problem of crooked teeth
The benefits of straight teeth start from within. You know better than anyone if you have a beautiful smile or not. It affects the way you carry yourself in the world and the way you interact with others. Some people are overly harsh critics of themselves, to be sure; however, if you are not happy with your smile or are self conscious about opening your mouth and showing your teeth, it will affect every personal interaction in your day. You may cover your mouth, keep your upper lip tensed or tilt your head down and away when you speak. You may even think more about your teeth than the content of your conversation. An imperfect smile can be inhibiting—paralyzing in some cases.
Improved self confidence, self esteem, self image
Straight teeth give people the freedom of having a strong sense of self, a positive self image, and high self esteem. This is especially true for people that previously had crooked teeth and now enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment (namely braces). To be rescued from crooked teeth and then to be transformed into owning a beautiful smile is a liberation indeed. Instead of worrying about the possibility of people judging the imperfections of your teeth, you can feel the confidence of flashing a winning smile instead. This concept only seems foreign to those fortunate enough to have naturally straight teeth. For the rest of us, this notion is all too familiar.
Greater social acceptance and success
While it is not fair, people do judge us on our appearance all the time. People judge us on our smiles, whether they do it consciously or not. Crooked teeth, missing teeth, or even gaps between teeth are equated with a lack of intelligence, a lower class or a lower social standing. On the other hand, a beautiful smile is immediately associated with youth, health, and vitality. While it makes no real logical sense, we think that people with an attractive smile are smarter and more successful. Perhaps realize that straight teeth usually come from a healthy mouth. Likewise crooked or missing teeth are the hallmark of disease. Beautiful teeth can go a long way towards overall physical beauty, which determines how we find romantic interests and build lives and families.
Career advancement
It is no secret that physical appearance is correlated with success in various business and professional careers. While it may not be talked about openly, more attractive people have higher salaries and greater success in most careers than those less attractive. This is not simply true for news broadcasters and movie stars, but for upper and middle business management, salespeople, and even service professionals. In an era of double digit unemployment rates, the competition for a very limited pool of jobs is fierce. When all other credentials are equal, a winning smile may be the difference between being hired and being passed over.
Braces and orthodontics are the equalizer
Advances in orthodontic treatment have leveled the playing field for those of us not fortunate enough to develop a perfect smile. Braces can straighten teeth in the vast majority of patients—patients of all ages. This means that the benefits of straight teeth are within reach for virtually everyone. The improvement in self confidence, social development and career advancement are now a reality for those that are willing to make that change.