Having an attractive smile with dazzling, straight, pearly white teeth is one of the aesthetic standards many aim to achieve and is the reason why many go for orthodontic treatment in Singapore: many associate gummy smiles and crooked teeth with poor appearance.
With that being said, it leads to the question, “Is it necessary to have a beautiful smile?” In this article, we will address the question of how having a ‘less beautiful’ smile can go beyond outward appearance and aesthetics.
Effect #1: Low self-esteem and confidence
Self-esteem and confidence have a lot to do with how we are received by other people and how we perceive ourselves, and that means it relates to outward appearance. That is why a crooked smile can affect our self-esteem and confidence level. In addition to the fact that most people are self-conscious about their looks, a crooked smile can make that person more self-aware about how they might appear to others.
A lack of self-esteem and confidence can then lead to persistent feelings of guilt, shame, anger, anxiety, depression, and sadness as they fear others might judge them negatively. According to an ADA report on oral health and well-being, 38 percent of individuals with poor oral and dental conditions feel less satisfied with life.
Effect #2: Speech implications
Missing and crooked teeth in severe cases can cause the development of several types of speech impairment or disorders. The twisted, overlapping, and crookedness of the teeth can affect the placement of our tongue, causing excess air to escape between the gaps, resulting in a whistle when talking.
Individuals like those who suffer from speech impediments due to untended orthodontic conditions during their initial years of language development may require the help of speech therapists. Hence, should you notice your child with severe orthodontic conditions, such as multiple missing teeth, underbite, or open bite, do visit an orthodontist as soon as possible to avoid developments of speech problems.
Effect #3: Increased risk for periodontal diseases
Brushing at least twice a day may not be enough if you have orthodontic issues, such as misaligned teeth. The gaps between misaligned teeth make it easy for food particles to get stuck while making it hard for regular brushing to remove. Hence, the food particles get trapped, resulting in the build-up of tartar and plaque, which is the ideal environment for periodontal disease-causing bacteria.
In the initial stage of periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen, resulting in them bleeding easily. Untended gingivitis may eventually lead to the recession of the gum, causing loss of support for the teeth. Chronic periodontal disease has also been linked to an increase in the risk of developing respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetic complications, and stroke.
Effect #4: Worn down teeth
Anxiety and stress typically trigger an unhealthy habit of grinding the teeth. Those having badly crooked, missing, or misaligned teeth have more problems, in addition to their teeth grinding. Prolonged teeth grinding can result in tooth loss, fractured teeth, or sensitive teeth.
In addition, having chronic stress can cause excessive teeth clenching, which may result in chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder, and jaw strains, all of which do not sound good for overall well-being.
Conclusion
A beautiful and healthy smile goes beyond aesthetics. It affects our physical and mental well-being. Fortunately, invisible braces can help fix crooked and misaligned smiles. Here at BigSmile Dental Clinic, we do more than provide our patients with straight teeth. We educate them, ensuring that they are able to maintain their new smile for a long time. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506