Orthodontic treatment is good for you. But the health benefits aren’t the only reason why many people decide to get braces, especially in adulthood. Time and time again, folks visiting Beauchamp Orthodontics have let us know part of what they’re looking for from braces is to feel better about their smile.
Your smile is an incredibly important part of making connections with others. A classic Louis Armstrong song says, “When you smile, the whole world smiles with you,” and there’s truth in that. A smile activates a powerful neurological response in others that can make them feel good.
To get a little bit technical, part of this effect is caused by the brain’s mirror neurons. These neurons activate as your muscles move, including the muscles of your face. But they also activate when you see someone else do the same. When you see someone smile, your brain lights up in a similar pattern to when you smile yourself.
What happens then? Smiling boosts levels of oxytocin, a “happiness hormone” that can help promote social bonding. An article from NBC News even suggests that smiling can “lift your mood, lower your stress, boost your immune system,” and might even help you live longer.
With all that in mind, it can be a real downer when you feel self-conscious about your smile.
Treatment with Braces Helps You Get Rid of Smile Self-Consciousness
Especially in today’s world, when it seems like people are always taking selfies or group photos at events, it can be very uncomfortable to notice you don’t feel good about your smile. Many people change the way they smile or how often they do it because they want to hide tooth gaps or misalignment from the people around them.
Luckily, braces can help you put these unpleasant feelings behind you for good.
It’s not as easy to notice with metal braces as it is with Invisalign® aligners, but your orthodontic treatment is always hard at work. By applying a gentle, consistent pressure to teeth, braces help them move into a treated position. That leads to evenly spaced, healthier teeth that are easier to clean.
They also make your smile look great!
Of course, when you’re in the habit of doing things a certain way, it can take a while to change.
That’s why you might notice that you still smile the same way after you get your braces off.
Smiling After Braces Can Take Some Getting Used To – Here’s How to Do It
Sometimes, you might find your smile doesn’t change much after braces. When your smile feels natural and relaxed, it makes a better impression – and also helps you feel better. One way to get there is to start out by checking your smile in the mirror. Smile normally and see what you notice.
Do you smile with your mouth closed? If so, experiment with a wider smile. You don’t have to open your mouth all the way if you don’t want to. Notice what happens when you smile more widely. To make it feel natural, think about something that really makes you happy (a full smile engages muscles around the eyes!)
Do you hide some teeth in your smile? It’s common to hide some “problem teeth” in a smile, either by keeping the mouth closed enough to hide the bottom teeth or keeping the top teeth tucked under the upper lip. Do you find yourself doing this? Try smiling with all of your teeth revealed, making eye contact with your reflection.
Doing this just once a day in the morning can help you embrace your post-braces smile!
Taking Care of Your Smile After Braces Is Easier Than You Might Think
Taking care of your smile after braces helps ensure it will always look its best. Here’s how:
1. Use Your Retainer
After braces, most patients need to use a retainer. A retainer is an orthodontic appliance, usually removable, that helps ensure your teeth don’t “migrate” back to where they were. In some cases, retainers can be put in place more permanently. Don’t forget to use your removable retainers as directed and to clean them on a regular basis.
2. Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing are crucial to overall mouth health. You should brush at least twice a day – and it helps if you can brush after every meal. A soft-bristled toothbrush is best for maintaining the health of your gums. For flossing, once a day before bed is usually sufficient. A water flosser can make things easier.
Schedule your consultation today to find out more or get started with Beauchamp Orthodontics.
