Cosmetic dentistry is the field of dentistry that is devoted to improving dental appearance to enhance the look of a smile. Many still believe that these procedures fulfil superficial goals but this is far from the case. When looked at in more depth, it is clear that there are a myriad of highly desirable benefits to cosmetic dental treatments such as receiving veneers Wagga that go beyond aesthetics.
One research finding points to just how much focus is placed on the smile and why smiling a great-looking smile is so rewarding. ‘The Australian Camera-Ready Smile’ survey is a study conducted by the Oral Health Advisory Panel (OHAP) that looked to understand how Australians perceived their smiles. Of those who participated in the study, 57 percent are of the opinion that the smile holds the most aesthetic value when evaluating the selfies of others.
While there are many other characteristics that make up a viral-worthy selfie such as exotic travel destinations and who else is in the photo, it is still the smile that is the predominant characteristic. The smile is also the facial expression that holds a huge influence on how others form their perceptions of us. We are thought to be intelligent, kind, and friendly based on the look of our smiles. Seen in this light, it is understandable why many prioritize cosmetic dental procedures to ensure they smile the very best smiles they can.
If that is not enough of an inducement to smile, researchers point to the health benefits attached to smiling.
Compelling reasons to smile every day
Smiling has been linked to longevity. One way to go about living a longer life is to smile more. Happier people are more likely to enjoy a healthier life, and therefore, lengthened lifespans.
Smiling is a great stress reliever. Stress is, without doubt, a life-reducing plague that continues to threaten society at alarming levels. Smiling can prove to be a sort of antidote to stress. Smiling when stressed can help one avoid feeling overwhelmed and result in looking a little less run down. Even a fake smile can have a magical effect on the brain, so it is worth smiling even if you don’t feel like it. It is all about activating those smile muscles.
Smiling is a mood pick-me-up. Through activating the facial muscles used to smile, the brain stimulates the release of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin) and neuropeptides that hold a stimulus role over emotional states. It is through these chemical processes in the brain that smiling mirrors a natural antidepressant.
All of the above make for the positive argument due to smiling on mental and emotional health. But it should not be forgotten that loving the look of one’s smile is beneficial for dental health too. Once a patient has invested in cosmetic dentistry to whiten or straighten their smile, and they really love the look of this new smile, it is more likely that they will take all measures to ensure they keep this look preserved. Preserving the look of a beautiful smile is best achieved through routine check-ups at the dentist.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.