Nearly one-third (29%) of Americans say that the first thing they notice about someone is their teeth, and 24% say this is also what they remember most about someone after meeting them. According to a 2012 Kelton study for Invisalign, Americans generally perceive people with straight teeth to be happier, more successful, and wealthier than those with crooked teeth.
A nice smile seems to be of great importance to many Americans and when we look at these statistics, it’s easy to know why. 57% of respondents in that same study stated that they would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. Here are three popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that are helping people to make a better first impression.
1. Teeth Whitening
One of the most common problems that people have regarding their teeth is discoloration. Teeth will naturally become yellow over time. This problem can occur much more quickly if a person smokes. The discoloration of teeth is also very common for people who drink a lot of coffee. Teeth whitening is by far the most popular problem of all cosmetic dental procedures. You can go to your dentist for a consultation. He or she will talk to you about how white you want your teeth to be. You will be able to choose the exact level of whiteness you will have when the procedure is finished.
2. Teeth Straightening
Having crooked teeth can ruin your confidence and make you afraid to smile when you are in public. It can ruin your social life and make it hard for you to make new friends. For many years, metal braces were the only method available to straighten teeth. However, those days are over. Invisalign uses molds of your teeth called aligners that are custom made. You will change the aligners every couple of weeks. They will gradually push all of your teeth into alignment. You will finally have the perfect smile you have always wanted. You can also take out Invisalign trays so you can eat whatever you want.
3. Dental Implants
You may need to have a tooth pulled. If this is the case, you can have a tooth surgically implanted in the empty space so you don’t have an unsightly gap.
We are taught that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but our society is guilty of making snap judgments about people they meet based purely on their smile. Cosmetic dentistry is helping people make a better first impression.