Cosmetic Dentistry and Self Esteem

Increasingly patients from all age groups are reporting deliberately hiding their teeth by not smiling.

Evidence suggests physical attractiveness can have an important impact on an individual’s self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to the self-evaluation a person makes of themself. It expresses an attitude of approval or disapproval and indicates the extent to which a person believes he or she is capable, significant and successful.

There is sufficient evidence to show the face is of particular importance in determining social acceptance. In fact, a survey of MBA graduates showed that more attractive MBAs earn more than less attractive graduates once on the job. Likewise, the oral rehabilitation of a patient has been shown to have a major psychological impact on their self-esteem and social acceptance.

Restorative Dentistry often involves the restoration of lost and missing teeth. Teeth may be restored a number of ways. Removable appliances (dentures or partial dentures), bridges (artificial teeth bonded to natural teeth), implant supported teeth (artificial teeth supported by titanium screws) and orthodontics.

All patients need to be assessed differently. The needs of a young adult with crooked or crowded teeth are different to an older patient who has lost their manual dexterity and therefore the ability to maintain their own natural teeth.

Often, the only similarity between such patients is their desire to “look good”.

Restorative dentistry may not be able to solve every problem, however often a small “adjustment” to correct a perceived anomaly, may be all that is required to radically change the way a patient feels about their smile and possibly their self.

If your smile concerns you, you should talk to your dentist regarding different options that are available.