Any orthodontist who has been practicing for a few years will tell you that there’s a definite link between oral health and mental health. There’s simply nothing like the look on a patient’s face when they see their new and improved smile in the mirror after finishing orthodontic treatment. The fact is that you may not even realize just how much your smile is impacting your confidence levels and mental health until you actually do something about it. It’s not just a “vanity” issue. There’s just something about having a bright, healthy smile that makes us feel free to smile a little wider and laugh a little louder. Let’s talk about the mental health benefits of orthodontics.
Mental Health Benefits of Orthodontics: How Braces Affect Self-Esteem
Millions of American adults are living with smiles that cause them stress and worry because they weren’t able to receive proper orthodontic care as kids. As time goes on, they suffer from confidence issues that impact their dating lives and careers. It’s not too late! It can be extremely healing to give yourself the gift of the orthodontic you never received.
At our office, we’ve seen the way our patients stand taller after getting braces before pivoting to a new career for improved confidence in interviews. We’ve also seen the link between bridal orthodontics and mental health when brides-to-be come to our office to address crowding or misalignment in the year leading up to a wedding date. We never get tired of feeling like we are meeting a brand new person on the final day of treatment compared to the one we met at the initial consultation.
Proving that it’s never too late to benefit from an orthodontic treatment confidence boost, a 2016 study found that orthodontic treatment causes a significant increase in self-esteem and quality of life for adult patients in need of oral rehabilitation. The research also shows that getting braces as an adult can boost self-image and social interactions.
Unfortunately, many adults with uncorrected orthodontic issues never seek help because they assume “that ship has sailed.” In reality, options like Invisalign or clear metal braces make getting effective and discreet orthodontic treatment easier than ever.
For kids and teens, early orthodontic intervention that addresses alignment issues early and supports better oral health has been shown to reduce risks for teasing or bullying while also promoting greater confidence during crucial periods of social development. The fact of the matter is that kids and teens feel more confident when they feel better about how they look. A straight, bright smile can reduce social anxiety and social withdrawal during those all-important middle school and high school years.
The Emotional Benefits of Straight Teeth Lead to Social Wins
People who feel self-conscious about crooked teeth carry a heavy burden. Any social interaction that includes sharing a meal with someone or engaging in conversation while in close proximity with others can cause stress and anxiety. It’s very common for someone who feels ashamed of their teeth to avoid eye contact because they do not want to draw attention. They may also struggle with social engagement and connection because they don’t feel confident about smiling in public.
From an orthodontist’s standpoint, it’s amazing to see how just a few months of treatment can make a lifetime of difference for someone who struggled with social anxiety due to “teeth anxiety.” The same person who used to hide behind a napkin when dining out in public will suddenly become an international spokesperson for smiling! They literally cannot stop smiling and beaming once the cloak of self-consciousness has been lifted following braces.
Beyond a Beautiful Smile: Orthodontic Care Prevents Future Health Anxiety
The mental health benefits of orthodontics don’t begin and end with how you’ll feel about your gorgeous new smile. We can’t ignore the fact that our oral health is tightly linked with our overall health. When we suffer from malocclusions and bite issues, we’re actually putting severe pressure on the jaw and soft tissue. Over time, this can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and sleep issues that can be devastating.
While a young person today may only be worried about how their crooked teeth are perceived by other people, they will likely be dealing with long-term pain and discomfort as the years pile on. Uncorrected bite issues can also put pressure on teeth or cause brushing difficulties that ultimately result in tooth decay and loss. It’s so common for people to develop health-related anxiety after living with unfixed orthodontic issues. By fixing what seem like simple “cosmetic” issues today, you can avoid long-term health-related anxiety. Who can turn down a beautiful smile today that also means fewer panicked Google searches at 3 a.m. about jaw pain down the road?
Getting Braces Can Be a Meaningful Part of Your Journey of Self-Care
Getting braces isn’t a substitute for treating anxiety or depression. However, it can be a surprisingly important part of reclaiming your sense of worth in your self-care or wellness journey. When you take care of both oral and mental health, you can smile more authentically and powerfully than ever before.
Reclaim Your Confidence With Braces
Anyone who has felt the anxiety or embarrassment of being afraid to smile fully and freely in public knows that orthodontic treatment isn’t just cosmetic. Taking care of yourself in this way lets you feel good on the inside and outside. Have you stuffed your smile back for the last time? Consider a free consultation for your teeth that represents a big step forward for your confidence. Contact Dr. Cole Johnson and the team at Johnson Family Orthodontics today!