Psychological Benefits of Having a Better-Looking Smile

Did you know that having a good-looking smile is more than just meeting your aesthetic needs? Having a dazzling smile surely enhances your physical appearance, but a better-looking smile can also benefit your mental wellness too. 

Below, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro, who offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, explores five psychological benefits of having a better-looking smile and sharing it with the world.

1. Reduced stress levels

When it comes to stress management, there are a plethora of options for reducing your stress levels. Common techniques include:

• Deep-breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Time management 
• Exercise
• Reading 
• Listening to calming music

Smiling can also help reduce your stress levels. Interestingly, research indicates that smiling, even if you fake it, still reduces your stress levels. In other words, even just putting on a happy face can help you manage stress levels in your life.

2. Elevated mood

The occasional rough day is not uncommon, but did you know your smile can “trick” your brain into feeling lighter? That’s right! Research shows that smiling can boost your mood if you’re feeling a little low — and what’s more, you’re more likely to smile (bad mood or not) when you are confident in your smile.

3. Increased ability to think positive 

The more you smile, the more likely you are to focus on positive thoughts, rather than negative self-talk. Thinking positively can help you overcome feelings of anxiety and depression. In fact, working on positive thinking is often incorporated into many therapy sessions. 

The takeaway: liking your smile leads to more smiling, and more smiling leads to more positive thinking, which leads to improved mental well-being.

4. Improved immune system 

Believe it or not, smiling supports a healthy immune system. Because you’re more likely to smile when you love your smile, taking steps to correct the issues you don’t like can help you smile more and, in turn, boost your immune system. 

A healthy immune system also supports a healthy mind. 

5. Increase in confidence

One of the most notable psychological benefits of having a better-looking smile is an increase in self-confidence. Feeling confident in yourself can have ripple effects in your career, your social life, and even at home.

It doesn’t stop with psychological benefits

There’s no denying that an aesthetically pleasing smile supports mental wellness, but a better-looking smile also provides key physical benefits by addressing issues such as missing teeth, crowding, crooked teeth, and misaligned teeth. Benefits include: 

• Improved ability to chew
• Improved digestion (by correcting crooked teeth)
• Clear speech

That’s the beauty of cosmetic dentistry: Iit enhances the form and function of your mouth!

Don’t settle with a smile you don’t love

When you arrive for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, you have an opportunity to share all of your cosmetic concerns with Dr. Teodoro. Turning your smile from dull to dazzling could be something as simple as in-office teeth whitening treatment. You’re not limited to choosing just one treatment though. Create the smile of your dreams by combining multiple treatments for a true smile makeover. Examples of cosmetic services we offer include: 

• Porcelain veneers
• Cosmetic dental bonding
• Cosmetic dental implants
• Invisalign

Ready to enhance your smile for both aesthetic and psychological benefits? Schedule an appointment at our Hercules, California, office today. You can reach us at 510-254-3328 or through our online booking system.