How much is an unattractive smile costing you?

People may readily equate orthodontic treatments like Invisalign London with aesthetic benefits more than they would with quality of life, but the teeth-straightening process offers incredible benefits that have positive impacts in a myriad of ways.

In fact, a winning smile is considered one of the best gifts one can bestow on oneself that benefits the physical, mental and psychosocial bodies. And for a smile to be found attractive, it has to meet a few critical requirements: the teeth need to be in correct alignment and free of imperfections such as staining, discolouration, chip, cracks and gaps.

For staining and discolouration issues, teeth straightening treatments using braces can focus on correcting these dental imperfections. Modern braces that offer convenience and comfort have become a sought-after cosmetic dental treatment amongst adults, with dental practices seeing a tremendous rise in the demand for adult orthodontics. The British Dental Journal reports that 75% of dental clinics revealed they had witnessed a surge in demand for teeth straightening from their patients.

Negative consequences of a less-than-pleasing smile

An unattractive smile, whether misaligned or gap-toothed, poses a risk to dental health. It is a fact long-known by dental professionals that orthodontic issues significantly contribute to poor oral hygiene control. Teeth that are not in proper alignment are simply challenging to keep clean. This is why dental practitioners see it as a matter of urgency that patients with orthodontic problems resolve these issues to help keep their mouths disease and decay-free.

If oral hygiene is not maintained properly, the likelihood is that the individual experiences tooth decay and gum disease at some point due to the overwhelming presence of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. There is a second concern attached to this unwanted situation; bad bacteria originating in the oral cavity have been found to escape the mouth and enter the bloodstream, via which they end up clogging veins and arteries.

Bad oral bacteria have been scientifically linked with all sorts of life-threatening complications, such as strokes, heart attacks, pneumonia and cancers.

An unattractive smile has the potential to hurt one’s job search. A pleasing smile is an initial opportunity to make a great first impression, as it demonstrates confidence, warmth, approachability and trustworthiness. Confidence is not only a much-admired trait in general but also a sought-after quality in particular by HR managers. HR managers are more likely to favour candidates with attractive smiles as they are deemed to be intelligent, capable and leaders.

Tied in with one’s ability to get hired, it is not difficult to tie together one’s earning potential with the confidence to sport an attractive grin. Attaining success is made all the more challenging for those who feel embarrassed or awkward about their smiles.

Then there are the disadvantages to psychosocial welfare to consider. Social success is made easier if one has a smile others are drawn to. Whether one has professional aspirations or needs to boost one’s social attractiveness, a great smile plays a hugely significant role in achieving them.