Have you ever been told to “turn that frown upside down” while you were in a bad mood? It sounds counterintuitive to smile when you’re clearly not happy, but there is some interesting science behind this old saying. Numerous studies have discovered that even a fake smile can have a positive influence on your physical and mental health. On the other hand, dental imperfections like stained, chipped, cracked, or missing teeth can take a toll on your overall health as well as your confidence. Read on to learn more about the benefits of smiling and how you can enjoy them with a smile makeover.
The Science Behind Your Smile
The act of smiling, whether genuine or fake, triggers the release of feel-good chemicals inside your brain. This includes chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which are associated with happiness, reduced stress, and a host of other positive benefits. Meditation experts suggest that holding a smile for 30-60 seconds is typically enough to feel a noticeable improvement in your bad mood.
The benefits don’t end in feeling happier either. Countless studies have discovered that smiling has a wide range of positive influences throughout the body. Notably, a recent study from the University of Kansas found that smiling can reduce stress levels and lower heart rates, even in tense situations. More research indicates that smiling is linked to lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and even extending the lifespan.
Get a Smile You Can’t Wait to Show Off
When you have a set of pearly whites that you’re proud of, you’ll naturally start to smile more. So what about your teeth is making you frown? Here are some of the most common dental imperfections and what you can do about them:
- Stained or discolored teeth: One of the best ways to jump-start any smile makeover is with a professional teeth whitening treatment. With an at-home teeth whitening kit from your dentist, you can get a remarkably brighter smile in just a few weeks from the comfort of your own home.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: With a single quick appointment, your dentist can use cosmetic bonding to erase any small imperfections in your enamel. A precisely shaded composite resin is used to fill in any chips or cracks in your teeth, then hardened into place to restore the appearance of your smile.
- Oddly shaped teeth: Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of beautiful dental porcelain that can be permanently attached to the fronts of unsightly teeth. Deep stains, damaged enamel, and misshapen teeth can all be masked with these durable, stain-resistant coverings.
- Missing teeth: If you’re self-conscious about the gaps in your smile, dental implants are here to help. These restorations are designed to look, act, and feel just like natural teeth because of the titanium posts that anchors them into your jawbone. With proper care, dental implants can restore the appearance, function, and health of your smile for a lifetime.
It’s not always easy to decide how you’d like to improve your smile. Thankfully, your dentist in Kansas City offers personalized smile makeovers that are custom-tailored to meet your individual goals. With their help, you can start enjoying the beauty and benefits of the smile you’ve always wanted.
About the Author
The friendly and experienced staff of Byars Dental in Kansas City, MO would be thrilled to help you achieve a smile that you’re proud to show off. Dr. Michael C. Byars is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles that inspire confidence. Whether you’re interested in trying a teeth whitening treatment or restoring your smile with dental implants, he offers the cosmetic and restorative services you need. To learn more or schedule a smile makeover consultation, feel free to reach him at his website or (816) 781-8222.