How to Love Your Teeth Again After Dental Work
It’s not a mathematical certainty, but it’s close: By the time you’ve reached your 30s, you’ve undergone some type of dental work.
And by the time you’ve reached your mid-40s? You’ve no doubt spent many hours in the chair of a cosmetic dentist.
This reality is nothing to shirk; it’s actually something to celebrate since it’s a sign that you’re undergoing regular dental checkups that have underscored the need for dental work in the first place. You’re doing exactly what you should be doing – and wisely attending to what probably are minor dental issues before they develop into more serious ones.
A Cosmetic Dentist Performs a Variety of Procedures
Some dental procedures are fairly commonplace among adults who are conscientious about dental hygiene. And the best part? Dental work gives you newfound reason to love your teeth – and show them off, too.
The 12 most common procedures that a cosmetic dentist performs are:
- Bonding
- Bridges and implants
- Crowns and caps
- Extractions
- Fillings
- Recontouring “gummy” teeth
- Repairing chipped or broken teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
- Root canals
- Sealants
- Teeth whitening
- Veneers
Love Your Teeth Again
Once any one of these dental procedures is behind you, it probably will take a few days to get used to the natural feel of your teeth again. They may seem like a novelty as you enjoy running your tongue along your teeth and checking them out in the mirror – at least when no is looking.
But these activities are just a warm-up to the best part of dental work: showing off your teeth to other people. Obviously, the best way to do this is to smile more. But your confidence may need some time to resurface, especially if you’ve developed the habit of concealing your teeth as much as possible. Freed from the temporary discomfort and inconvenience of dental work, you can learn to love your teeth and your smile again in these steps:
- Practicing your smile in the mirror. It’s not silly; it’s practical and educational. In fact, wedding photographers often advise brides and grooms to stage “smile rehearsals” in addition to a wedding rehearsal so they can see what they look like when they smile broadly, smile slightly, or just grin. Most people find that their best smile is their most natural smile.
- Finessing your look. Once you grow comfortable with your smile, ensure that you’re showing it off to best effect. Decide which is your better angle – left or right – and try lifting or tilting your head. And good posture should blunt even the illusion of a double chin, which will distract from any terrific smile.
- Seeking out small groups. People with bad teeth often tend to avoid face-to-face conversations; they can be awkward and nerve-racking. With your dental work complete, you can join the circle with confidence.
- Seeking out one-on-one conversations. The “brass ring” of exhibiting dental confidence, show off your teeth by pulling up a chair for up-close-and-personal talks.
- Picturing the possibilities. Whether you love selfies or shy away from them, becoming part of a “picture crowd” can be fun again when you have a smile you want others to notice.
Women have a slight advantage in showing off their teeth after dental work because they can wear lipstick (and the brighter or deeper the color, the better).
But men really have no reason to fear; the equalizer among the gender divide is finding the most skilled cosmetic dentist in central Florida. And that is Dr. Manuel Stefan, a prosthodontic specialist who has been making men, women, and children feel comfortable in his chair since 1997. He has the skill to create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime – and give people the confidence they deserve after dental work.
