How we feel about our smiles can greatly affect our overall well being. Poor or low self-esteem can easily become a long-term health problem and one that can begin to impact our everyday life. Having streams of thoughts always leading back to your teeth, or smile is more brain power that could be spent on other things. So how do we tackle poor self image when it comes to teeth and is having cosmetic dentistry the only solution? Orthodontist in Liverpool could help!
What is poor self-esteem/body image?
Self-esteem and body image is the way we think about ourselves or the way we look. The two things are intrinsically linked together. It’s very common for people suffering with one to begin to suffer with the other and vice versa. Equally when we begin to feel better about ourselves mentally, how we see ourselves can also greatly improve.
What is the cause of low self-esteem?
Simply there is no one size fits all model for when and why people begin to suffer with low self-esteem or body image. For some it’s something that is triggered in adulthood or for others it dates further back to childhood, both are equally valid and deserve recognition and treatment by a professional. It’s in our nature as humans to always take the bad to heart, and negative comments and critics can stay with us our whole lives without us really understanding how or why. And of course who we are as people plays major roles in how we respond to critical comments.
How does it affect us?
If you are someone who suffers with poor-esteem, or bad body image you might like to hide yourself away from social situations or could be avoiding trying out new things. You could get a feeling of anxiety when you think about certain parts of your body, such as your teeth or you could just constantly feel your brain pulling you back to worrying about that one thing on your body you don’t like. If this continues over time living with these thoughts can lead to greater issues with mental health including depression and anxiety. And for many people suffering with these mood disorders they turn to alcohol, or recreational drugs to soothe their anxieties.
How this relates to our teeth
We can’t avoid the fact that we live in a world that is image obsessed and everyone is constantly snapping photos of us whether we like it or not. If you’re someone who feels self-conscious about their teeth already, this daily reminder of pressure can begin to take its toll. So, what can you do? Firstly you need to work alongside a trained person in tackling any issues you do have with anxiety, depression or self-esteem. Once you have yourself a good place it’s time to contact your orthodontist in Liverpool, to see if they can help address any issues with your smile that can be helped with braces. An orthodontist is specially trained to be able to advise you on if you are a candidate for teeth straightening and which options are the right ones for you.
