Taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just a health matter—it’s also an easy way to improve your confidence. Your smile is a large part of what people notice when they meet you. Knowing your teeth and gums are clean and healthy will help you feel confident walking into any room. Here, dentist Imelda C. Tan, DMD, of Zen Dental Hawaii in Honolulu shares what you need to know.

Why Your Smile Impacts Your Self-Esteem

Studies have shown that people who have a positive self-perception of their dental aesthetics exhibit improved social and psychological well-being. Surveyed individuals who were happy with the appearance of their smiles displayed greater confidence. On the other hand, those who were unhappy with their smiles had lower self-esteem, which was reflected in their behavior. For instance, they might try to hide their smile when talking or laughing in a group of people—a sign of personal dissatisfaction.

The study also asked participants about their views of others based on oral health. Respondents associated decayed or discolored teeth with decreased social and psychological adjustment. A poor view of dental aesthetics could even impact perception of someone’s intellectual competence.

How Your Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Even if you weren’t born with a flawless set of pearly whites, a dentist can provide simple fixes to improve your smile. Braces fix crooked and misaligned teeth, for instance, while dental implants fill gaps. Teeth whitening is another popular cosmetic dentistry procedure to nix stains that can dull your smile and age your appearance.

When you want to transform your smile into a perfect ten, trust Dr. Imelda C. Tan, DMD, at the locally owned Zen Dental Hawaii. This dentist and her experienced team offer a range of state-of-the-art services to address both oral health and aesthetic needs, including teeth whitening, dentures, and implants. This one-stop dental office also offers oral surgery. Visit the website to learn more about what they can do for your smile, and call (808) 532-5888 to make an appointment.