How To Develop Your Self Esteem - FCCS Talk by Dr. Tatiana Luebke B.D.S. (Bristol)

Dr Tatiana Luebke of Smilefocus spoke about how a great smile can improve confidence and self esteem. Because a lovely smile and healthy teeth go a long way to helping someone feel good about themselves, it makes sense for a dentist to have a lot to say on this topic. A great smile also helps other people respond positively to you, too.

Dr Luebke laced her speech with genuine examples of patients (real names not used, of course) whose confidence and even life-long happiness have been impacted in the most positive ways because they addressed dental problems, and regained the comfort and confidence to fully smile. "Bob" was one patient who allowed her to treat his periodontal disease then, feeling great about himself, proposed to his girlfriend.

Misaligned, heavily restored or stained can all lead to self-consciousness. People have been known not to smile because their teeth look ugly, through decay or disease, or simply not being looked after properly. And there's the related problem of bad breath. Both your dental health and gum health have an impact on your breath because it is the bacteria in your mouth from unhealthy teeth and gums that produce the foul odor leading to bad breath.

If you don't smile naturally because you are unhappy with your teeth, you may not be creating the best impression you can on others or creating the most effective relationships you need in the work place or socially. Most of us need these relationships to feel good about ourselves.

Treatments that can improve your smile and increase self-confidence include braces (even invisible braces - which adults tend to really like), porcelain or resin veneers or possibly just a really thorough cleaning - done regularly.

It's really quite simple to have a nice smile, one that makes you feel good about yourself. Talk to your dentist. And if you're not sure about what can be achieved, ask her to show you your improved smile in advance, using the simulation software at Smilefocus.