A boost of confidence

SIMKO Confidence Blog

Transform your smile (and your life) with orthodontic treatment


Don’t judge a book by its cover.

In a perfect world, everyone would adhere to this advice, and appearance would have no impact on our lives. But in the real world, things don’t work that way. People are judged by their appearance every day, even if we wish they weren’t. It happens in school hallways, workplaces, friendships, relationships–the list goes on.

While all patients go to an orthodontist to get a healthy smile, the confidence they’ll experience with a smile transformation is what truly matters.

When they’re meeting new friends in class.

When they’re showing up for their first day of a dream job.

When they’re saying, “I do.”

When they’re able to face the world with a smile they love.

Let’s explore the many ways that orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, can boost your confidence and change your life.

The significance of your smile

In a Kelton Research study, nearly one-third of the respondents said that teeth are the first characteristic of a person’s face that they notice–and that’s just for starters.

Your smile also greatly affects how others perceive you. According to the study, respondents feel:

  • Someone with straight teeth is 45% more likely to get a job than someone with crooked teeth, even if they have the same skill set and experience
  • People with straight teeth are 58% more likely to be successful and 58% more likely to be wealthy
  • People with a crooked smile are less likely to be considered for a relationship, with only 60% sharing they would consider a second date with someone with misaligned teeth

With perceptions like these, it’s no wonder that crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and other dental issues can cause a person’s confidence levels to plummet. Children, teens, and adults who aren’t comfortable with their smiles also tend to smile a lot less often, which can affect them personally and professionally.

The bottom line: orthodontic treatment not only changes how others perceive you but can also change how you perceive yourself.

Confidence counts

Having a healthy smile is important, but having a happy smile makes it even better! If you’re considering braces or Invisalign clear aligners for yourself or your child, here are some of the many ways that successful orthodontic treatment can boost your confidence.

Improved appearance

Everyone looks their best when they smile. Imagine feeling confident instead of self-conscious when you’re taking a photo, looking in the mirror, or meeting someone new. We never get a second chance to make a first impression, and having a confident smile is a big part of that. When you look great, you feel great! That’s probably why confident people smile so often.

Healthier teeth and gums

It’s no surprise that straight teeth are healthier than crooked ones. Straight teeth are easier to clean and floss, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums. Straight teeth are also less likely to be discolored or have other visible flaws. And of course, they look great (see above!).

Better breath

Are you afraid to stand too closely to others because of your bad breath? When your teeth are crooked, there are some areas where your toothbrush just can’t fit – but bacteria still can. When bacteria builds up in your teeth, it causes bad breath. Because straight teeth are easier to clean and floss, you can hopefully say goodbye to the bad breath that’s keeping you at a distance.

Corrected speech impediments

Many people don’t realize that straightening your teeth can improve your speech. If you or your child has a lisp or another type of speech impediment (which are often caused by crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, or gapped teeth), these issues may correct themselves once your teeth are properly aligned.

Ban on bullying

Most of the above issues can lead to bullying for young people. The American Association of Orthodontists confirms that teeth are often reported as a main topic for school bullies. If your child or teen is being bullied for these reasons, orthodontic treatment can help. Invisalign clear aligners are a great option for kids and adults who want to keep their treatment hidden, whether it’s from bullies or bosses.

Professional power

Feeling confident about your smile can have a significant impact on your professional life as well. We’ll let this statistic speak for itself–nearly 80% of people who responded to an Invisalign survey after having their teeth straightened said they were able to accomplish something or achieve a goal that they wouldn’t have had the confidence to otherwise. Being proud of your smile clearly makes a difference.

Be confident about your treatment, too

Whether you are considering braces or Invisalign clear aligners, you should be confident that you are getting the best treatment possible. While dentists focus on caring for and repairing teeth (which are important), orthodontists focus on moving teeth and jaws to create healthy, happy smiles. After completing dental school, orthodontists go through years of additional education and training to do so.

At Shawano Orthodontics, our specialized orthodontic team will personalize every detail of your smile transformation to meet your unique needs and goals. You can count on us to be there for you every step of the way.

Schedule an appointment today

If you’re ready to boost your confidence, we’re ready to help! Your [free_orthodontic_consultation_link text=”free consultation” class=”” title=”free consultation” target=”_self”] will include:

  • One-on-one time with a doctor
  • Personalized treatment plan
  • Digital x-rays
  • iTero® 3D model of your teeth and gums
  • Financial consult

No dentist referral is necessary, so contact us today to get started on your new smile.