“Self care” is a phrase that seems to have taken over the world. And it’s easy to understand why. With a culture so focused on productivity and hard work, it makes sense that there would be broad interest in a return to caring for ourselves. One of the best ways you can practice self care is by taking care of your smile. In this piece, we’ll walk you through all the benefits of putting your smile first in your self care practice.
Less wasted energy
If you have insecurities about your smile, hiding it from others can practically become a full-time job. This constant self-policing can take a mental and emotional toll over time. If everyone else in the room is laughing freely but your main focus is covering your exposed smile, it’s hard for you to be truly in the moment.
Making improvements to your smile can help shed some of these habits. Everyone’s ideal smile is different. Maybe yours could be achieved with whitening treatments, orthodontia, or even snap-on veneers.
Regardless of what option you choose, over time you’ll be able to smile freely again. Without the burden of frequent self censorship, it may be easier to be fully present in the moment again. What could be better for self care than the gifts of time and peace of mind?
Affordable
Improving your smile doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are extremely affordable ways to take care of your smile and your bank account at the same time.
If you’re like most people on the planet, you’re operating on a budget. In that case, whitening treatments are a great place to begin your smile self care. From simple treatments like pens and strips to more sophisticated kits that utilize LED technology, there’s an option for every budget.
A bright smile can give you that newly made-over feeling. It’s like debuting a brand new accessory. But whitening treatments aren’t the only affordable option for smile self love. If you’ve been interested in orthodontic treatment — but put it off because of the price — you may want to consider at-home clear aligners.
These treatments can align your smile at a significantly lower rate than traditional options like braces or Invisalign. Why? Because they cut out the in-person appointments. By making this treatment fully remote, you can save thousands on choosing an at-home clear aligner company over an in-person provider. Plus, these providers often offer payment plans and financing that help the cost blend into your budget more easily.
If you’re missing teeth, or have other cosmetic dental concerns that can’t be addressed by whitening or orthodontia, snap-on veneers may be worth a look for a swift smile makeover. Instead of being attached to individual teeth, these trays are worn over an entire arch. You can pop them in to cover up imperfections and even restore some function from missing teeth.
Convenient
Some modes of self care are aspirational, but not that realistic for people with busy schedules. Of course that six week yoga retreat would probably work wonders, but it’s hard to take that kind of time off. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to have a smile glow up without sacrificing all your free time.
Over the last few decades, innovations in the cosmetic dentistry world have turned the industry on its head — making cosmetic dental improvements more accessible and convenient. Orthodontia, whitening, and veneers used to just occur in-person from dentists and orthodontists. Now, these options are available from the comfort of your own home. This is a big win for the multitaskers of the world.
Now, you can align your smile while you work, sleep, cook, you name it! All of your at-home clear aligner check-ins occur remotely, so you don’t have to worry about long commutes or waiting rooms.
Similarly, whitening treatments can fit into your schedule better than ever. With most home kits, you can go about your normal business while you whiten. You can answer emails, read a book, and with certain systems you can even whiten while you shower.
Snap-on veneers are sold online, and don’t require invasive procedures. In fact, they don’t require any appointments at all! Instead, you’ll complete and return an impression kit to the company of your choosing. Using your completed molds, they’ll design a snap-on veneer unique to you and your specific smile goals.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to brighten your grin a few shades or take on a full teeth alignment, there’s a way to update your smile at every price point and schedule. Self care is a lifelong exploration, but taking care of your smile and maintaining a healthy mouth is an excellent place to begin.