According to scientists, smiling can actually work to improve your mood and your confidence. People with high levels of confidence generally find better success in their lives, whether that is personal relationships or career goals. Despite this, many people still find it hard to smile. Here are some reasons that you don’t flash your grin:

Crooked Teeth

This problem is the most common complaint that many of our patients have. Teeth that seem to go sideways, have large gaps in between, or are pushed too closely together can cause an unsightly mess in your mouth. Not only can these issues make you want to hide your smile, they can affect your ability to engage in proper oral hygiene.  

Misplaced Midline

Crooked teeth aren’t the only issue that can crop up in your mouth. A misplaced midline is when the center of your upper front teeth do not align with the center of your lower front teeth. This creates a look of asymmetry in your face, which many patients find disheartening. Aside from the aesthetic effects, a misplaced midline can cause certain joint disorders like TMD.

Misaligned Bite

The third most common reason that our patients hide their smiles is because they have some sort of misaligned bite, or malocclusion. Malocclusions can come in many forms.

• Overbite: The upper jaw lies too far forward, jutting way past the lower jaw. Also referred to as “buck teeth.”
• Underbite: The opposite problem, where the lower teeth are too far forward.
• Crossbite: Where teeth on one jaw come down either on the cheek side or the tongue side of the adjacent teeth on the opposite jaw.
• Open bite: Where a space is created between the biting surfaces of the front or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.

The Solution

Don’t let any of these problems prevent you from smiling! Whether you suffer from crooked teeth, a misplaced midline, or a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatment can help correct your smile. The experts at Cory Liss Orthodontics will work closely with you to achieve comfort and confidence. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s get you smiling!