Pop culture is perhaps to blame for the notion that wearing dental braces is only applicable to geeks and losers. You see them characterized in films and television as failures and outcasts. You read about their uneasiness with their body image in books. People with braces aren’t seen as superior, confident beings. They are not expected to succeed judging by the way they look. But that should not be the case in real life, because plenty of people who have worn dental braces in the past have grown to accomplish a lot.
If you’re someone who wears braces or are planning to get fitted with one, keep these tips in mind in order to avoid boxing yourself into the typical stereotype:
- Realize that you are who you are whether or not you have dental braces on. Being defined under the terms of other people is not going to help your self-esteem. No matter what others say, you alone are aware of your capabilities and limitations.
- Seek to prove the stereotype wrong. There must be something else about you that hardly qualifies as “geek” or “loser”. You can probably keep yourself busy with taking creative classes, learning to cook exotic dishes, or volunteering at an animal shelter. The point is to find something you can be great at, for your self-improvement. Look for an avenue to develop these skills or talents and make something of yourself, while enjoying what you do in the process.
- Be nice, even to those who are most likely to tease you because of your braces. A great personality is your best asset. In three years or ten, people will remember you better for this, than for the way you looked.
- Dress nicely and keep yourself well-groomed. You can make a better impression on others if you make an effort to fix yourself up. Dab light shades of lipstick, enhance your eyes, keep your face clean and clear, or wear good scented colognes to look and feel better. You don’t have to wear the latest designer clothes to make an impact. But you also don’t have to look dull and uninspired just because you’ve got braces.
- Maintain proper dental hygiene. Undeniably, some people are easily drawn to your braces when you start to talk. To avoid embarrassing yourself, thus shooting down your confidence level, keep your teeth clean and minty fresh by brushing and flossing regularly. Make sure to go to your regular appointments with the orthodontist, as well.
- Always remember that having braces is just temporary, so there is no reason to feel bad about it. This is one of those times when the saying, “No pain, no gain,” is completely applicable. When this is all over, the payoff should be worth it — you’re getting beautiful set of teeth.
- Enjoy the experience. It’s only dental braces. It’s a corrective measure. It’s not fitted to your teeth to ruin your life. Always keep a positive outlook so your confidence, despite the braces, will shine through.
If you are looking for dental braces, please know there are several options to choose from. Before you check with your local dentist, visit BracesCostInfo.com to learn how much do braces cost. Knowing the average cost of dental braces will save you a lot of money when making your decision to get dental braces.