Some people may find it difficult to smile with braces. They take some time to get used to the new look and feel embarrassed, especially the first few times they wear it. One of the best ways to not feel awkward when putting on an "iron" smile is to practice so that you behave more confidently. Also, don't forget to take care of the health of your teeth and gums. It is entirely possible to smile more confidently and feel comfortable wearing orthodontic braces!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Practice Smiling
Step 1. Practice smiling
The best way to feel comfortable smiling with braces is to practice. Facial expressions respond to the movement of different muscles in the face, so by "practicing" in front of a mirror you can learn to smile the way you like.
- Stretch the corners of your mouth outward, keeping your lips closed. Hold this expression for 10 seconds, then relax.
- Stretch the corners of your mouth a second time, but open your lips just enough to expose the line that divides the upper and lower arches. Hold this expression for 10 seconds, then relax your mouth.
- Stretch the corners of your mouth further outward until your lips are parted enough to expose about half of your teeth. Hold this expression for 10 seconds, then relax your mouth.
- Stretch the corners of your mouth as far as possible, showing all your teeth. Hold this expression for 10 seconds, then relax your mouth.
- Practice these exercises in front of a mirror, until you have discovered which way you prefer to smile, and continue to train your facial muscles until you have total control of your smile.
Step 2. Make a more natural smile
Once you have started working out your facial muscles, the next step is to learn how to make a more natural and easy smile that doesn't feel forced. To do this, it tones the other facial muscles.
- Squeeze your lips so they look fuller as you pull in your cheeks.
- As you squeeze them, try to stretch the corners of your mouth outwards at the same time, hinting at a smile.
- Keep this expression until your facial muscles begin to tire, then relax your face.
- Do not perform this exercise more than once a day; if you overdo it, you risk straining your muscles. Over time, it should make your smile look more natural and radiant.
Step 3. Increase elasticity and control
Once you are comfortable with stretching and toning the facial muscles, you should work towards gaining more control of your smile. To do this, try exercising your other facial muscles while smiling.
- Stretch the corners of your mouth outward as long as you can, keeping your lips closed.
- While holding this expression, try moving your nose until you feel the cheek muscles begin to tense.
- Hold this expression for 5 seconds, then relax your face. Repeat the exercise 10 times a day to gain more control of your facial muscles.
Part 2 of 4: Smile with your Eyes
Step 1. Smile until your eyes are narrowed
Psychologists have found that, when the smile is genuine, the periocular muscles are also involved in movement. This expression of genuine happiness, sometimes referred to as the "Duchenne smile", creates the so-called "crow's feet", because the eyes narrow and the smile widens. This is a mechanism that many people are unaware of, but with practice you can learn to smile with your eyes and, as a result, have a more natural and sincere expression.
- Stand or sit in front of a mirror.
- Smile until your eyes close slightly. Try to keep this expression by studying the way your face muscles contract.
- Practice smiling with your eyes until you are able to recreate this expression whenever you want.
Step 2. Reproduce Duchenne's smile
To learn how to smile with your eyes, look at photos of other people wearing Duchenne's smile, then try to reproduce the same expression. You can find pictures online by searching for "Duchenne smile". According to experts, it is easier to do this on command by looking at a photograph of someone smiling like this.
- Practice in front of a mirror or camera.
- Keep looking at the pictures with Duchenne's smile and play it back until you are able to smile with your eyes whenever you want.
Step 3. Try to smile while thinking of pleasant things
According to research, some people are able to make the Duchenne smile by imagining certain joyful events or identifying with pleasant situations. The thought or the memory of a funny occasion among friends, the greeting of a loved one and the news of a promotion are all scenarios that have tempted some people to smile with their eyes.
Step 4. Try to laugh to get to smile
Some research links the expression of laughter with Duchenne's smile. If you find it hard to smile with your eyes, try hinting at a shy laugh so that you take on an expression very similar to that of Duchenne's smile. Think of something funny or joyful and practice laughing and / or smiling in front of a mirror.
Part 3 of 4: Fuel Your Self-Esteem
Step 1. Focus on your strengths
Some researchers have found that by reflecting on your strengths and the best sides of your personality, you can strengthen your self-esteem. Positive self-esteem helps you feel more confident and comfortable when smiling with orthodontic braces.
Step 2. Try repeating encouraging phrases
By encouraging yourself every day with a few sentences, you can recharge yourself and believe in yourself. You can use well-established phrases, such as "I am a smart and generous person" and "I feel positive and loving towards me" or come up with statements that are more fitting to your situation, such as "I know I have a beautiful smile and it will improve thanks to device".
Step 3. Question negative thoughts
Everyone has negative thoughts or doubts from time to time, but it is important to always keep in mind that these considerations do not reflect our true nature. As soon as you have a bad thought about braces or your appearance, stop it in the bud and remember that this situation will not last indefinitely, because you will have a flawless smile once you take off the braces.
Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of Your Smile
Step 1. Buy floss with a floss needle
Some people who wear braces find it difficult to smile for fear that something is stuck between their teeth or staples. By using dental floss and taking care of your teeth and braces, you will overcome this fear and smile again with ease. Flossing is important, but braces wearers may find it difficult to pass floss between wire and staples. However, it is possible to find this product with a stiff end, called a floss needle, which makes it easier to use the floss between the braces and the gums.
- Look for floss with a floss needle at a drugstore or supermarket.
- If you can't find it, you can also buy the separate floss needle and use it with regular dental floss. In this case, use about 30 cm of dental floss so that you have a length that allows you to move the floss properly between your teeth.
- Use the floss to make a C. When flossing, try to make a C around each tooth, then raise and lower it by rubbing along the tooth walls from each angle. This way you will make the most of the floss on the area it covers.
- Use floss after every meal to maintain a clean, glowing smile.
Step 2. Brush your teeth
It is important to use a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day, but many dentists recommend braces wearers wash them after each meal.
- In addition to the usual cleaning of the teeth, you must remember to brush around every part of the appliance as well.
- Consider using an interproximal toothbrush. It is a special brush designed for those who wear the appliance. It slides easily under the wire.
Step 3. Use an antiseptic mouthwash
The mouthwash can be used both at home and on the go, especially after meals. Helps cover bad breath and kill or remove harmful bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.
- Use the bottle cap and pour a small amount inside to gargle.
- Pour the mouthwash into your mouth without swallowing it.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly, focusing on each area of the mouth.
- If possible, avoid rinsing your mouth immediately after gargle. Mouthwash continues to kill bacteria in your mouth even after you have finished using it, so putting water in your mouth immediately after using the mouthwash may stop its effectiveness.
Step 4. Limit your consumption of hard chew foods
Not only can they chip and scratch your teeth, but they also risk getting stuck under or between the staples. For this reason, try cutting or breaking hard foods into small pieces before chewing them.
Step 5. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods
Popcorn, hard candy, and licorice can easily get stuck in staples and even damage the appliance. To have a bright smile, try to consume softer foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Step 6. Eliminate the candies and sweets
Sugars are known to convert to acids which attack tooth enamel, causing bad breath, decalcification and tooth decay. Hard candy can even damage the appliance. Therefore, avoid sweet foods as much as possible if you want to have a healthy and shiny smile.
