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A smile is one of the main ways we express happiness and interact positively with others. If you can’t (or won’t) smile because of how your teeth look, you could be holding yourself back in social situations, and can come off as distant or unconfident. And we all have more things to be concerned with than worrying about how our teeth appear to others.

Signs you are hiding your smile

Though most people have an idea that they are hiding their smile, some may not even realize it. Some signs that dental imperfections are holding you back include:

• Smiling only with your lips in pictures or not smiling at all
• Holding your hand in front of your mouth when you laugh
• Avoiding looking at your teeth in the mirror
• Intentionally only showing a very small part of your teeth when you do smile
• Thinking about what blemishes you have and smiling in ways to hide them
• Worrying that people are staring at flaws or blemishes in your teeth constantly
• Avoiding social situations or large groups of people because you are self-conscious

There could be a number of reasons you find yourself doing any of these things. Crooked teeth, chipped teeth, missing teeth, discoloration – all can make you feel ashamed of your smile. But there are many solutions to these common problems. If you find yourself identifying with any of these practices, it may be time to visit a dentist. Teeth shouldn’t be the reason you can’t smile proudly. Whether it be crookedness or discoloration, there are ways to fix what is making you hide your teeth.

Get a smile you’re proud of

Visiting a dentist can help you determine what is making you feel self-conscious, and discuss solutions. There are a variety of options for treating common cosmetic problems, including:

• Braces
• Whitening treatment
• Porcelain crowns
• Porcelain veneers
• Tooth-colored fillings

Many of these treatments are affordable, and can be done easily in one or two trips to the dentist. It’s never too late to improve your smile, and give yourself the confidence you deserve. Talk to a dentist today to find out what you can do to get a winning smile you’re proud of.