I get what you're saying about embracing quirks, but sometimes it's easier said than done. I had a small gap between my front teeth growing up, and even though friends said it was cute, it always bugged me in photos. Eventually got braces in my 20s, and honestly, it boosted my confidence a ton. Do you think social media makes us more self-conscious about these little imperfections nowadays? Seems like everyone's teeth are suddenly perfect online...
Totally get that. My daughter had slightly crooked teeth, and even though we kept saying it gave her character, she was super self-conscious about selfies and stuff. Social media definitely amps up the pressure—everyone's smiles look suspiciously perfect these days...filters much? Glad braces helped you feel better though.
Yeah, social media definitely doesn't help. My son was the same—he'd avoid smiling in pics or cover his mouth when laughing. We finally went for braces, and honestly, best decision ever. Not just for looks, but his confidence shot up big time. Filters might fake a perfect smile, but nothing beats genuinely feeling good about your teeth... crooked or not.
"Filters might fake a perfect smile, but nothing beats genuinely feeling good about your teeth... crooked or not."
Totally agree with this. My teeth were slightly crooked too, and braces seemed pricey at first. But honestly, spacing out payments monthly made it manageable. Confidence boost was worth every penny spent... no regrets at all.
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, braces aren't always the best route for everyone. I had slightly crooked teeth too, and initially thought braces were the only solution. But after talking to my dentist, I realized there are other options that might be less expensive and less hassle. For instance, dental bonding or veneers can sometimes fix minor alignment issues without the long-term commitment of braces. Plus, they're usually quicker—just a couple of visits instead of months or years.
Also, I've found that focusing on overall dental health—regular cleanings, whitening treatments, and good hygiene—can make a huge difference in how you feel about your smile. Sometimes just brightening your teeth a bit can shift your perspective enough that slight imperfections don't bother you as much.
Not knocking braces at all—they're great for many people—but it's worth exploring alternatives before jumping into something pricey and time-consuming.
