Experts say the popularity of “selfie” photos is causing people to have a distorted view of their smile. Studies show that selfies cause many people to perceive their front teeth as protruding or “horsey.” In most cases, this simply isn’t true.
Selfies can either confuse or improve your perception of your dental health. Read on to learn more!
Misperceiving your smile has become so common that there’s even a term for it: dental dysmorphia. Many factors can make your “selfie teeth” appear differently than they do in real life: the angle, the closeness of the photo, the flash and even certain camera lenses. A similar problem occurs when people scrutinize the whiteness of their teeth without accounting for the effects of light and shadow.
There are many ways to improve your smile, from straightening teeth with Invisalign to repairing receding gums with surgery. Dental implants can even replace missing teeth with natural-looking replacements that look and function like real teeth.
We’re happy to help you achieve your smile goals. But before you consider cosmetic dentistry, take a good look at your teeth in non-selfie photos and in the mirror. Book a free consultation with our team. We’ll talk to you honestly about which procedures are a fit for you and which will actually get you results.
Your smile makeover should be done for the right reasons — not because you’re looking at too many misleading selfies on Facebook and Instagram!
Harness The Power Of The Selfie!
Despite the problem of dental dysmorphia, there is actually a major benefit to having so many photos on our smartphones and social media.
Taking “selfie” videos while brushing your teeth can actually help improve your oral health, according to a new study. Researchers observed an overall improvement in the participants’ skill, including more brush strokes and more accurate brushing.
The study suggests that sharing photos or videos with your dental professional can help improve the quality of your brushing. Many factors — including grip, motion, bristle angle, pressure and duration — affect the success of brushing and flossing.
If you’re not sure if you’re getting the most from your brushing and flossing, share a photo or video with your dental hygienist during your next visit!