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The Healthy Effects of Smiling in Ottawa, IL

From job interviews to building healthy relationships, a smiling face indicates confidence and an ability to cope with challenging situations. However, people missing teeth may not smile as often as they used to, which makes it difficult to reap the many benefits of smiling.

At the dental practice of John M. Conness, our expert Ottawa dentist is devoted to bringing smiles back to patients’ faces. We offer a variety of dental implant solutions sure to help improve your oral health and give your confidence a boost! Read on to learn how beneficial smiling is, and how dental implants can help. We proudly serve patients in Streator, Ottawa, Marseilles, and other areas in LaSalle County, IL.

The Benefits of Smiling

Smiling can positively impact both your physical and mental health in a variety of ways. From strengthening your immune system to alleviating stress, a smile can do so much more than making a lasting impression. Some benefits of smiling include:

Improves Your Mental State

The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your mental health and happiness. Smiling facilitates the release of neuropeptides that work towards alleviating stress. These neuropeptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate and send messages to the entire body when a person feels emotions.

Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are the positive feeling neurotransmitters that help to relax the body, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.

Enhances Physical Health

Smiling isn’t the only way to enhance your physical health. Laughing can expand the lungs, stretch the muscles in the body, tone the abdominal muscles, and stimulate homeostasis. This replenishes the cells by exercising the body in a way that the lungs get filled with oxygen, similar to how cardiovascular exercises work.

man looking at smile in mirror
girl smiling

Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling signals the brain to release endorphins, which are positive chemicals that can grant your immune system an added boost. A strong immune system is crucial to fighting off illnesses and staying in good health. As the release of endorphins is increased, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. Cortisol is more active when we feel stressed and anxious, which contributes to unpleasant feelings.

Brings Joy to Those Around You

Smiling is contagious. The part of your brain responsible for facial expressions lives in the cingulate cortex, an unconscious automatic response area. Facial pronouncements go directly to the recipient, and the conscious effort to turn a frown into a smile is evident.

Additionally, Your appearance improves twofold when you smile. People respond differently to smiling faces, and there’s a sense of feeling rewarded at the sight of a bright smile.

How Can Dental Implants Help Your Smile?

Patients struggling with tooth loss may be self-conscious about their smiles. However, they’re missing out on the many benefits smiling has to offer. Choosing a dental implant placement restores your beautiful smile and revives your self-esteem. You’ll want to smile every chance you get with dental implants!

Initial Consultation and Smile Evaluation

Dr. Conness will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health during your initial consultation to determine your candidacy for an implant procedure. Once you’ve decided to change your smile and your life, our Ottawa dentist and team will work diligently to restore your healthy smile. Dental implant treatments are known as the gold standard of restorative dentistry, so you won’t be disappointed with the results!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect my smile?
What happens if I don’t replace my missing teeth?
What if I don’t qualify for dental implants?
How can I protect my smile?

Practicing a good oral hygiene routine is essential to protecting your healthy smile. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, as well as rinsing your mouth in between meals.

However, a good oral hygiene routine alone isn’t enough to shield your smile from oral health complications. We encourage our patients to attend routine dental check-ups and cleanings at our Ottawa office at least once every six months.

What happens if I don’t replace my missing teeth?

Neglecting to replace missing teeth can impact much more than your smile’s beauty. Without tooth roots to provide necessary stimulation, your jawbone may lose bone density, leading to a sunken appearance. It may also result in oral health complications.

Dental implants are the only tooth loss solution that can prevent jawbone deterioration and provide a lifelong restoration. With dental implants, you can speak, chew, and smile with confidence.

What if I don’t qualify for dental implants?

Patients must have sufficient jawbone density and good oral health to qualify for a dental implant procedure. However, we offer various supplemental procedures that can help restore your oral health and boost your candidacy for dental implants. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Conness today to discover if you qualify for an implant restoration and how our supplemental treatments can help.

Learn How Our Ottawa Dentist Can Enhance Your Smile

Dr. Conness doesn’t only want to fix your teeth — he wants to transform your life. Get to know all the ins and outs of our Ottawa practice by calling (815) 324-2550 to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online by filling out our convenient contact form below. After one consultation with our expert implant dentist, you’ll be on your way to smile success.


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Get Started Today

If you’re in need of dental implants and would like a consultation with Dr. Conness, call us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll be more than happy to help you through the process and answer any additional questions you may have.