Am I being a hypocrite?

Question

I'm going to see an orthodontist in a week about getting braces. I'm 21 and I have a tooth (lateral incisor) that's really pushed behind the other (surprisingly very straight) teeth backwards and it's been that way for yrs. I'm getting the braces for both cosmetic and health reasons. Cosmetic because I hate the fact that my teeth look so odd (to me at least ; ppl say they don't notice till I point it out) and health reasons because I'm afraid it'll continue to be pushed backwards and it'll get harder for me to clean it as well any possible sinus problems that could arise in the future (according to what one dentist told me). Thing is, I'm very much against cosmetic surgery (not reconstructive) unless your self-esteem is completely affected in a way that interferes with your life. I even hate colored contact lenses because I somehow think it makes you ungenuine. My question is, would getting braces make me a hypocrite?

Answer 1

Your teeth in their proper alignment are essential in the digestion process required for your overall physical health. The fact that you have a lateral that is positioned incorrectly is a medical problem that if left untreated can create more serious problems than you are taking into consideration. The tooth in the position it sits, is difficult to keep clean with brushing and flossing. Making it a perfect place for bacteria and plaque to collect and eventually form decay which can affect the central and the cuspid or k9. So it's not a beauty or vanity reason for the need of orthodontic treatment, it's a health reason. Now I'm sorry that "some assistants say" orthodontic treatment is just for cosmetic purposes. Perhaps they were absent from class that day. But that is just not a true statement. As for the sinus problem that this tooth may cause, now that statement is incorrect also. Perhaps you misunderstood the dentist. A sinus infection or even allergies can make you feel like your teeth are hurting. Your sinus cavities are just above the roots of your upper teeth. So it makes sense to think that if the sinus cavities are swollen due to irritation from and infection or allergies, the roots of the upper teeth are going to feel the pressure. Your teeth don't create the sinus problem. Now for your problem with dealing with hypocrisy, I think you should just let it go on this one. I do agree with you on cases of plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons, when we have so many other things that the surgeon’s talents could be used on. The cases that are actually needed for a patients health, but they can't afford are a good example. The people who have these procedures for vanity reasons, I feel sorry for. Deal with what God gave you, the mirror image is not what people really see, it's what's inside you that shows your true self, or your inner soul. So in your case, do have the braces to correct your tooth position and prevent you from health problems in the future, and talk to the orthodontists. Print this out for him to read. I am sure he will reinforce every thing I've said here to you. I hope I've helped you come to the correct decision and made it easier for you to understand the reasons for doing it and not feeling guilty or like a hypocrite for it. Good luck!

Answer 2

There's nothing ungenuine about fixing your teeth. It's not like your adding anything or removing anything to make you look completely different. Your fixing something that's already there, barely noticeable. You sound like a person with a very good self-esteem and making the decision to get braces is a great idea. Good luck.

Answer 3

To some degree. Even though that dentist told you it could lead to sinus problems, most orthodontic work is purely cosmetic. So I think you need to look at cosmetic surgery. I've always felt that a person should love who they are, but if there's a certain part of themselves they just can't stand, they should change it. And just that. So if your teeth make you feel bad about yourself and nothing but making them straight will make you feel better, you should go for it. In the same way that someone with a "big" nose is just obsessed with their nose and feel ugly because of it, if they can't get over it they should have it fixed.

Answer 4

Well, let me try. People do believe in God (of some sort or other) mostly because they need higher presence in their lives: the sense of purpose, of higher destiny (rather than just eating, reproducing, and surviving as a species), which they get from the belief that we were created for something, not because there was a comet that struck Earth 3 billion years ago and caused amino acids to form and that led to us. There used to be both gods and demons (including magical creatures like vampires, etc.). But now people had outgrown their fears a bit, or had their fears explained by science, so they no longer need the lower part of the pantheon - the creatures and the demons. But I don't think we've outgrown our need for God yet, we still need a comforting, meaningful presence. Or maybe vampires and werewolves just went out of fashion. UFOs and the Chupacabra are the IT item now.

Answer 5

It's simple....if the dentist ADVISED you to have braces, then it wasn't up to you. If you want the braces due to your own insecurity, then you are hypocrite.

BTW, I don't agree cosmetic surgery is the answer for those with low self esteem. Low self esteem is a psychological issue. People are not perfect species and we all have flaws. When a person has cosmetic surgery for one issue, they will continue to have more for their other flaws. It doesn't resolve their esteem problem. They need to overcome their insecurity with therapy and acceptance of who they are instead of trying to "fit" in to a media guided society.

Answer 6

"Cosmetic Dentistry" is becoming a huge trend. (not suprizing) But to me, getting braces is in no way included in this trend. I don't know if you plan on getting the big metal kind... but considering the years you'll have that in your mouth, the "cosmetic" part of the end result is your reward. Don't feel bad about your decision. You're protecting your mouth (and your sinuses) from future problems.

Answer 7

No you are deffinately NOT a hypocrite. Please get the orthodontist's view and seriously think about it for the health side of it. If not treated now you could later in life end up with having much larger costs for implants (if you chose) or having to put up with dentures. Dentures are NOT easy nor are they better, you end up with a worse problem then, so go and get it done, you will never regret it. Good luck.

Answer 8

My dentist told me on Thursday Dentist d have the highest rate of suidice due to the fact they have to treat the mouth and know how to react with patients.

Answer 9

I don't think so because its not only for cosmetic its for your health...

Answer 10

No. Teeth are a vital part of oral hygiene and health.