Finding Your Center
Empowered Orthodontics recognizes the relationship between physical health and mental well-being.
By integrating mindfulness practices with our orthodontic procedures, we aim to provide a holistic approach to dental care.
Explore how orthodontics and mindfulness work together to improve your overall wellness.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and acknowledging your feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations without judgment. It goes beyond meditation, focusing not on clearing but directing your mind.
The Journey to Understanding Mindfulness
Mindfulness isn’t about completely clearing your mind — instead, it’s about learning to be more aware of the current moment and to gently accept your emotions and thoughts while deciding how best to act on them.
Applying Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Incorporating mindfulness isn't limited to specific settings like a yoga studio. You can weave this versatile practice into your daily activities to help you better control your reactions and foster a sense of calm during life’s challenges.
The Benefits of Mindfulness to Your Dental Health
Lower Dental Anxiety
Mindfulness practices play a crucial role in helping you navigate the often intimidating world of dental visits. By cultivating a sense of calmness and teaching you to be present, your attention can be diverted away from fear, making procedures more bearable.
Additionally, recognizing and managing feelings becomes easier with mindfulness. Mindfulness strategies also help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed during your appointments.
Improved Patient - Doctor Communication
When you’re present and engaged through mindfulness practices, you’re more likely to voice your concerns, ask relevant questions, and provide valuable feedback.
This open dialogue ensures a more tailored treatment approach and fosters a trusting relationship between you and your orthodontist.
Reduced Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Stress, a major contributor to bruxism, can be effectively reduced through mindfulness techniques, potentially lowering the frequency and intensity of teeth grinding.
Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your jaw tension so that you can actively work toward relaxing your jaw and reducing the frequency of grinding your teeth.
With the heightened self-awareness that mindfulness brings, you can become more attuned to your jaw tension.
This awareness can help you to actively work towards relaxing your jaw so that you ideally reduce the frequency of grinding your teeth.
Enhanced Recovery Times
Mindfulness has been linked to reduced stress and better overall mental well-being. Patients practicing mindfulness may experience smoother and potentially quicker recovery periods after orthodontic procedures due to their enhanced ability to manage pain and discomfort.
Holistic Well-Being
Apart from its direct orthodontic benefits, mindfulness promotes overall well-being. You learn to manage not just dental-related anxieties, but day-to-day stresses, leading to an improved quality of life and a more positive attitude towards your orthodontic journey.
How We Help
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can have a positive, life-changing impact on anyone, and that’s why we make it a priority to incorporate this powerful tool into our practice.
Let’s take a moment to learn how we do that, right here.
Begin at the Beginning
Every journey at Empowered Orthodontics begins with a free consultation that dives into both your orthodontic needs and the basics of mindfulness. Dr. Collins and the team will introduce how this practice can enhance your orthodontic experience.
Mindfulness Throughout Treatment
During your orthodontic journey, Dr. Collins and our team will encourage you to apply mindfulness strategies, especially during moments of discomfort or anxiety. We're here to guide and support this integration every step of the way.
By incorporating mindfulness practices, Empowered Orthodontics offers a unique and enriching dental care experience that focuses on both your physical and emotional well-being.
Mindfulness Resources
Our holistic approach extends to providing resources on mindfulness practices. We offer guided meditations and breathing exercises to integrate into your daily routine.