When someone meets you for the first time, your smile is one of the first things they’re likely to notice. It’s also the feature they’ll be able to recall most easily when thinking about you later. It may seem strange that something so small can have such a big impact, but numerous studies have shown that a healthy smile can help you land a job, make friends more easily, and network more effectively. So what happens if you’re used to hiding your smile because of crooked teeth or other orthodontic issues?
Here at Luv Braces, we understand that feeling self-conscious about your smile can hold you back sometimes. We want to help you achieve a straighter smile and improved oral health, but we also want to see you reach your full potential! We have a variety of affordable treatment options for every budget, and the technology and experience to give you a smile that will help you put your best foot forward in any situation. Let’s explore a bit more about why smiles matter so much and how you can use yours to make a lasting impression!
Get things off to a great start with a genuine smile
When you greet others with a genuine smile, it can help put them at ease, and also makes you appear friendlier. This is something people pay attention to, particularly when it comes to potential employers. That’s because most companies aren’t just looking for someone with the right credentials. They want someone who is a good fit for their company, a team player who can contribute to a comfortable work environment!
If you come across as stiff or unfriendly because you’re hiding your smile, it can hurt your chances of being offered the position or promotion you’re applying for. A healthy, happy smile signals your ability to connect with coworkers and clients in a positive way and will leave them thinking fondly of you even after you’ve said goodbye.
Smile and the world smiles with you
As humans, we’re very good at mimicking facials expressions, even when we don’t realize we’re doing it. Doing so can trigger a similar emotional state in the person we’re communicating with, and help us understand each other better so we can respond appropriately. This shows that smiling really is contagious. Not only that, but it can briefly boost our own mood, too. The next time you’re feeling down, smile at yourself in a mirror, and see how it helps lift your spirits momentarily!
Yale University attempted to show this in action with a study that divided volunteers into small groups and assigned them specific tasks. One team member was secretly instructed to act upbeat upon entering the room. When that person came in with a smile on their face, the mood in the room lifted almost immediately! Their positive attitude also influenced each individual’s performance for the better, and the group itself was more likely to achieve the goal it had been given.
A similar study was undertaken by scientists at the University of Kansas. Subjects were given stressful tasks to complete, with some instructed to smile and others told to maintain a straight face. Researchers measured the heart rates of the participants, and the subjects were asked to self-report their stress levels as they performed the tasks.
When they reviewed the results, those who had been told to smile had lower heart rates and their bodies showed more resistance to stress. They also reported feeling more positive overall than those who were told to keep a straight face. This shows how much power there can be in a smile!
Make people’s perceptions work for you
A hundred years ago, researcher Edward Thorndike coined the term “halo effect” in an effort to describe how our brains attribute multiple positive qualities to a person based on us observing just one positive quality. In other words, we form an opinion about people based on our perception of them. This may not be a fair way to process the new people we meet, but it does highlight how we never get a second chance to make a first impression.
One trait that’s been shown to kick the halo effect into overdrive is an attractive smile. People who possess a beautiful smile are often presumed to be smarter, more successful, and more trustworthy than someone who doesn’t smile often or struggles with oral health. If you’ve been trying to get your foot in the door, close out a big deal, or make new friends, a healthy smile could make the halo effect work to your benefit.
Boost your self-confidence
If you don’t feel confident in your smile, it can be hard to step outside your comfort zone. But this is often exactly what’s required to be successful! When you’re happy with your appearance, it can make you feel better about your life in general. Having a smile you love can be a big part of that by increasing your self-esteem!
Invisalign conducted a survey on this topic and found that almost 80% of adult orthodontic patients said that having a healthier smile gave them the confidence to do something they never would have considered doing before. That’s a pretty inspiring statistic and something to consider if you feel like your current smile is holding you back in some way.
Find the secret to success with a beautiful smile from Luv Braces
Like it or not, our appearance plays an important role in how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us as well. It can even influence how employers and coworkers think of us! A healthy smile has also been linked to improved moods, a reduction in stress levels, and an ability to connect more easily with those around you. The benefits definitely go beyond the surface of your smile!
Here at Luv Braces, we can help you achieve a beautiful smile that looks and feels fantastic thanks to a variety of treatment options. These include traditional metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces that attach to the back of your teeth, and Invisalign clear aligners. Modern orthodontic technology means that all of these treatments are more comfortable and discreet than ever before, something our adult patients love!
A confident smile can increase your self-esteem, help you make a positive first impression, and even give you the edge you need to get ahead in your career. If you’d like to learn more about how orthodontic treatment can transform your smile into something special, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation!