You’ve probably heard the phrase, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” before, but have you ever thought about what it means in relation to your smile? All of us have the ability to communicate with each other in nonverbal ways through something called psychological cues. Things like our gestures, posture, and outward appearance allow us to get a message across without ever saying a word. So what does your smile say about you?
Here at Glass Orthodontics, we know that a great smile can leave not only a great first impression, but one that lasts as well! Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques, we’re able to offer patients a wide variety of affordable treatment options to help them achieve a smile that stands out in the crowd. To learn more about how improved oral health can transform your life, keep reading below!
Smiling puts positivity into the world
When you flash a genuine smile, it can help set a positive tone, whatever the situation. It helps if you’re confident about your teeth! Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it’s the feature they tend to remember most clearly when recalling your face. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, making new friends, or giving a presentation, you don’t want to come across as stiff or unfriendly. A bright, healthy smile can warm up the room and leave others thinking of you with fondness even after you’ve parted ways.
Smiling kicks the “halo effect” into action
Edward Thorndike was a researcher in the 1920’s who came up with a concept called the “halo effect.” He used this to describe the way our brains attribute multiple positive qualities to a person based on us noticing just one positive quality. Put more simply, we tend to make up information about a person based on our own perception of them. And when it comes to smiles, teeth that are straight and clean are often perceived as an indicator of everything from success to being trustworthy!
A perception study conducted by Kelton for Invisalign found a similar phenomenon. Their research showed that the alignment of a person’s teeth leads others to make assumptions about their popularity, intelligence, success, and overall health. According to their findings, about two-thirds of Americans are more likely to remember a beautiful smile than a feature they find to be unpleasant. By embarking on an orthodontic journey, you’ll be able to actually take advantage of those snap judgments by flashing a brilliant smile.
Your smile has an audience (at least most of the time, anyway!)
Since our smile can speak for us when using both verbal and nonverbal communication, it’s important to note that it almost always has an audience, and that that audience is constantly making subconscious notes about you based on what they see. Presenting a smile that’s confident, healthy, and representative of who you are as a person will give those around exactly the right impression, whether you’re trying to land a promotion or an important contract.
The impression your smile leaves on others is enough of a reason to work towards better oral health, but it can be beneficial in other ways, too! Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, and misalignment can cause a number of painful issues. Being self-conscious about your smile can also keep you from stepping too far outside your comfort zone. Invisalign did a survey on this, and found that almost 80% of adults who underwent orthodontic treatment said a healthier smile gave them the confidence to do something they never would have considered doing before! Feeling happy with your appearance can make you feel better about life in general. Having a smile you love can, too.
Smiling really is contagious
Mimicking facial expressions is something humans are very good at. It allows us to understand the person we’re communicating with and respond appropriately, and can also trigger a similar emotional state in those around us. Turns out that old saying about smiles being contagious is true!
The University of Kansas was able to demonstrate this in a study. Subjects were given stressful tasks to complete, with some participants told to smile during these tasks while others were directed 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.
Those who were smiling throughout the tasks had lower heart rates, and their bodies showed an increased resistance to stress. They also reported feeling more positive overall than those who were told to keep a straight face. There you have it—scientific proof of how powerful smiles can be!
Leave a lasting impression thanks to Glass Orthodontics
Having a healthy smile can improve your mood, increase your positivity, and help you confidently connect with those around you. It can also reduce your stress levels and make a positive first impression that lasts!
If you’re in Daphne, Bay Minette, Atmore or Brewton our talented team is here to give you a beautiful, functional smile you’ll want to share with everyone around you. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE virtual or in-office consultation!