Here at Hidden Smiles Orthodontics, we know that one of the most important things you can do for your health and emotional well-being is take good care of your smile. Because it’s one of the first things people notice about you and the feature they tend to remember the most after meeting you, the appearance of your smile matters more than you might think. But why is smiling so important? What makes it so memorable? Let’s take a look at why a beautiful smile can be so beneficial and how we can help you achieve one that will leave a lasting impression! Keep reading below to learn more.
Feel better on the inside and the outside
Though people often focus on how orthodontic treatment can improve the cosmetic appearance of a smile, it’s actually capable of so much more! Crooked teeth are harder to clean and floss effectively, which increases the risk of developing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Misalignment can lead to TMJ pain, chronic headaches, soreness in the face and neck, and may even impact your speech. Correcting these issues with the help of an orthodontist can reduce or eliminate these symptoms, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation and infection.
A healthier smile has been shown to have a positive effect on your stress levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, too. The act of smiling itself can make you feel better by boosting your mood and increasing your level of happiness. Buddhist author Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” He wasn’t wrong! Your smile doesn’t even have to be genuine for you to reap the rewards since just the physical act of smiling will give you some extra pep in your step.
Chill out
Your facial expressions have the ability to influence your feelings in a number of ways. Research has linked a healthy smile to better moods and increased positivity, in part because smiling sends a signal to your brain to release a flood of “happy” chemicals. Dopamine helps us feel more content and serotonin is associated with reduced stress. Tiny molecules of neuropeptides join the party and contribute to an overall sense of well-being, while endorphins are natural pain relievers. It’s basically a feel-good party in your brain every time you smile! This can lift your mood and reinforce feelings of contentedness.
Make yourself more approachable
They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that’s certainly true when it comes to your smile. A healthy mouth and confident smile can make you appear more approachable to others, and even inspire trust in you by total strangers! A study involving customer service in hotels discovered that when staff displayed an attractive smile, it improved the customer’s perception of courteousness and boosted their overall level of customer satisfaction.
However it comes about, trust is an important aspect of every relationship, whether it’s personal or professional. Building trust and a mutual sense of respect with friends, colleagues, clients, and business partners can help you succeed in many aspects of life. Teeth that are straight, white, and healthy are often perceived to be an indicator of everything from popularity to trustworthiness, so a beautiful smile is a great place to start if you want to put your best foot forward!
Boost your productivity
Smiling can come in handy if you’re trying to get ahead in your career. A study by Penn State University found that when a person is smiling, they’re often viewed as more competent and courteous by others—and they feel that way about themselves, too! But the reverse can be true as well. If you’re uncomfortable with your smile, it can impact how confident you are in other areas of your life, too. You may avoid stepping outside your comfort zone as a result. Yet this is often exactly what’s required to succeed in life!
Invisalign actually conducted a survey on this subject. The results indicated that almost 80% of adults who underwent orthodontic treatment said having 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 your life in general, and having an attractive smile you love can be a big part of that.
Not only that, but an employee who is generally happier with their life tends to be a more productive employee! It’s easier to concentrate on problem-solving, deliver higher-quality output, and offer more creative solutions and ideas. You’re also more likely to work well with others, and we all know that teamwork makes for a more positive work environment! Need more convincing? Smiling can be contagious, so caring for your teeth and smiling more often could end up benefiting not only you but those who work around you, too! These are all valuable traits that employers will be looking for when it comes to hiring new employees or promoting current ones.
Create a lasting impression with Hidden Smiles Orthodontics
There are so many compelling reasons to show off your smile, whether it’s to cheer up a friend, make your own self feel better, or leave a lasting impression on someone you’re meeting for the first time. Hidden Smiles Orthodontics can help you achieve straighter teeth and improved oral health for a smile that feels just as good as it looks!
There is no dental referral necessary to schedule an initial visit with our Huntington office, and we’re proud to offer FREE consultations. With in-office and virtual consultations, there’s nothing holding you back from the confident smile you deserve!
If you’ve ever felt like the way your teeth look or feel is holding you back, we encourage you to get in touch and schedule an appointment with Dr. Parikh. We’d love to discuss how our treatment options can give you a beautiful smile that you’ll want to share with everyone around you!