What’s in a smile? A whole lot, according to literature, poetry, films, and dozens of long-standing platitudes. Now, we’re learning that those intangible notions are rooted in scientific fact. A study of human responses to facial expressions shows that the shape of the mouth is the top determining physical feature in evaluating someone’s approachability. This might not seem like a major realization, but it makes our approach to our smiles more important than ever.
If you’re not smiling and showing off your teeth when you meet someone new, you’re not making the full impact. A lack of confidence or love for your smile could be the underlying issue. Ready to unleash the full power of your grin? Trying cosmetic dentistry might be the best bet. Even simple procedures can help accomplish a big transformation, and make your confidence skyrocket along the way.
Why Smiles Matter – And Why We Judge Them
The human brain makes snap judgements of those around us reflexively – it happens so quickly (within 1/10th of a second) that we don’t even have conscious control over the impression. And once a first impression has been formed, it’s difficult to change, even after learning more about the person in question.
The appearance of your smile is not only the top factor in establishing approachability, it is also the most memorable facial feature. So if you’re not sharing it, you’re going to be missing out in a variety of ways. Whether you’re in a social or professional setting, or even being evaluated online through social media, your smile (or lack thereof) stands out. You don’t necessarily need to have a Hollywood grin to have the best impact, but you do need to be comfortable with yourself and able to smile freely. Finding the dental treatment that makes that possible will help you achieve the kind of success you deserve.
Interested in learning more about how you might change your teeth? Just schedule a consultation to get personalized recommendations from our aesthetic dentistry team.