13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
You’re probably no stranger to the idea that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s a very popular phrase, after all! It’s hard to convey something like your true personality or your business credentials in those first few seconds, but a lasting impression is still made based on several verbal and nonverbal cues. This includes your outward appearance, the way you speak, your body language—and your smile!
Your smile is actually one of the most important and influential tools you have at your disposal when meeting new people. A bright, confident smile can set a positive tone in almost any situation and leave others thinking fondly of you long after the occasion has passed. Keep reading below to learn more about why smiles are so important and how Grubaugh Orthodontics can help you transform yours!
It’s an unfortunate truth that we subconsciously place quite a bit of weight on physical appearances when it comes to first impressions. This is part of something called “the halo effect,” which describes the way our brains like to attribute multiple positive qualities to a person based on us noticing just one positive quality. In other words, we tend to make up information about a person based on our own perception of them.
When it comes to smiles, teeth that are straight and clean are often perceived as an indicator of everything from success to trustworthiness. In fact, a perception study conducted by Kelton for Invisalign found that the alignment of a person’s teeth leads others to make assumptions about their popularity, intelligence, and overall health, among other things. With two-thirds of Americans likely to remember a beautiful smile, orthodontic treatment lets you use those snap judgments to your advantage!
The impression your smile leaves on others is enough of a reason to work towards better oral health, but it can benefit you in other ways, too! Crooked teeth are harder to clean and floss effectively, and misalignment can cause a number of issues, including headaches and pain in the neck and jaw. But that’s not all—being self-conscious about your smile can also keep you from stepping too outside your comfort zone, something that’s necessary if you wish to be successful.
Invisalign did a survey on this as well, and found that almost 80% of adult orthodontic patients said having a healthier smile gave them the confidence to do something they never would have done before! Feeling happy with the appearance of your smile can enable you to truly be yourself.
Humans are able to mimic facial expressions exceptionally well, even when we don’t realize we’re doing it. This behavior allows us to understand the person we’re communicating with and respond appropriately. It can also trigger a similar emotional state in those around us. Smiles really are contagious!
The University of Kansas demonstrated this in a study where subjects were given stressful tasks to complete. Some were told to smile during these tasks, while others were directed to maintain a straight face. Researchers measured the heart rates of all the participants, and the subjects were asked to self-report their stress levels as they performed the tasks.
Those who smiled 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. This is likely related to the endorphins that smiling produces in our body, but whatever the reason, it’s scientific proof of how powerful a smile can be!
A social psychologist by the name of Anne Beall set out to show how a smile can influence the way strangers view us. She showed over 500 people before-and-after images of cosmetic dental patients and asked them to assess certain characteristics based only on the pictures. Her study revealed that the “after” photos were consistently ranked as more
than the “before” pictures of the same individuals! Because your smile so often speaks for you, it’s important to remember that it almost always has an audience—and that audience is constantly making subconscious notes about you based on what they see. When you present a confident, healthy smile to the world, it will give others exactly the right impression of you, whether you’re trying to land a promotion, an important contract, or a brand new job.
Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, we know how important first impressions are and we want to help you leave a lasting one as well! We’re proud to offer our patients a variety of affordable treatment options to successfully correct a range of orthodontic issues, including metal braces, clear braces, Damon braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.
Healthy smiles have been linked to improved moods, increased positivity, and the ability to connect with those around you more easily. Excellent oral health can also reduce stress levels and increase your chances of making a positive first impression that lingers long after you leave the room!
If you’re in Dewitt, Lansing, or the surrounding areas, our talented team is here to help you achieve a confident smile that stands out from the crowd. If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, get in touch today to schedule a FREE virtual or in-office consultation with Dr. Grubaugh.