There are numerous studies that have proven that a confident, attractive smile can make you stand out in a crowd and leave a lasting impression on the people around you. Did you know that your smile is actually one of the first things people notice about you and the things they’re most likely to remember? If you’re trying to get ahead in the professional world, a healthy smile can go a long way! But what happens if you struggle with crooked teeth, misalignment, or other orthodontic issues?
At Ollins Orthodontics, we understand the frustrations you experience when you notice that your oral health is holding you back from realizing your maximum potential. If you’ve spent years feeling self-conscious about your smile, our skilled team can help! Join us as we take a closer look at what makes smiles so important, and how our treatment options can help you get ahead.
Fake it ‘til you make it
Humans do a great job mimicking facial expressions, though we might not realize it. This behavior allows us to understand the people we communicate with and can trigger a similar feeling of emotion in the people around us, and it allows us to respond correctly to the other person. Imitating a smile can even boost our own mood for a short time. If you’ve ever heard that smiling is contagious, now you know why.
A healthy, happy smile lets potential employers know that you’ll be a positive influence on the people you work with. Yale University demonstrated this in a study by dividing volunteers into small groups and assigning specific tasks. One team member was secretly instructed to act upbeat as they entered the room. When they came in with a smile on their face, the mood in the room noticeably changed for the better! This study also found that each individual’s performance improved and the group itself was more likely to achieve its goal.
Scientists at the University of Kansas conducted a similar study. Participants in the study were given stressful tasks to complete, and some participants were asked to smile during these tasks while others were 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.
Those who had been told to smile had lower heart rates and more resistance to stress. They also reported feeling more positive overall than those who were told to keep a straight face. That’s all the proof you need regarding how powerful a smile can be. It also explains why it’s such an attractive trait when you find it in employees and coworkers.
Halo Effect and How to Use It
In the early 1920s, a researcher by the name of Edward Thorndike came up with the term “halo effect” as a way to describe how our brains attribute multiple positive qualities to a person based on us noticing just one positive quality. Put simply, if we see a person smile, we choose to believe that they have other positive qualities, based on the perception caused by the smile. While this may not be the best way to process the new people we meet, it makes you realize just how important first impressions can be!
Studies have shown that people with a great smile are perceived to be smarter, more successful, and even more trustworthy than someone who doesn’t smile often. Orthodontic treatment with Ollins Orthodontics could give your smile the boost it needs to help you get your foot in the door of your dream job or stand out for a big promotion!
Set the tone with a smile
Being confident in your smile sets the tone for any room you walk into. Potential employers will notice a genuine smile and pay attention to it. When you attend a job interview, your credentials are only part of what the interviewer will be looking at. No matter how qualified you are, coming across as stiff or unfriendly could actually hurt your chances of being offered the position or promotion you’re looking for. Successful companies don’t just want a candidate who looks good on paper. They need someone who will contribute to a positive work environment.
Boost your self-confidence
In order to step out of your comfort zone, you need to be confident in your smile and every part of yourself. And those risks are necessary to achieve real success! You’ll feel better about your life when you feel great about your appearance. In fact, Invisalign conducted a survey on this exact subject and found that almost 80% of adults who had orthodontic treatment said having a healthier smile gave them the confidence to do something they never would have considered doing before. That’s pretty inspiring!
Find your best smile with Ollins Orthodontics
Your appearance can play an important role in how you feel about yourself and affects how others perceive you as well. Dr. Bruce Ollins or Dr. Gabrial Ollins has the training, skill, and expertise to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile that you’ll want to share with everyone around you!
Smiling is connected to better moods, more positivity, and being able to connect with others more easily. It also helps to reduce stress levels and increases your chances of making a positive first impression. It may even give you the edge you need to achieve your career goals! If you’re in the Nutley area and would like to learn more about the orthodontic treatments we offer, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Bruce Ollins or Dr. Ollins.
