Here at Buttram Orthodontics, we’re passionate about helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. You may not realize it, but your smile is actually one of the first things people notice about you. It’s also the feature they’re most likely to remember, which is just one example of how you can leave a lasting impression with a beautiful smile. When you have a bright, healthy smile, it will help you stand out even when you’re not in the room! That can be very beneficial when you’re looking to land an interview, motivate others on the job, or even negotiate promotion.
So what if crooked teeth, misalignment, or other orthodontic issues are keeping you from reaching your full potential? Feeling self-conscious about your smile can hold you back personally and professionally, but orthodontic treatment can help you put your best foot forward whatever the setting! Let’s explore a little more about why smiles are so important and what the team at Buttram Orthodontics can do to help you get ahead.
Share a smile, start a trend
Did you know that humans naturally mimic facial expressions? It’s true! We do it all the time, sometimes without even realizing it. This allows us to understand the person we’re communicating with and respond appropriately. It also triggers a similar emotional state and can even boost our mood briefly if we’re mirroring a positive expression. There really is truth to the saying “smiling is contagious”!
In addition to that, a healthy smile can send a signal to potential employers that you could be a positive influence on the people around you. In fact, Yale University set out to demonstrate 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, and when they came in with a smile on their face, the mood in the room noticeably lifted! This study also found that each individual’s performance improved and the group itself was more likely to achieve its goal.
There was another similar study undertaken by scientists at the University of Kansas. Subjects 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 their bodies actually showed increased resistance to stress. They also reported feeling more positive overall than those who were told to keep a straight face. This just goes to show the power a simple smile can have! This is especially attractive to employers and coworkers, which can give you some real advantages in the workplace.
The Halo Effect
Researcher Edward Thorndike came up with the term “halo effect” in the early 1920s to describe the way our brains attribute multiple positive qualities to a person based on us observing just one positive quality. Essentially, we make our own conclusions about a person based on our perception of them. This may not be an ideal way to process new people we meet, but it certainly highlights just how significant a first impression can be!
One trait that’s been proven to get the halo effect going is an attractive smile. Studies have shown that people with a winning smile are naturally seen as smarter, wittier, and more successful than someone who doesn’t smile often. Many people even believe that those with healthy smiles are more trustworthy than someone who struggles with oral health! If you’ve been trying to get your foot in the door of your dream job, orthodontic treatment with Buttram Orthodontics could give your smile the boost it needs to make you stand out.
Set others at ease with a smile
A genuine smile helps to set the tone in any situation and makes you seem more friendly and approachable. This is something potential employers will really take notice of! For example, when you attend a job interview your credentials are only part of what the interviewer looks at. If you come across as stiff or unfriendly, it could really hurt your chances of being offered the position or promotion you’re after. That’s because successful companies don’t just want a candidate who has the paper qualifications— they also want someone who will be able to contribute to a positive work environment.
Increase your self-confidence
If you suffer from a lack of self-esteem related to your smile (or anything else) it can be difficult to step outside your comfort zone to take risks. However, this is often exactly what’s required to achieve true success! When you’re happy with your appearance, it can make you feel more confident in yourself overall. Having a smile you love is a part of that! As a matter of fact, Invisalign conducted a survey on this and found that almost 80% of adults who underwent orthodontic treatment said that having a healthier smile gave them the confidence to do something they never would have considered doing before. That’s pretty remarkable!
Leave a lasting impression with a smile from Buttram Orthodontics
There’s no denying that our appearance can play an important role in how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. It can even influence the way employers look at us! Dr. Buttram can help you achieve a beautiful smile that looks and feels fantastic, thanks to his expertise and our wide range of treatment options. These options include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners, giving our teen and adult patients the ability to transform their smile discreetly.
Correcting any existing orthodontic issues will not only improve your oral health, but it can also improve your self-confidence, too! Smiling has been linked to better moods, greater positivity, and being able to connect with others more easily. It’s also been shown to reduce stress levels, which is something we can all appreciate in today’s world!
Are you ready to learn more about how Buttram Orthodontics can help you leave a lasting impression with a beautiful smile? Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation!
