There is an old saying that a good smile “warms hearts and opens doors.”
A smile is one of the first things that others see about us. It’s one of the things that make the first impression of you in the minds of others. So it makes sense that you want your smile to be the best that it can be. Yet many people are very unhappy with their smile and are embarrassed to smile. There is a strong correlation between having bad teeth and low self-esteem. Yellow, crooked or missing teeth can affect your professional life dramatically, as it can reduce your confidence. It’s difficult to assume a leadership role when your confidence level is low.
In fact, a recent poll of 1,000 people between 18 and 50 years old showed the importance of a healthy looking smile. The poll questioned how people view the importance of a smile in various areas of life. The major findings of this poll were that, overwhelmingly, teeth were the major facial feature that people wanted to change. Other results showed that a good smile can have a dramatic effect on job interviews, meeting a new partner, making new friends and having a polished and confident professional look.
In the professional world:
- A warm expression can make you appear much more approachable and friendly.
- A smile is an effective icebreaker.
- A smile can be contagious and may evoke a similar expression from the person you are meeting.
The good news is that it’s relatively simple these days to get a smile you can be proud of. Dentists offer quick, simple and painless treatments. Teeth whitening, Dental implants, crowns, and other cosmetic and restorative dentistry now days are performed in as little as one day. Other treatments like shorter term braces, can shave years off the traditional orthodontic treatments, cost less and are virtually invisible. For those for whom cost plays an important factor, many dentists now take insurance, or offer payment plans. There are even companies that offer credit plans for dental work.
If you’re one of the many professionals who would like to improve their smile, and, as a result, their self-confidence, call your dentist today and speak with him or her about your concerns. Remember, a beautiful smile can make the difference in your personal and in your professional world. They say the eyes are the mirror to the soul; but a beautiful smile is a reflection of your self confidence. Your style begins with your smile.