Did you know your smile can play a big role when it comes to professional success? For better or worse, having a healthy smile that stands out is often a critical component to meeting your career goals. Multiple studies have found that excellent oral health and an attractive smile can help land you a job, close a sale, and even negotiate a better salary! But what happens if you’re struggling with crooked teeth, misalignment, or other orthodontic issues?
At Thacker Orthodontics, we want to help every patient recognize their full potential. We believe you can achieve any goal you set for yourself, but if you feel like the current state of your smile is holding you back, we’re here to help! Our treatment options are the perfect way to kickstart your career, so let’s take a look at why smiles matter so much in the first place, and how we can help you achieve one that leaves a lasting impression.
Monkey see, monkey do
Humans (and monkeys!) mimic facial expressions, often unconsciously, which can trigger a similar emotional state. This allows us to understand the person we’re communicating with and respond appropriately. That’s why we tend to smile back when someone smiles at us, and why doing so can briefly boost our mood. It turns out smiling really is contagious!
A great smile can also signal to potential employers that you could be a positive influence on the job. Yale University conducted a study where volunteers were divided into small groups and assigned specific tasks, with one team member secretly instructed to act upbeat and positive. When that person entered the room with a smile on their face, the overall mood of the group lifted almost instantly! Researchers also found that each individual’s performance improved and the group was more likely to achieve its goal.
Scientists at the University of Kansas set up a similar study. Subjects were given stressful tasks, and then some participants were asked to smile during these tasks while others were told to maintain a straight face. Their heart rates were measured, and their self-reported stress levels were noted as they worked through the tasks. The subjects who were smiling had lower heart rates, and their body’s response to stress was reduced. They also reported feeling more positive overall than those who did not smile. We think that makes a pretty compelling case for the power of a positive smile! This quality is attractive to employers and coworkers alike, and can give you a little extra edge in the workplace.
The Halo Effect
Coined by researcher Edward Thorndike in 1920, the “halo effect” describes a particular phenomenon where we attribute many positive qualities to a person if we see one positive quality. It essentially means that we assume information is true about a person based on our perception of them. It may not be fair, but it does show you just how important those first impressions can be!
One feature that’s been proven to elicit the halo effect is an attractive smile. When you meet someone who has a beautiful smile you notice immediately, you’re more likely to subconsciously assume that they also possess a number of other qualities you admire. You may think they are smart, successful, and hardworking If you meet, even if you haven’t seen any actual evidence of this. If you’re trying to get your foot in the door at a company you love, you can use your smile to your advantage thanks to the halo effect!
Set the tone with a smile
We’ve all experienced someone flashing us a genuine smile, and felt how it put us at ease. When you feel good about your smile, it can give you a boost of confidence and make you more likely to share it with others. This is good news for job interviews! Even with the most impressive credentials, employers may be hesitant to hire or promote you if you come across as stiff, unfriendly, or unable to make a connection with the interviewer. That’s because successful companies aren’t just looking for qualified candidates, they’re looking for someone who will be a good fit for their team and contribute to a positive work environment.
Take a chance with a straighter smile
When you feel self-conscious, it’s tough to step outside your comfort zone and take risks. But true success often involves doing exactly that! When you’re happy with your overall appearance, you feel better about yourself, and having a smile you love can be a powerful boost to your confidence. In fact, Invisalign actually conducted a survey on the impact of straight teeth and found that nearly 80% of adults who had orthodontic treatment said a straighter smile gave them the confidence to do something they never would have done before. That’s a pretty impressive number!
Trust the success of your smile to the experts at Thacker Orthodontics
Our overall appearance can play an important role in how we’re perceived and may also influence our perceived hireability. Orthodontic treatment can help you use that to your advantage by giving you a beautifully aligned smile you’ll want to share with the world. That’s where we come in!
Here at Thacker Orthodontics, we believe patients of all ages should have a healthy smile that looks and feels great. We’re able to move healthy teeth at any age, and many orthodontic issues can be corrected just as easily in adults as children and teens. Straightening your teeth and correcting orthodontic issues will not only improve your oral health, it can also lead to better moods, greater positivity, and a reduction in your stress levels. If you’re ready to take the first steps toward the success you deserve, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation!