How a Sparkling White Smile Could Change Your Life

Can a whiter smile really affect our personal and professional lives?

It takes just 7 seconds to make a first impression!  Whether we like it or not, we're judged by our smile, and is one of the first features noticed by those who meet us.  We're sure at some point most of us have looked at a photo and wished we had a whiter, brighter smile.  But, did you know having a whiter smile can actually change the course of your life.  How?  Keep reading to find out more.  

 

Crest Whitening Strips commissioned a study of the effects of a whiter smile conducted by Keltor Research. Professor Dacher Keltner, a smile psychologist and Professor of Psychology at University of California in Berkeley,  said:  “This study provides some of the first findings that speak to the powerful benefits of having a whiter smile.”   The study was conducted in three parts: 

1. a simulated first date;
2. a simulated job interview; and
3. an online qualitative online questionnaire of more than 1000 people. 

 

How a whiter smile can impact your job prospects?

A whiter smile can really impact your prospects at work - both in getting your dream job and of being rewarded with a raise or promotion.  How? 

 

Image: LinkedIn.com

After having their teeth whitened, and as part of the simulated job interview component of the study, it was found: 

• 58% of respondents felt they were more likely to be hired;
• 53% of respondents felt they were more likely to receive a raise or be promoted;
• 65% of respondents felt they were more likely to be seen as confident; and
• 64% of respondents felt more confident. 

Further, in response to the more broad question in relation to a person's appearance, participants reported:

• 68% felt it would lead to greater professional success; and
• 64% greater financial success. 

There's no doubt about it, a whiter smile can definitely impact your job prospects and help you land the job of your dreams, as well as promotions. 

Read more: Do Good Teeth Make You More Employable?

How can a whiter smile lead to your dream date? 

Dr. Keltner says a white smile is, “the intense focus of what other people look at, and a sign of our warmth, confidence, and health.”

Image: Shapemagazine.com

A smile is one of the first features we notice when meeting someone new.  So, it stands to reason a whiter smile will impact your first date, but just how? 

In the simulated first date, after having their teeth whitened, the Kelton study for Crest Whitening Strips found: 

• 59% of participants were viewed to be more outgoing; and 
• 52% of participants were viewed to be more trustworthy. 

While many people believe white teeth appear healthier and cleaner, some scientists also guess that having white teeth is a sign of good genetics, which is attractive to potential mates.

How can a whiter smile impact your life generally? 

Still not convinced? now let's take a look at some more statistics gathered by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found:

• 99.7% of adults believe a whiter smile is an important social asset;
• 96% believe a whiter smile makes you more attractive to the opposite sex; 
• 74% believe an unattractive smile can impact your job prospects

A whiter smile has been found to give you the appearance of youth and vitality.  A whiter smile will make you much more confident when you smile and meet people. 

How can you increase your confidence with a brighter, whiter smile?

Traditionally teeth whitening has consisted of either whitening toothpaste or expensive whitening in the dentist’s chair.  Over the last 20 years statistics have shown that tooth whitening treatments offered by dentists has increased by more than 300% - wow!

Fortunately these days there are many ways to brighten your smile. With so many options on the market, we've put together a few of the more popular ones and a list of the pros and cons of each treatment. 

Image: pinterest.com

Option	Pros/cons
Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes	Pro – it’s one of the cheapest options. Con - can be abrasive on tooth enamel. Con - takes time to see results.
Over the counter teeth whitening kits / or whitening strips	Pro – choices to suit each budget depending on which kit/strip option you go for. Pro – whiten your teeth when and where it suits you best. Con – can cause sensitivity. Con – generally takes 3-4 treatments to see a noticeable difference to the color of your teeth. Con – you have to mold the mouth tray and do all the work yourself. Con – the formulations are generally not as strong.
Dental whitening treatment	Pro - Stronger formula than over the counter kits. Pro – FAST results, generally with one treatment. Con – more expensive. Con – you need to visit the dentist, so less flexibility when and where you whiten.

No matter which option you choose the best smile is a healthy smile, so remember, teeth whitening will remove stains from your teeth that have built up over time, but it is really important to have a positive dental care routine and take great care of your teeth every day.  Now it's over to you to change your life with a sparkling smile!

So, as you can see, a brighter, more sparkling smile really can have a positive effect on your life and, these days, there's so much choice in how, where and when you whiten, along with how much you spend.  Here's to you enjoying the benefits of a Pearly White smile!

 

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