While it’s true that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, the way we look can have a major impact on everything from how we relate to each other to succeed in our careers. Your smile is a perfect example of this! It’s one of the first things people notice about you, and the feature they remember the most when recalling your face later. As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Shouldn’t your smile leave a lasting impression on those around you? To learn more about why a healthy smile is so important and how Bigman Orthodontics can help you achieve that, keep reading below!
Healthy smiles improve self-confidence
Researchers have studied how smiles affect the confidence of teens and young adults and found that those with crooked teeth, misalignment, or other orthodontic issues tended to lack healthy self-esteem, were shyer, and were more embarrassed about the way they looked overall.
The teenage years are especially impressionable, and the experiences we have during this time can have a big huge impact on us for better or worse. Dr. Bigman is able to work with patients of all ages in our San Ramon office, including children and teens. Initiating treatment earlier in life can lead to a happier smile, increased self-confidence, and a brighter outlook for the future!
Get ahead with a beautiful smile
Did you know that your smile can impact things like acing a job interview and whether or not you get a promotion? Studies have shown that people with more attractive smiles not only have a better shot at getting hired but may actually be offered a higher pay rate than people with unattractive smiles!
Why? Well, Kelton Research set out to determine exactly that with a study that showed images of people with dental issues to a group of volunteers. They were asked to give their honest opinion about the people being shown, unaware they were comparing those with straight teeth to those with crooked smiles. The results indicated that the volunteers perceived people with straight teeth to have more desirable qualities overall, assessing them as happier, more successful, and even more trustworthy than those with misaligned smiles.
It may not be fair to form snap judgments of people based on nothing more than their appearance, but since it happens every day, you may as well take advantage of it by showing up with a beautiful smile that makes you stand out from the crowd!
Smile More, Live Longer
Okay, we can’t guarantee that, of course. But feeling good about your smile means you’re more likely to share it more often, and research has shown that people who smile frequently tend to live longer and happier lives! Take the project done by Wayne State University back in 2010. A team observed Major League baseball cards from 1952 and found that players who were smiling in their photos had ended up living 7 years longer on average. That’s definitely something to smile about!
Smiling spreads happiness to those around you
A bright smile can spread a little spark of joy to those around you with very little effort, and it really is contagious. When you smile, it can lead to a domino effect of smiles passing from person to person, brightening up each one’s day in the process. Given the year we’ve had so far, that’s certainly worth celebrating!
Smiling also gets your own “happy” chemicals flowing by releasing dopamine and serotonin, both of which are associated with increased feelings of happiness and reduced stress. Need more incentive to smile? Doing so frequently has been linked to a lower heart rate and a stronger immune system, too.
Give your smile a boost with exciting treatments by Bigman Orthodontics
Here at Bigman Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer our patients a range of affordable treatment options and high-quality care for every budget. This includes the following treatments:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and for good reason! This is one of our most effective and efficient treatment methods, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Clear Braces
Clear braces function much the same way as traditional braces, but they use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. These brackets can be clear, white, or tooth-colored, and are tie-less for a nearly invisible treatment option. Clear braces can be an excellent choice for patients who are more image-conscious, but because they are more delicate than metal braces, we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, customized, removable aligners, so there’s no need for the metal wires and rubber bands involved with traditional braces. These aligners are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth and gently guide them into the desired positions over time. Aligners are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin and are replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting teeth.
Dr. Bigman and the rest of our talented team are committed to giving you a beautiful smile that will make a great first impression and one that lasts, too! There’s no dental referral necessary and we offer FREE consultations, so why not get in touch today to set up an appointment with our San Ramon office? We’re waiting to help you take the first step toward the healthy, happy smile you deserve!