Straight Teeth Make A Better Impression, Survey Says
We all know first impressions are important, and it turns out a straight smile plays a big role. About one-third of people say the first feature they notice is another person's teeth. Plus, about one-fourth say a smile is the thing they remember most after meeting someone new.
Kelton Research took a survey of 1,047 Americans and asked them to give their opinions about images of people with both straight and crooked teeth. However, they weren't told the study was focused on tooth alignment.
Overall, people with straight teeth were perceived to be more successful, have a better social life and a better personality. In fact, the study revealed that 45 percent of the people surveyed thought those with straight teeth were more likely to get a job they were competing for. Plus, they were perceived to likely be more wealthy, intelligent and healthy.
In contrast, 38 percent wouldn't go on a second date with someone with crooked teeth, but 73 percent of people were more likely trust someone with straight teeth.
When it came to what people in the survey would trade for a nicer smile, 87 percent were willing to forego something for a year in exchange for a straight smile and 39 percent were willing to give up dessert, specifically.
Of course, teeth can be straightened in a number of ways, from traditional metal braces to plastic, clear aligning retainers (like Invisalign) and through treatments like veneers, which can address mildly crooked teeth.
Do you think the smile is a vital part of a first impression? What would you be willing to trade for a nicer smile?
Related:
Surprising Ways Your Smile Can Make You Look Younger
Your Smile: Less Gum, More Grinn
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My daughter, now 20, finally got Invisalign last summer. Her teeth were very crooked before, but she refused to wear the old fashioned kind of braces. I never thought she would be a candidate for Invisalign, but it has made a huge difference already. She finally smiles without being embarassed or self conscious about her teeth. This is probably the best money we ever spent on her.
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Suzie, I am 26, have braces and work with several people in their mid 40's that have braces. Absolutely nothing wrong with it! If you are concerned with the aesthetics of braces, consider invisalign. Only slighty more expensive than traditional braces, invisalign is a great choice and will give you the same results. I've only had my braces for 6 months and have already noticed extreme results! They are worth every penny.
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I had lots of cosmetic dental work done which took roughly 1 year to complete. It was costly and time consuming. The results are amazing, and my confidence has increased a ton since. Being insecure about your smile is a horrible feeling. Since my treatments, I smile all the time!
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I always wished my Mother would have gotten me braces when I was a kid. Now an adult in my upper 30's, I just can't see getting braces.
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view profileDr. Niloufer HamsayehCosmetic Dentist - San Francisco, CAHaving straight teeth and a beautiful smile can definitely make a better impression with people. Depending on your smile, there are a number of Dental procedures that can help you accomplish this and have the ability to smile with confidence. A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. “A smile happens in a flash, but its memory can last a lifetime.“ -Unknown
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One of my favorite quotes is "Never lose the ability to smile, for when you smile the door to your soul is always open". A smile tells another person so much about you. That is why a beautiful, straight "perfect" smile is so important. With Invisalign, as well as other techniques, such as traditional braces, veneers, etc. it is easily achievable for most people. There are several financing plans available in most offices that offer no interest for 12 or 18 months. This makes achieving a perfect smile possible for everyone.
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view profileDr. Ronald GoldsteinCosmetic Dentist - Atlanta, GAThis survey is in keeping with 2 surveys done by Psychology magazine that showed that the smile was one of the most important part of the body both women and men were concerned with. Since people form their initial opinions within minutes about a person they meet, the physical appearance is recorded in seconds so no doubt an attractive smile trumps an unattractive smile in this regard. A crooked smile can be made to look more attractive first by orthodontic means, but if that therapy is out of the question, consider cosmetic contouring, or reshaping of your natural teeth to create an illusion of straightness. And if that does not help, porcelain veneers, or direct bonding with composite resin can help transform the smile in one or more appointments.
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Absolutely, a smile can say so much about a person!
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More articles on Smile Makeover, and Straightening:
Unfortunately most people value straightening their teeth for esthetic purposes but just as important is the health benefit. Being able to have a normal healthy bite can be so helpful to avoid dental problems later in life. When teeth are out of line they tend to become more crowded which can mean there will be lack of proper amount of bone that holds in the teeth. Thus, avoiding bone loss becomes even more important as you age so oral hygiene will be more of a challange to do such as proper flossing and avoiding calculus especially in the lower anterior teeth. And don't forget the relationship or oral disease to disease in other parts of the body. So consider just how easy it may be to have your teeth straightened without braces, wires or rubber bands through removable invisable retainers such as Invisalign. It can certainly be a real health benefit...and chances are, your smile will look better as a side benefit!