Table of contents

1. Reason to smile #1: Smiling helps you fake it until you make it
2. Reason to smile #2: Smiling may get you into politics
3. Reason to smile #3: Smiling is contagious
4. Reason to smile #4: Smiling is nature’s painkiller
5. Reason to smile #5: Smiling makes you more attractive
6. But what if your smile makes it hard to feel happy?

The last couple of years have been trying times for us all. Even if dealing with the pandemic didn’t involve illness or loss in your circles, there are several changes and uncertainties. Despite it all, there are always reasons to smile. Though, for those who feel self-conscious about their teeth or think they don’t have a beautiful smile, even smiling can cause some angst.

Reason to smile #1: Smiling helps you fake it until you make it

When you’re smiling, your brain gets a message that you’re happy. It can’t tell if you really are or not and will release those endorphins and other happy chemicals and emotions anyway, which in turn boosts your mood.

But how do you smile if there isn’t a reason behind it? Firstly, try to find something. Have a look around and see if you can see anything. Is there a pretty flower? A dog living its best life? Can you remember a time someone was nice to you or said something funny?

Start your day thinking of just a couple of things you’re glad you have or are a part of, then stick to it, whereby you feel naturally a little happier and have reasons to smile every day.

Reason to smile #2: Smiling may get you into politics

Or at least into your dream job.

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, which means you may have to show more facial expressions than you intend but try to make yourself smile if you can. Studies have shown that many recruiters and decision-makers automatically mark candidates down if they don’t smile much in their interviews.

There have even been references to US presidential candidates’ teeth regarding how likely they are to secure the top job.

Reason to smile #3: Smiling is contagious

As sung by Frank Sinatra, “When you’re smilin’, the whole world smiles with you.

There are a few facial movements that are contagious. We all know that when one person yawns, many will follow. But frowning and smiling are also something we almost involuntarily do when we notice someone else doing it.

When we need to choose between spreading frowns or smiles, we know which one we’d rather see more of in the world! Especially when dealing with the Covid pandemic has made us a little frayed at the edges. Why not make a concerted effort to flash a grin at the next stranger you lock eyes with while out in public?

Reason to smile #4: Smiling is nature’s painkiller

Endorphins, serotonin and all those natural happy chemicals released into the brain when you smile don’t just affect your mood but also your body. They all have pain-relieving abilities, which means the more you smile, the better you will feel.

Reason to smile #5: Smiling makes you more attractive

All those reasons we’ve already mentioned, such as how when you smile, you naturally make others want to as well, and the impact smiling has on your mood, are why people often list a smile as one of the things they find most attractive about people.

Smiling is also said to make people look – and feel – younger and give a guaranteed confidence boost. And feeling more confident in yourself makes you appear more attractive.

But what if your smile makes it hard to feel happy?

We understand. The stereotypical image of a beautiful smile needing you to have bright white, perfectly straight teeth has been in pop culture for decades. And while some celebrities like supermodel Georgia May Jagger are proudly rocking their gappy grins, if you don’t like your teeth, it can be hard for you to want to smile, even when you’re happy.

We should all love the skin – and teeth – we’re in, and a great way to help you be more accepting of the things that make you self-conscious, is to follow celebrities like Georgia May Jagger or others who sport the same “flaws” as you. It helps to normalise the things you aren’t happy with, which in turn helps with self-acceptance and self-confidence.

There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are and also wanting to make improvements.

If you have considered undergoing teeth straightening treatment. Several clear aligner brands like Caspersmile provide a discreet way to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Being virtually invisible gives a great advantage to clear aligners. No one other than you will know you are straightening your teeth.

Their clear aligners are also affordable for teeth straightening, with special offers and military discounts.

Take a free online assessment to see if you’re a suitable candidate for clear aligners now.