smile blog

Almost across the board, the most important result of orthodontic treatment is how much more confident patients feel after they’ve finished with braces or Invisalign. For some patients, the subtle changes throughout their treatment are enough to begin overcoming any existing self-doubt or confidence issues that they’ve been struggling with their whole lives. As patients stop feeling like they have to hide their teeth, the natural reaction is to begin smiling more and being able to smile freely has a clear relationship to happiness and confidence. Did you know that smiling actually scientifically makes you more confident? Read on to learn how.Physiological ChangesSo much of what we communicate is through our faces with our smiles, and when you smile you’re communicating positive feelings. A smile also releases serotonin and dopamine: your body’s natural “feel good” hormones. When someone sees you smile and they smile back, they’ll also release those hormones and get a boost of positivity. Research shows the more often you experience the benefits of smiling, the more positive your outlook on life will be helping you feel more in control, more attractive and more successful.Social Interactions and CommunicationHumans are naturally social animals and we place a lot of importance on what other people think of us. As we’ve highlighted above, smiling conveys so many positive emotions and when we feel hesitant to share those feelings or engage with peers, colleagues, family or friends, we aren’t communicating as completely as we could be.In most instances, smiling showcases that you’re confident and positive. These are particularly important qualities when you’re trying to win new business, or ask for a raise. Research even shows that people who smile frequently are promoted more often, so a healthy smile might just pay dividends!Overall Health Benefits of BracesFinally, the benefits of smiling frequently are tangible and widespread. When you aren’t afraid to show off your smile, you’ll soon begin to experience a range of improvements, including:

• Giving your immune system a boost
• Reducing stress and relaxing muscles
• Lowering your heart rate and blood pressure
• Releasing endorphins that act as nature’s painkillers
• Enhancing other people’s perception of you, in turn improving your self-confidence

We all know that when we feel good on the inside, it shines through on the outside. These physical improvements can have a huge impact on our outlook, making us more outgoing, approachable and open to new experiences.Are you ready to experience the confidence boost you can enjoy by showing off a beautiful smile? We love watching our patients begin to come out of their ‘shells’ as they complete their treatment. We find it so rewarding to be a part of this process, and we’d love to help you. Contact your local Docbraces, and schedule your FREE consultation to learn more.