
How Your Smile Can Affect Your Career
Your appearance, the way you speak and your body language are all taken into account when you first meet a person to create a lasting impression. Few other instances are as important as making a great first impression than when you are going for a job interview.
One of the most important factors that interviewees often neglect to take into account is their ability to smile. A smile does not just reflect that you are happy but expresses self-confidence and competence. How you smile, when you smile and what your smile says about you can mean the difference between getting that dream job and not being considered as a viable candidate.
But in order to smile, you first need the confidence to do so. Most people fail to smile because they have dental or oral hygiene problems. Bad breath, cavities, discolored or missing teeth can all contribute to a lack of confidence to smile. Never mind the nerves that go along with presenting yourself at what could be a career altering interview.
These factors can also negatively impact that first impression. Bad oral and dental hygiene speaks to a lack of personal care, attention to detail and even a lack of education or class. All of these can be disadvantageous in an interview setting.
In order to ensure that you have the confidence to smile and present yourself in the best light possible, there are some steps you can take:
1. Dental Visits
It is important to visit the dentist at least every year (six months if possible). This consultation will help detect any problems early on and ensure that they are dealt with. It is also advisable to see an oral hygienist at this time to have your teeth professionally cleaned. This is a great way to avoid dental issues such as tooth discoloration and wear and tear on the enamel that covers the teeth and prevent other oral health issues.
2. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is not just for those who have existing discoloration of the teeth but can turn your existing smile brighter for a greater impact. There are different types of teeth whitening procedures available but it is recommended to have this professionally done in a dentist’s rooms rather than opting for home whitening kits.
To correct discoloration, be aware that more than one session may be required to even out the tone and restore the teeth to their former coloration. It is not recommended to overdo your tooth whitening to the extent that your smile appears unnatural. Keep in mind that the natural tooth color is off-white and a smile that is too bright can be misleading, presenting you as fake or even vain.
3. Fillings
It is recommended to have all cavities filled as soon as possible in order to prevent the teeth from deteriorating further as well as to improve your smile. Stay away from gold or other colored fillings as these can provide the wrong impression, especially on your front teeth. Rather opt for white fillings that compliment the natural color of your teeth.
Keep in mind that when you have a teeth whitening treatment, it will not have the same effect on the filled area. Teeth that have not been filled can be oversensitive and make this procedure extremely painful.
4. Cracked, Broken And Missing Teeth
There are a wide range of dental procedures available to restore cracked, broken or missing teeth. Porcelain veneers are the most effective and popular choice as they provide the most natural look for cracked and broken teeth. Dental crowns are also effective at restoring broken teeth.
Bridges are most commonly used to replace 1 or even 2 missing teeth. Where more teeth are missing, dental implants may be recommended. Alternatively, full or partial dentures may be the best route available to create the appearance that no teeth are missing or damaged.
If you are concerned that your smile is not representing you in the best light, make an appointment with a dentist today to discuss the different options available to you. Make sure that your qualifications, skills, and experience are the factors that are taken into account in acing that all important job interview and not just your appearance.