Smiling not only makes you look better, but also helps you feel better, too! A genuine smile gives a lift to your mood and gives those around you a reason to smile, as well. Although we all have plenty of times that we feel depressed or alone, making the effort to smile will actually improve your mood and contribute to a better outlook on a negative situation.
How smiling can affect our mood.
When we feel bad, we tend to frown. This facial expression pulls down on the muscles around the mouth, causing us to look unhappy. A frowning expression makes others around us feel uncomfortable, too. In fact, the muscles used for frowning literally release negative feelings in the brain that reinforce the bad feelings that are already there.
On the plus side, smiling lifts up the corners of the mouth and the lips, sometimes stretching facial skin up toward the eyes. This movement, in turn, releases positive emotions in the brain, causing us to feel better. As a result, those who see us smile are more likely to feel happier.
Practice for a better smile.
Practice smiling in front of the mirror. See how your face changes when you try different smiles, from a small smile to a large one, or a big-toothy grin compared to a shy, demure, closed-lip smile. Then, remember to share your gorgeous smile with everyone you meet!
If you feel your smile is not as attractive as you would like it to be, don’t be sad. There is hope! At our Sioux Falls, SD office, Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow of Horner Barrow Orthodontics can perform a thorough examination of your mouth, including teeth and soft tissues. X-rays may be taken for a more complete assessment of the dental structures. Depending on the results of the examination, we may recommend traditional braces or Invisalign® treatment for you. Invisalign® is a type of removable braces that can move teeth to fill gaps or improve their position. Traditional braces are worn by many people, whether they are young or adult, who are interested in finally having a beautiful, healthy smile for life!
At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.