Are you gunning for a big promotion at work? Or maybe trying to impress a new boss? Maybe you’re just tired of your job and ready to try out a new one? You’re probably focusing on performance, networking, and brushing up your resume. And while those things are, of course, important in the professional world, you may be ignoring an unexpected weapon you also have in your arsenal when it comes to your career: Your smile.

The Smile in the Workplace

First impressions are important, and your smile is a huge part of the impression you make. In fact, 48% of adults think a smile is the most memorable part of a first impression — nearly twice as important as what you actually say. When you walk into a job interview or a meeting with your boss, a confident, attractive smile may be making more of an impression than anything on your resume.

And your smile doesn’t just make you look good; It can even make people perceive you as a better employee or more competent leader. One study found that a smile not only makes you seem more likeable, it also makes you appear more capable.

Of course, it doesn’t take a study to show that a smile conveys confidence, and makes you come off as friendly. We tend to be drawn towards confident, friendly people, which is why a smile can be such a valuable tool when it comes to business. Whether you’re trying to forge a connection with your boss, build trust with coworkers, or charm customers, your smile is a tool that you can use to achieve that.

Are You Comfortable with Your Smile?

Unfortunately, despite the benefits a smile can convey both in the workplace and in our personal lives, 28% of people are too unhappy with their smile to show it off. More than a third of people surveyed were embarrassed by their smile, and nearly half of those people said that their smile is the first thing they would change about themselves if they were to make cosmetic changes.

If you’re not comfortable with your smile, how can you use it to its full benefit at work? That’s why so many professionals turn to cosmetic dentistry. If your smile is a tool, you want it to be a usable one! Whatever bothers you about your teeth, an experienced cosmetic dentist can resolve it.

Discolored teeth can be corrected with professional teeth whitening, and crooked teeth are no match for subtle, effective Invisalign treatment. If a missing  is embarrassing you, dental implants are a reliable, functional replacement for missing teeth. And if more than one aesthetic problem is keeping you from your perfect smile, you may want to go for a complete smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

To learn how cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that you’ll love and be happy to share, please call 212-557-8668 today for an appointment Columbus Circle cosmetic dentist Dr. Karthilde Appolon.