The Mysterious Smile: Dr Gan
Smile is a mysterious part of our life. It is magical in human society. When we smile, we are actually starting a nonverbal communication that immediately makes you feel closer to someone. People who do not smile always give an impression of being unfriendly and unapproachable.
In fact, this not only happens in human world, but it also happens to animal. It is interesting to read an article by a Human Behavior Researcher & Analyst saying that our primate cousins (apes and monkeys) also smile at each other. The smile in fact affects their social harmony, dominance and survival ultimately. When two primates face each other, they will open their mouth slightly so that teeth get displayed (smile).
As smile is such a powerful weapon in communication, various studies about smile were studied, not only by the expert, but also by almost every one of us. Most of us are concern about how we smile, especially when we are taking photo. We will test and compare if my smile is nicer from the left or from the right; whether or not to show teeth or not to show teeth; and also from which angle it should be taken. Everytime before we post a photo in social media, we check and make sure if it is a perfect smile. If not, it is going to be in the recycle bin.
As my job is very much related to smile, I browsed through a few websites to understand what people think about smile. A few types of smile that I concluded as below. (Picture is courtesy of bodylanguageproject.com)
1. The tight lipped smile :
A smile where the lips are stretched out in a straight line across the face. This smile is also known as a polite smile. It usually means that the person is withholding opinion or has a secret.
2. Uneven smile
A smile with two different emotions. One side could be smiling but the other could show a bit of frowning. It usually shows sarcasm.
3. The grin or smirk
The smirk indicates smugness and arrogance. It is a tight lipped smile with the addition of a degree self satisfaction for good measure. Sometimes though the smirk is due to the stress of being put under fire and isn’t always an attempt at questioning authority.
4. Broad smile
In this smile the upper and lower teeth are made visible. The gaze is relaxed and the smile is intended to convey joy and pleasure. This is a true smile and not one that is easily faked.
It is very clear that different types of smile give different impression to your audience. If you pay attention to the pictures, you will notice that only the broad smile that actually gives a real smile. Take a closer look and you notice that you need to show your teeth for people to feel your joy!
However, there are a group of people who can’t give a broad smile even if they are really happy. WHY?!
It is because they are not confident with their teeth and they are scare to show people their teeth!! I have met so many patients who do not dare to laugh from the bottom of their heart just because of the teeth! (I can’t really imagine how terrible is life if I can’t laugh as I like, I just need to laugh!).
If you are unfortunate to fall under this category (who love to laugh but just can’t help to think of your teeth every time you laugh), it does not means the end of the day. There are so many ways that we can help. Do not believe it? Read more about our real life makeover stories and you will have faith!
If you do need S.O.S of your teeth to have a broad smile, write to me @ ganshouwan@story.drfauziah.com , I will be most happy to help you to design your smile! Say Cheese!