A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peacock's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.
Generally, white teeth indicate good health and good genes, while yellow has the opposite effect. While “good health and good genes” might not be first on your list of things you want in a partner, humans are attracted to these traits on a primal level.
Studies show that those with white and well-spaced teeth appear more attractive. Some people think it's superficial, but it's not. Having beautiful teeth is linked to good oral hygiene. As a result, they appear to be more intelligent, and more successful, and yes, they have more dates.
Dental professionals consider a square-shaped jaw one of the most attractive because it shows that someone has a strong jawline and thin lips. On the other side of that spectrum is a round-shaped jaw with protruding teeth that can make a person look like they have an overbite or underbite.
White, straight teeth can have a major impact on the way others perceive you and will no doubt have an affect on both your personal and professional relationships. Generally, those with white, straight teeth will be perceived as being: Younger. More attractive.
Attracting Partners. Ah, yes, the reason that every article about why white teeth are so desirable focuses on. It's true, though. In studies done comparing people with decayed teeth, people with teeth in natural shades, and people with whitened teeth, people with white teeth were viewed in the most positive light.
The S shape maxillary incisors were perceived as the least attractive overall (43.3%), and amongst dentists (47%), technicians (50%) and patients (33%).
But it seems that pearly whites are imperative when searching for your perfect man too, as a new study reveals the first thing men notice about a woman are her teeth. According to the latest study, they rate as the most important feature for a man when checking out a new mate.
Harry Styles may have six BRIT awards and two Grammys under his belt – but his mouth has seen him win big. The cheeky Cheshire chap has come out on top and been crowned the owner of the world's most attractive smile according to leading dentists.
As the study revealed that white teeth not only increased your attractiveness by 20% but knock years off your perceived age. The study also looked at different situations and the effect white teeth can have on the outcome. When it came to first dates, the number one turn off was discoloured teeth and bad breath.
And while a facelift doesn't increase your attractiveness at all, according to the survey, a whiter smile can also increase your attractiveness by 20%. So it's no surprise that this makes yellow teeth a major concern for people who are dating.
It improves your confidence.
If your teeth are straight, healthy, and white, you are more comfortable socializing with others. You are also more confident when you are talking and socializing because you know that you have an impressive smile.
60% of men claimed they care the most about teeth for a potential date, compared to 71% of women who said the same thing. Good teeth play a huge role in the look of a person's smile. A great smile can mean so much and people who try to hide their smile can give off a bad vibe.
Veneers. Many celebrities have a tooth-related secret – their teeth aren't really as white as they look. They are actually covered by thin sheets of resin or porcelain called veneers.
“Some people have very white enamel―the thin coating on the surface of teeth―while other people's enamel has a more yellow hue,” says Richard Price, a dentist in Newton, Massachusetts, and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Environmental factors play a role, too.
Studies have shown that those with whiter smiles and evenly spaced teeth are seen as more attractive than those with opposite qualities. Another study has confirmed those with perfect teeth are perceived as more successful, more intelligent, and have more dates.
The rarest smile type is the complex smile, with only an estimated 2% of the population possessing this smile. This smile is rare because it requires three muscle groups to work simultaneously when smiling.
At CMB, researchers found that having a big, open-mouthed smile was important, especially for men. Of the men who got “liked” more than 50% of the time, nearly 80% were smiling with their teeth showing, compared to just 16% who weren't smiling and 5% who had a closed-mouth smile.
The Charismatic Complex Smile
It's the most complex smile style, and it's also the most rare, found in only about 2% of people naturally.
Closed Mouth Smile
A closed-mouth smile is often interpreted as a sign of warmth and pleasure while remaining more subdued. In a closed-mouth smile, the lips remain together, and teeth are not visible. In this way, a polite smile, a disappointed smile, and a forced smile are all closed-mouth smiles.
As Claire stated, it depends. Some guys like a little tooth action, some like a LOT, and some will lose interest in the activity altogether at the first sign of teeth.
Men, typically have canines and incisors with larger diameters in contrast to women. This creates an overall different effect and makes men's teeth look squarer and bulkier. With shorter diameters, women's teeth appear longer and slender.
Your White Smile Can Go a Long Way
In fact, whiter teeth can make you look five to 10 years younger than you actually are!
Though the logic behind it might seem a bit silly, it is deemed a sexy smile because the front two teeth are usually the longest when they first come in after your baby teeth before they are ground down over time. Thus, longer front teeth are associated with youth, warmth and thus sex appeal.