Can Smiling Make You Happy?

There is a reason that we tend to associate a big, wide smile with happiness. While happiness can make us smile, the reverse is also true, and smiling can make us happy. In fact, smiling not only lowers stress levels, but has been shown to boost immune functioning as well.

The Science Behind a Smile

So how does this work? Well, scientists have studied smiles and found out that smiling actually releases hormones into your brain, including dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine and serotonin are very similar, and play roles in the pleasure and reward centers of your brain. A lack of either of these transmitters has also been linked to depression, so smiling is important.

Smiling is Contagious

Smiling is also contagious. We have all experienced a morning in which we have felt down, stressed or frustrated, when another person has smiled at us. This act instantly can lift our mood, making us feel better and be more likely to smile as well.

How to Smile More

Having a mouth full of healthy, straight teeth that are just asking to be shown off demands a constant smile to go along with it. Using Invisalign braces can help to keep you smiling during your orthodontic treatment because of the discreteness of the clear liner. Once treatment has finished and you are finished with the braces, you will be smiling all the time showing off your straight, beautiful smile.

Start smiling more today by visiting an Invisalign orthodontist and getting those straight teeth and perfect bite that will have you smiling for years.

Dr Wang

Dr. Wang, DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)

ORTHODONTIST

Orthodontic specialist, founder of PacificWest Dental Group. Helping people get the perfect smile since 1994!

Dr Kevin

Dr. Kevin Lee, DMD, MSc, FRCD(C)

ORTHODONTIST

Specialist in Orthodontics, UBC alumni. Love helping patients get a beautiful smile. Part-time clinical instructor at UBC. 

Are You a New Patient?

Existing Patients – please use contact form