There might be more truth than you think to the term “million-dollar smile.” Research has found evidence of a possible connection between your appearance and how much is in your paycheck.
In a study released by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, researchers found that good-looking people tend to earn 5 percent more an hour than their less attractive cohorts.
Other studies suggest that a smile is a major factor in the overall impression a person makes on the job, during a job interview and in social situations outside the workplace.
Virtually all Americans say a smile is an important social asset, according to a study conducted for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, while 74 percent say an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success.
“A dentist from Philadelphia we trained had a patient who reported his income went up 27 percent the year after getting a smile makeover,” said Dr. Bill Dickerson, founder of LVI Global, where dentists come from around the world to learn the latest aesthetic techniques.
A bright, genuine smile exudes confidence, strength and a willingness to open up...