Study Finds Bad Teeth Can Ruin Your Career
It seems that the old adage that “straight teeth in your mouth is more important than the words that come out of it” remains true – at least when it comes to job interviews and promotions. A recent study by the The British Dental Association found that bad teeth can dramatically hinder job applicants at interview. When surveyed, 83% of respondents agreed that visibly decayed or missing teeth and bad breath would disadvantage applicants to a client facing role (eg. customer service, reception, solicitor). In fact, respondents would rather see an interviewee looking unkempt than lacking in dental hygiene. Bad teeth and breath were found to be the biggest hurdles to career advancement.
Bad teeth and career prospects
The report found that:
- 70% rated visibly decayed or missing teeth as a hindrance to gaining employment in client facing roles
- 62% rated bad breath as a hindrance to gaining employment in client facing roles
- 83% agreed that these factors are disadvantageous in a job interview for these roles
- 62% agreed that these factors would harm an interviewee’s chance in any role
- 60% agreed that these factors would hinder promotion prospects
Options for improving your smile, and your career prospects!
If you’ve got a “bad smile” it’s likely that you feel self conscious not just in job interviews but in everyday interactions. So many of our cosmetic dentistry clients come to us because they want to feel more confident in social situation, first dates and when interviewing. Luckily dental technology has made leaps and bounds in recent years and there are some quick, simple fixes available.
Crowns and Veneers
Dark teeth and teeth that have suffered such decay that they cannot be saved by fillings… these are the main hindrances to climbing the corporate ladder. Veneers are placed in a cosmetic procedure called a “smile makeover”. Your new look tooth is colour matched to your existing teeth and bonded to the discoloured tooth. A crown is a ceramic or metal “tooth cover” that gives at flawless look – so it’s ideal for teeth front and centre of your smile. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry.
Implants, Bridges and Dentures
Implants replace missing teeth for a smoother smile, and for easier chewing! They’re tough and permanent. Bridges are also permanently placed but may need further maintenance in the future. Old fashioned dentures (or false teeth as they’re commonly known) are the most affordable option but can be fiddly and inconvenient. They’re also prone to making existing mouth issues worse. Learn more here.
Zoom Whitening
Attention coffee addicts and cigarette smokers! Zoom Whitening is ideal for removing “lifestyle stains” from your teeth. If you don’t want to advertise that you smoke a pack and drink five cups a day, this is the perfect. Zoom Whitening won’t help with teeth discoloured by dental issues but for most patients it gives you a glowing smile that says “hire me!”. Find out if Zoom Whitening is appropriate for you.
Invisalign Teeth Straightening
Braces are so last decade! Invisalign is teeth straightening especially suited to adults. It’s a specially fitted, largely invisable mold that gently (and comfortably) eases your teeth into a straight row. Unlike olden style braces, they’re no “grill”, no ulcers, no inconvenience and you can slip Invisalign out when you’re eating (so no fear of apples or steak!) Check out your Invisalign options here.
Breath Testing
Scientific diagnosis of bad breath isn’t something that can be done at just any dentist. It’s been a challenge for doctors and dental professionals because the treatment is ‘hit and miss” without the right data. Robert Duhig Dental has the only analysis machine in Brisbane’s north. By analyzing the gasses in a patient’s mouth, we can determine which bacteria is causing the problem and prescribe a precise treatment method. Patients that have struggled for years and tried everything report that the non-invasive Halicheck method is the only option that has worked. Halicheck analysis takes just an hour and the treatment is generally very simple. Most patients are completely cured of bad breath in a few weeks. The data shows that bad breath has a massive impact on your career prospects, isn’t that worth a fast, affordable, non-invasive test? Learn more here.
The world of cosmetic dentistry has come so far ahead that there’s no need to fret bad teeth or bad breath at a job interview or in any social situation. Talk to our understanding dentists and hygienists and we’ll show you how to to beam with confidence.