5 Ways to Improve Your Smile in Family Photos
With today’s technology and the ease of taking photos, it seems we must always be ready for a family photo. There are many reasons this is exciting but it can also be embarrassing when a person doesn’t love their smile. Check out these five tips that can help your smile look better in your family photos.
- Resist the urge to over-smile
- Beware your posture
- Choose a complimentary lipstick
- Talk to your dentist
- Be willing to practice your smile
What is an over-smile? It’s when a person tries to smile hard and the result is that their eyes are squinted, the muscles in their neck are tense, and the picture just looks awkward. Instead, focus on smiling naturally. Your smile should be gentle so that your face looks relaxed. Your lower lip should match the curve of your upper teeth and your mouth should be slightly open. Practice this in front of a mirror to get good at it.
Do you hate your smile because it makes it look as though you have a double chin in photos? If you do, then pay attention to your posture. If you’re slouching or your head is bent forward, it’s likely to give you the look of a double chin. Instead, turn your head just slightly to the right or left and drop your chin. This will ensure your face isn’t square in the camera.
Ladies, this one is for you: Choose a lipstick that flatters your skin tone. With the right shade of lipstick, your teeth can actually look whiter. Colors based on reds, like wine, plum, or pink, are best, while blue based colors can actually bring out yellow stains.
If you’re concerned about your smile because you’re missing teeth, talk to your dentist about full or partial dentures. If your teeth have become yellow as you’ve aged, then teeth whitening may be a good option. At California Dental Group, we can also help you with any cracks or flaws you have on your teeth. Remember too that taking care of your gums is important. They may just seem like supporting actors, but they keep your teeth in place and are an essential part of a great smile.
Let’s face it: Most people don’t want to stand in front of a mirror and practice smiling. They want their smile to be natural and for it to come naturally. Unfortunately, it’s just not that simple for many people. Even following the above tips, you’re not likely to love your smile overnight. Smile in front of a mirror and note the difference in your smile from different angles, when you put your shoulders back, etc. Find out what works best and stick with that.
If you’re unhappy with your smile then your California dentist can be part of the solution. To make an appointment with one of our offices, reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for help. We can assess your smile and offer realistic options to improve it.