People with straight teeth are perceived as more successful, smarter, and having more dates, according to a perception study conducted by Kelton Research for Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign.
The digital perception study contrasted images of men and women with straight and crooked teeth. The survey was taken by 1,047 Americans. Respondents were shown images of people with varying tooth issues and asked to give their opinion about them.
Results of the study indicate that Americans perceive people with straight teeth to have more desirable qualities than those with crooked teeth, including attributes, such as being happy, surrounded by loved ones, and professionally successful.
Nearly one-third (29%) said the first aspect of someone's face they typically notice is his or her teeth, and 24% said this is also the facial aspect that they remember the most after meeting someone.
When looking at images, people perceived those with straight teeth to be 45% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a job when competing with someone who has a similar skill set and experience. They were also seen as 58% more likely to be successful, as well as 58% more likely to be wealthy.
When it comes to attracting a possible mate on a dating site, those with straight teeth were seen as 57% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a date based on their picture alone.
The Behind the Smile study can be downloaded here.
