Would you agree?

A recent consumer survey revealed the following interesting results:

• When meeting someone for the first time, 31% of women and 21% of men say they notice a person’s smile more than any other facial feature. 40% of women and 31% of men say they remember a person’s smile more than any other facial feature
• People are most conscious of their teeth/smile when meeting others for the first time.  43.4% of people said this is the facial feature they’re most aware of, over skin (14%), nose (13%) and eyes (10%)
• Half of those surveyed (50%) are either ‘not at all confident’ or ‘not very confident’ about their smile. 38% think having good teeth is important but 33% don’t like their teeth and a fifth (20%) have crooked teeth
• How people feel about their smile affects them in different areas of their life. A quarter are affected socially, 17% in their love life, 13% at work and a further 20% are affected in all of these areas
• 14% of people who are unhappy with their smile would give up three months’ salary in favour of great teeth. 39% would give up chocolate for a year, 38% would give up nights out with friends for a month, 23% would give up a months’ worth of candlelit dinners, a fifth would give up their annual holiday, 13% would give up everything in their wardrobe, 6% would give up their car
• Bad teeth are more ageing than wrinkles and grey hair!
• People are more likely to choose teeth straightening over other cosmetic procedures like new make-up, botox, a face lift or laser skin treatment. A third of people would consider straightening their teeth.
• * 33% of people have changed their opinion on cosmetic surgery in the wake of bad press and are now less likely to go under the knife

• People with straight teeth and a great smile are seen as more successful (34%), wealthier (21%) and more likely to get a job (27%) than those with crooked teeth and a bad smile
• 45% of people questioned said that not being confident about their smile might affect them in the workplace
• The way you look is key to getting hired.  Appearance is considered more important than knowledge of the job, confidence and personality when it comes to the job search. Only positivity and honesty were scored higher
• 32% of people would improve their appearance if they learned of a promotion possibility, while 25% feel held back in the workplace by their appearance
• A quarter of people are afraid they may lose their jobs following news of the double dip recession and the same number would change their physical appearance to get ahead at work