6 Tips for Smiling in Photos

Brunette young woman wearing a colorful tanktop smiles while standing in a cluster of green bushes with tiny white flowers
Do you feel self conscious when you smile for photos? Never fear! Here are some helpful tips on how to make you feel more comfortable smiling in photos.

1. Show Your Teeth

While you don’t need to show every tooth in your mouth, it’s a good idea to show a few when you smile in photos. Showing some of your upper teeth and even some of your bottom teeth can help to brighten up your face. However, showing too many teeth can make your face look over-exuberant and strained but showing none can make you seem very serious. Practice in the mirror to find a balance that works for your unique face to let your smile shine in photos.

2. Wear Lipstick

If you like to wear makeup, lipstick can help your teeth look their best in photos. Different shades do different things to make your teeth look whiter and brighter. For example, berry reds contrast with your teeth so they stand out more while shades with blue undertones undercut the yellow colors in your teeth. You should always avoid yellow and orange hues because they make the yellow in your teeth stand out and make your teeth look duller when you smile.

3. Close Your Eyes & Then Open Them

This one might seem strange, but if you feel like your smile in photos seems forced this may be the trick for you. Before the picture is taken, close your eyes for a few seconds. Then, slowly open them as you slowly smile. This should make you feel less awkward about taking the photo and will make your smile look more natural.

4. Say a Word That Ends in “Uh”

While we usually hear “Say cheese!” when we’re posing for a picture, it’s better to say something that ends in “uh”, like “pizza”, to avoid a goofy grin. This will allow your lips and teeth to fall into a much more natural smile.

5. Confidence Is Key

One of the best ways to have a dazzling smile in photos is by being confident! You can build confidence in your smile by practicing in the mirror. You can also feel more confident by upgrading your smile with our cosmetic dentistry services. Talk to us about our professional whitening treatments, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign® clear aligners so that you can have the smile of your dreams and feel phenomenal in every photo.

6. Practice Outstanding Oral Hygiene

To truly have a beautiful smile for photos, you must practice healthy oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and come see us every six months for a professional dental checkup and cleaning. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment at Sullivan Family Dental!