12 Tips for Getting the Perfect Smile

Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 Fact Checked

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Say cheese! From vacation pics and formal photos to candids and selfies, there’s no shortage of camera-worthy opportunities out there. How can you make sure that your smile is totally perfect and on point for each and every occasion, though? Not to worry—you’ve come to the right article. We’ve outlined some techniques to help improve your smile, along with some tips that’ll keep your smile looking beautiful and minty-fresh. By the time the camera starts to flash, you’ll be ready to steal the spotlight.

1

Smile with your eyes.

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A beautiful smile lights up your entire face—not just your mouth. Research shows that beautiful, genuine smiles (also known as Duchenne smiles) involve your cheeks lifting, the corners of your lips moving, and your eyes squinting.^{[1]
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Research source} Flash your best, genuine smile by crinkling the outer corners of your eyes.^{[2]
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- Narrowing your eyes might seem counterintuitive to a good smile, but it actually isn’t! Believe it or not, widening your eyes too much can make you look fearful and unapproachable.
- The muscles near your temples will raise up when you smile with your eyes—that’s how you know you’re doing it right!

2

Think about something funny.

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A funny memory helps your smile look more open and friendly. Think about how you felt the last time you were laughing with a friend or cracking up at your favorite TV show. Chances are, that smile lit up your whole face—your eyes were crinkling, your cheekbones were lifted, and those telltale smile lines were curving from your nose to your lips. Picture that same funny moment whenever you’re about to take a picture for a smile that’s guaranteed to be beautiful and genuine.^{[3]
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- On the flip side, look up a picture of two celebrities or politicians meeting on camera. Their smiles are probably tense, forced, and the exact opposite of what you want to go for.

3

Position the camera slightly above your eyes.

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A slightly-raised camera makes everything look more flattering—including your smile! Avid Zoom callers and video chatters recommend lifting your webcam or laptop so it’s parallel with your hairline and slightly above your eyes. The same logic applies to all your of your other pictures and photo ops. Keep your camera on the high side so you (and your smile!) look as polished and professional as possible.
- Whatever you do, don’t hold the camera below your eyeline. This upward angle shows off your nose and chin more than your stunning smile, which you definitely don’t want!^{[4]
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4

Separate your teeth as you smile.

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Separating your teeth helps your smile look more natural and beautiful. As you smile for the camera, leave a tiny gap of space between your upper and lower rows of teeth. Touching your teeth together can make your expression look more tense and uncomfortable.^{[5]
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- Practice smiling with your teeth slightly separated in the mirror. Then, smile with your teeth touching. You’ll be able to see the difference!

5

Keep your smile relaxed and subtle.

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Some people find big, V-shaped smiles less attractive and photogenic. In one particular study, researchers found that smaller smiles with a medium mouth angle were the most beautiful, while huge, toothy smiles with a high, V-shaped angle were less attractive.^{[6]
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PLOS ONE
Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal

Go to source} Keep your smile natural instead of over-exaggerating it—you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!
- This isn’t to say that toothy smiles are totally off-limits! Showing a little teeth is fine, as long as your smile still feels natural.
- Focus on lifting your cheekbones, slightly squinting your eyes, and keeping your jaw relaxed. These are all key elements of a natural smile!^{[7]
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6

Lick your teeth before the camera flashes.

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Quickly licking your teeth can add some shine to your smile. As you’re getting in position for your selfie or family photo, quickly slide your tongue over your upper and lower rows of teeth. A quick coat of saliva helps your teeth look shiny and polished, which takes your smile to new, beautiful heights.^{[8]
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- Petroleum jelly can also do the trick—just rub a little bit over the front of your teeth to give them an extra sheen. Just be sure not to swallow it!

7

Make your smile symmetrical.

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More often than not, cheeky, sideways smiles are associated with sarcasm rather than with genuine happiness. Instead, try to smile with your face fully and evenly pointed forward—that way, there’s no room for doubt that your beautiful smile is genuine.^{[9]
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8

Improve your posture.

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Good body language and posture make you (and your smile) seem friendlier. Stand up straight and pull your shoulders back, rather than crossing your arms in front of your chest. An open, welcoming posture makes you seem more cheerful and approachable.^{[10]
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Research source} The more approachable you look, the more genuine and beautiful your smile will seem.
- Try lifting up your chest a little bit and leaning forward slightly during your next conversation. This will make you look even more friendly and engaged.

9

Practice smiling in the mirror.

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It’s easier to perfect your smile when you can see it head-on.^{[11]
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Research source} Memorize exactly what the smile feels like—what muscles are you using? What makes this smile different than all of the others? As you practice in front of a mirror, your beautiful smile will become muscle memory.
- It can help to take a look at an old selfie where you’re busting out a beautiful grin, or to google pictures of happy-looking people. Take a close look at their expressions and try to copy exactly what they’re doing. It may seem silly at first, but it’s a great way to master a beautiful smile!^{[12]
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10

Moisturize your lips.

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Smooth, luscious lips are an important part of a beautiful smile. If your lips tend to be on the chapped side, swipe on some healing and moisturizing lip balm. Look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products with ingredients like castor seed oil, ceramides, shea butter, petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone, hemp seed oil, and/or white petroleum jelly. Swipe this lip balm on throughout the day to keep your lips (and smile!) looking gorgeous.^{[13]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- As tough as it may be, try not pick or bite at your lips when they’re chapped. This will only make things worse!

11

Practice good dental care each day.

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The most beautiful smile of all is a healthy one. Set aside time to brush your teeth twice a day—2 minutes is enough time to give your teeth a really thorough cleaning. Make sure to floss every day as well, and use mouthwash after each tooth-brushing session.^{[14]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} To keep your teeth in beautiful, tip-top shape, visit your dentist twice per year for cleanings and maintenance.^{[15]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Here are a few other easy ways to keep your teeth in great shape:
- Cut back on sweet, sugary treats
- Steer clear of cigarettes and chewing tobacco
- Buy a new toothbrush whenever your old one gets worn out^{[16]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
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- Use toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral care products endorsed by the American Dental Association^{[17]
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  American Dental Association
  World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
  
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12

Whiten your teeth.

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Bright pearly whites make for a stunning smile. Stop by your pharmacy or grocery store and look for whitening strips or whitening gels—you can use these to whiten your teeth at home. Toothpaste with baking soda may also help clear away stains on your teeth, leaving them brighter and whiter.^{[18]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- Whitening trays are another at-home whitening treatment to consider. These trays fit in your mouth like a custom mouthguard.

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Tips

Talk to a dentist or orthodontist to see if dental work like braces or plastic aligners could be a good option for you and your smile.^{[19]
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Swipe on creamy lipstick to help your teeth shine a little more.^{[20]
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Take a moment to relax and shake everything out before a picture. The more relaxed you are, the more genuine and beautiful your smile will seem!

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