How to Smile With Your Mouth Closed

Written By
Sara Hickman
Sara Hickman
Published: Apr 17, 2014
Updated: Dec 13, 2021
1 minute read
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A smile is an easy way to express yourself when with friends or taking a photo. If you hate your teeth or are afraid to look too "cheesy" you can solve the problem with a closed-lips smile. There are a number of ways to smile without showing your teeth, though. Practice in a mirror to find the look that best fits your personality and facial structure.

Close your lips two-thirds of the way for an agape look. Though your teeth will show a little, it is not a full-teeth smile and it will help to define your cheekbones.

Smile with your lips completely closed without a slight curl. Though it's not the friendliest option, it may help you appear slightly mysterious and even a touch sexy. This smile relies more on the eye contact than your teeth and lips.

Purse your lips together to highlight your cheekbones and make your face appear slimmer. Celebrities often use this look to appear sexy or glamorous in photoshoots or when on the red carpet.

Press your lips firmly together and curl the corners up for a friendly smile, but keep your cheeks relaxed. Your teeth will not show and the smile will not appear forced, but friendly and warm.

Sara Hickman

Sara Hickman owns a preschool science-based entertainment business in the Greater Cincinnati area. She has a bachelor's degree in communication and psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

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