The effect of viewing idealised smile images versus nature images via social media on immediate facial satisfaction in young adults: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the effect of a social networking site (SNS) on body dissatisfaction, facial and smile dissatisfaction, and face-related discrepancy, and whether these effects differ from the use of appearance-neutral Instagram images. We also aimed to investigate whether there are trends in increased self-reported use of social media and increased body dissatisfaction, facial and smile dissatisfaction, and face-related discrepancy. Methods: Undergraduate students were randomly allocated to an experimental group with idealised smile images or to a control group with neutral nature images. They completed pre-exposure questionnaires, then perused for 5 min their allocated images on individual Apple iPads via the Instagram application. Participants then completed the post-exposure surveys. The main outcome was facial dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction and total facial and body dissatisfaction were secondary outcomes. Simple randomisation was achieved with a computerised random number generator. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and multivariate regression analyses. Results: A total of 132 participants (mean age = 20.50 ± 2.21 years) were randomised to either the experimental group with idealised smile images (n=71) or the control group with neutral nature images (n=61). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups and no participants were lost. Exposure to ‘ideal’ facial images on social media decreases facial satisfaction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85–1.05; P < 0.0001). Individuals with high baseline self-discrepancy scores are less satisfied with their facial features and body appearance (95% CI = 0.04–1.16; P = 0.036). Conclusion: This study shows that viewing SNSs with high visual media reduces satisfaction with facial appearance in the short term in men and women. This effect is greater in those with high self-discrepancy scores. Increased media usage was not correlated with increased dissatisfaction. Wearing braces or having had braces was shown not to influence post-exposure dissatisfaction.

Orthodontic treatment needs: parents and child perception

“…[21][22][23] Viewing social platforms with high visual media significantly decreases satisfaction with the facial appearance in the short term. 24 Our study limitation includes small sample size which does not represent the whole population. Furthermore, other parental factors were not explored such as family history of orthodontic treatment, genetic factors and parental education level.…”

Perception of smile attractiveness by dentistry professionals, dental students and laypeople before and after esthetic procedures

“…The face and its expressions play an important role that can affect multiple aspects of patients' life (Schmidt et al, 2012). Currently, photo-based activity on social networking sites contributes to body image concerns, including body and smile dissatisfaction (Tiggemann et al, 2018;Sampson et al, 2020). Considering these demands, dental clinicians may improve shape, color, position, and size characteristics of teeth and the architecture of soft gum tissue (Goyal et al, 2013;Censi et al, 2014).…”

Aesthetic evaluation of the need for orthodontic treatment – Perception among university students

“…On that basis, subjective pressure on aesthetics is a very relevant component of determining the "necessity" of orthodontic treatment and, which health professionals cannot be alienated from, nor its dimension and impact. (1,3,(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14) The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need function, and oral aesthetics. The index was created with the purpose of establishing a coherent prioritisation for orthodontic treatment needs, that is, the bigger the need for treatment, the higher priority.…”