Don’t say cheese: Two-thirds of adults are too self-conscious to smile in photos

One in four people (25 per cent) in the UK hate their smile with a staggering three-quarters (77 per cent) wanting to change their smile in one way or another! Ninety-three per cent of the UK agree that having a nice smile and straight teeth would improve their overall self-confidence. The findings highlight the pivotal role that oral aesthetics plays in shaping the perception of ourselves and others and the role social media has played in how we perceive our image online.

Amid a digital landscape saturated with celebrities flaunting their flawless pearly whites, it’s no surprise that so many are influenced and conscious of the importance placed on their appearance. It’s clearly not all happy scrolling as over 23m Brits admit that social media has impacted their confidence and the way they feel about their smile. This sentiment is amplified by the high-profile cosmetic dental transformations of reality TV stars like Molly Mae, and Jack Finchman, social media influencers and even Premier League footballers and managers like Jurgen Klopp, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel, reinforcing the idea that a flawless smile is not only desirable but in fact essential.