Effect of Society and Social Media on the Need to Improve Smiles in Population in and Around Nashik District: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Effect of Society and Social Media on the Need to Improve Smiles in Population in and Around Nashik District: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Author(s):Aditi V. Naphade, Dr. Aarti Bohora, Dr. Pawan Patel, Dr. Vinay Sharma, Dr. Dipti Barve, Dr. Lakshmi Pandey, Dr. Ritu Gupta
Received: June 27, 2026
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Accepted: July 25, 2026
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Published:
August 6, 2026
Abstract
Aim: This survey-based study explores how society and social media are shaping people’s attitudes toward smile enhancement, aiming to understand what motivates individuals to seek dental or cosmetic changes to their smiles.
Materials and Methods: Researchers surveyed 384 social media users around Nashik to understand how platforms like Instagram affect smile perceptions. Using a detailed questionnaire, they collected data on self-esteem and barriers to dental care, which was then analyzed to uncover significant social influences on the desire for a perfect smile.
Results: A study of 384 people around Nashik found social media heavily influences smile ideals. Most participants, often on Instagram and WhatsApp, reported feeling pressured by unrealistic standards, which affected their self-esteem. While many desired a better smile, cost and lack of information were common barriers to getting treatment.
Conclusion: This study highlights the profound psychological and behavioral effects of social media on smile perceptions in and around the Nashik district. High social media engagement correlates with increased exposure to smile idealization and later the desire for improvement and seeking for various aesthetic dental procedures, mainly bleaching and veneers. Worth and longevity and durability doubts remain major barriers to seeking professional dental care.
Clinical significance: Social media exposure significantly drives patient motivation for smile enhancement, with 63.8% reporting urge to improve their smile after viewing online content. Notably, only 11.7% cited affordability as a barrier to treatment, while 25% felt it was “not worthy enough” and 19.3% doubted treatment longevity. Since common concerns like tooth discoloration (33.9%), gaps (25.0%), and misalignment (16.4%) are readily treatable, clinicians should address these perceptual and informational gaps during consultations to help patients make informed decisions.
Materials and Methods: Researchers surveyed 384 social media users around Nashik to understand how platforms like Instagram affect smile perceptions. Using a detailed questionnaire, they collected data on self-esteem and barriers to dental care, which was then analyzed to uncover significant social influences on the desire for a perfect smile.
Results: A study of 384 people around Nashik found social media heavily influences smile ideals. Most participants, often on Instagram and WhatsApp, reported feeling pressured by unrealistic standards, which affected their self-esteem. While many desired a better smile, cost and lack of information were common barriers to getting treatment.
Conclusion: This study highlights the profound psychological and behavioral effects of social media on smile perceptions in and around the Nashik district. High social media engagement correlates with increased exposure to smile idealization and later the desire for improvement and seeking for various aesthetic dental procedures, mainly bleaching and veneers. Worth and longevity and durability doubts remain major barriers to seeking professional dental care.
Clinical significance: Social media exposure significantly drives patient motivation for smile enhancement, with 63.8% reporting urge to improve their smile after viewing online content. Notably, only 11.7% cited affordability as a barrier to treatment, while 25% felt it was “not worthy enough” and 19.3% doubted treatment longevity. Since common concerns like tooth discoloration (33.9%), gaps (25.0%), and misalignment (16.4%) are readily treatable, clinicians should address these perceptual and informational gaps during consultations to help patients make informed decisions.
Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Survey study; Dental esthetics; Dental self-confidence; Social media impact; Treatment concerns; perception of smile
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