56%confidence impact
More than half of Americans say smile self-consciousness affects their overall confidence at least a moderate amount.
Source: SmileSet Survey of 1,200 U.S. Adults
Smile hiders
New data on smile anxiety and confidence
A new survey of 1,200 U.S. adults reveals the rise of smile anxiety. Discover how smile self-consciousness impacts photos, dating, and work.
Key findings
64%hide in photos
Nearly two-thirds of Americans are likely to hide their smile when taking photos — the #1 suppression trigger.
Source: SmileSet Survey of 1,200 U.S. Adults
65%want improvement
Nearly 2 in 3 americans (65%) agree that improving their smile would boost their everyday confidence
Source: SmileSet Survey of 1,200 U.S. Adults
SMILE SUPPRESSION
28% of Americans suppress their natural smile every day
Nearly one-third of Americans are purposely hiding or changing the way they smile on a daily basis. This number doubles when a camera comes out: 64% adjust or hide their smiles for photographs.
- 57% — Avoid posting to social media
- 55% — Around people they just met
- 48% — On a date or at the workplace
36% vs 22%men vs women
men suppress more their smile daily than women
63% vs 47%men vs women
men default to a closed-mouth smile for photos than women
36% vs 12%Gen Z vs Boomers
Gen Z is most likely to hide smiles, three times the rate of baby boomers
Photo anxiety
83% say their smile looks different in photos than in real life
73% said their smile is one of the deciding factors in whether or not they post a photo online. Photo anxiety is reshaping everyday behavior.
- 55% — Default to a closed-mouth smile in photos
- 54% — Ask to be untagged from photos
- 45% — Delete photos because of how their smile looks
- 44% — Avoid having their photos taken altogether
Gender insight:
51% of women have deleted photos of themselves vs. 39% of men. But men are equally likely to avoid the camera altogether (41% each).
SMILE SUPPRESSION
60% of Americans have received a negative comment about their smile
From tooth color to alignment, Americans are carrying insecurities rooted in real comments from others. Even one unkind remark can lead to a lifetime of hiding real smiles.
- 41% — Tooth color is the #1 insecurity
- 36% — How smile looks when teeth show
- 31% — Alignment or shape of teeth
- 30% — Smile not feeling natural in photos
23%were told their teeth look
stained
20%were told their smile looks forced
16%were told their teeth are crooked
REAL LIFE IMPACT
When hiding a smile starts to hurt
Smile anxiety quietly affects six areas of daily life. Over half of Americans say it impacts their confidence, and nearly half say it has held them back socially, professionally, and romantically.
- 56% — Overall confidence
- 52% — Willingness to appear in photos
- 48% — Social connections and open expression
- 30% — Dating and romantic experiences
- 44% — Workplace performance
61%of Millenials
say smile anxiety has held them back socially
25%of boomers
say they also feel the same way
SMILE INSECURITIES
62% of Americans regret not smiling more openly in past moments
Looking back at birthdays, vacations, weddings, and everyday memories, many wish they had worried less about their smile and just enjoyed the moment. 56% admit they compare their smile to others.
- 76% — Millenials regret hiding smiles
- 65% vs 44% — Gen Z vs Boomers
- 65% vs 56% — Men vs women regret hiding smiles
Key insight:
Men repeatedly reported behaviors and anxieties that challenge the stereotype that women are more insecure about their appearance. Men are quietly comparing themselves, monitoring how they present, and regretting moments where anxiety held them back.
Photo anxiety
56% of Americans have used AI to edit their appearance before posting
From whitening teeth digitally to removing imperfections, Americans are turning to technology to manage how they look online. 22% have used AI specifically to improve their smile in photos.
- 41% — Avoid smiling with visible teeth
- 35% — Have perfected a dedicated "photo smile"
- 26% — Have looked into professional whitening or straightening
66% vs 47%men vs women
have used AI to edit photos
51% vs 28%men vs women
used AI to improve their smile
49% vs 14%Millenials vs Boomers
use Ai in general
Methodology
SmileSet surveyed 1,200 U.S. adults through an online poll conducted via Pollfish. The survey examined smile self-consciousness, suppression behaviors, photo curation habits, dissatisfaction drivers, external social pressure, professional and personal impact, AI and digital tool usage, modification and treatment behaviors, and smile regret. Results were analyzed and stratified across demographic segments, including generation (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers), gender, and platform behavior. Percentages reflect self-reported data and may sum to more than 100% when multiple selections were allowed.
About SmileSet
SmileSet provides clear aligner treatment designed to help people improve their smile comfortably and conveniently from home. By making cosmetic dental care more accessible, SmileSet helps customers build confidence in both their appearance and everyday interactions.
Fair use statement
The information and findings in this article may be shared for non-commercial purposes only. If referenced, please provide proper attribution to SmileSet and include a link back to the original research.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions? We've got answers. Here are the most common question about SmileSet.
What is smile anxiety?
Smile anxiety is the self-consciousness people feel about their smile. It affects how they take photos, interact socially, perform at work, and approach dating. Our survey of 1,200 U.S. adults found that 56% say it affects their overall confidence at least a moderate amount.
How common is smile self-consciousness?
Very common. 28% of Americans suppress their natural smile every day, and 64% adjust or hide their smiles for photographs.
Can improving your smile actually boost confidence?
Nearly 2 in 3 Americans (65%) agree that improving their smile would boost their everyday confidence.
How can SmileSet help?
SmileSet provides clear aligner treatment designed to help people improve their smile comfortably and conveniently from home. By making cosmetic dental care more accessible, SmileSet helps customers build confidence in both their appearance and everyday interactions.
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