Desired Smile and Effect of Facial Esthetics on the Confidence Level of Saudi Public: A Survey-based Study

Aim: To assess the perception of the general public towards an ideal smile, to determine an association of good facial esthetics with the high confidence level, to compare the findings based on age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Materials and methods: This study was targeted towards the Saudi general public in Riyadh city; therefore, all males and females more than 18 years of age were recruited to fill up the questionnaire. A total of 10000 Saudi general public were targeted in this study. The survey was sent using online links via social media and other sources. Results: A total of 8437 Saudis male and females filled up the online survey, which comprised of 39% (n=3307) males and 61% (n=5130) females. The participants were grouped based on their education level, which demonstrated that 3% (n=230) are primary level, 34% (n=2861) are high school level, 63%(n=5320) are university graduates. The participants were also grouped based on their socio-economic status, which demonstrated that 5% (n=428) are low status, 89% (n=7539) are moderate status and 6%(n=460) are high status. The participants were also grouped based on their dental visits, which demonstrated that 68% (n=5671) visit 0-2 times, 22% (n=1823) visit 3-5 times and10%(n=911) visit 6 times or more. Conclusion: Females were found to be more concerned about their smile, Educational levels did not affect the decision making, Higher socioeconomic status groups had more concern about their aesthetic smile, Patients with an increased number of dental visits had greater concern about their smile.