The association between self-esteem and aesthetic component of smile among adolescents

Objectives Self-esteem plays a crucial role during adolescence in a shaping of an individual’s overall well-being and confidence. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the self-esteem in adolescents and their smile aesthetics, as well as to assess the alignment of opinions on this matter between adolescents and dentists. Methods Sample included 413 students in Split-Dalmatia County, aged 13 to 18 (60% females). Data on demographic issues, orthodontic history, and desire for orthodontic treatment were collected by the self-administrated questionnaire. Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory was also used. Smile aesthetics was assessed by each participant and dentist independently using an Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN AC). Results Self-esteem was higher in adolescents who rated their smile aesthetics equally to the dentist than in those who considered their aesthetics to be worse than the dentist (18.5 vs. 16; P = 0.011). The multiple linear regression revealed that the self-esteem of adolescents was positively related to undergone previous orthodontic treatment ( β = 1.286, P = 0.020) while negatively related to the female gender ( β = −2.531, P ≤ 0.001) and IOTN AC assessed by dentist ( β = −0.356, P = 0.015). It was not related to educational level or desire for orthodontic treatment. Conclusion The self-esteem in adolescence is influenced the most by gender, but the orthodontic treatment and better smile aesthetics might also contribute.