Survey finds out what people are insecure about as adults

More than two-thirds (68%) of adults sometimes feel just as uncomfortable as they did when they were teenagers, new research shows.

A survey of 2,000 US respondents ages 25-45 found that teens were the most confident about their body shape (65%), hairstyle (61%) and smile (61%).

And many continue to do so, although the average person is at their most uncomfortable at age 17.

As adults, more than half of those surveyed still feel uncomfortable with their body shape (55%), hairstyle (53%) and smile (52%).

Currently, more men than women are insecure about their glasses/contacts (51% vs. 39%), their height (54% vs. 42%), their hairstyle (57% vs. 48%) and their smile (55% vs. 49%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Smile ExpressThe results of the study, a doctor-supervised at-home aligner treatment for adults, also found that only 30% usually stand in the front row when posing for a group photo, although this is less the case for women than for men (24% versus 34%).

This may have something to do with their smile, as less than a quarter of respondents show their teeth when they grin (24%).

It is therefore not surprising that selfies make some people feel anxious (41%) or stressed (36%), while at the same time feeling excited (36%).

What aspects of their appearance make them feel this way? Her smile (48%), her body shape (47%), her clothes (46%) and her hairstyle (45%).


A survey of 2,000 US respondents ages 25-45 found that teens were the most confident about their body shape (65%), hairstyle (61%) and smile (61%).
SWNS / Smile Express

More than two-thirds (68%) of adults sometimes feel just as uncomfortable as they did when they were teenagers, new research shows.
More than two-thirds (68%) of adults sometimes feel just as uncomfortable as they did when they were teenagers, new research shows.

SWNS / Smile Express

“Smiling is one of the best ways to show confidence, and studies have shown that we perceive those who smile to be more confident and happier,” said Dr. Zachary Casagrande, founder and developer of Smile Express. “If you wore braces as a teenager, chances are you didn’t wear your retainer all the time, potentially leading to minor tooth displacement or misalignment.”

Half of the respondents have worn braces in the past, for an average of 23 months.

However, 72% have experienced a “glow-up” since their teens, resulting in clearer skin (53%), a better haircut (51%), a fitter body (50%) and straighter teeth (49%).


Survey results also found that only 30% usually stand in the front row when posing for a group photo, with fewer women than men (24% vs. 34%).
Survey results also found that only 30% usually stand in the front row when posing for a group photo, with fewer women than men (24% vs. 34%).
SWNS / Smile Express

And eight in ten (83%) said it made them feel more confident.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things people still want to improve about themselves. Respondents indicated that they want better vision (54%), improved fashion style (54%) and better physical fitness (53%), with 41% also wanting a better smile.

“People feel more confident when they can fully express themselves. This includes being able to smile without inhibition or embarrassment,” added Dr. Added Casagrande. “For adults, teeth straightening doesn’t have to be a cumbersome and time-consuming affair. There are alternatives to traditional comprehensive orthodontic treatment at home that do not require monthly visits to the clinic. Simply choose a treatment overseen by a real orthodontist to ensure it’s safe, effective and leaving your smile looking refreshed and ready to share with the world.”


Respondents indicated that they want better vision (54%), improved fashion style (54%) and better physical fitness (53%), with 41% also wanting a better smile.
Respondents indicated that they want better vision (54%), improved fashion style (54%) and better physical fitness (53%), with 41% also wanting a better smile.
SWNS / Smile Express

It is therefore not surprising that selfies make some people feel anxious (41%) or stressed (36%), while at the same time feeling excited (36%).
It is therefore not surprising that selfies make some people feel anxious (41%) or stressed (36%), while at the same time feeling excited (36%).
Getty Images/iStockphoto

What were people insecure about as teenagers?

● Body Shape – 65%

● Hairstyle – 61%

● Smile – 61%

● Voice – 58%

● Posture – 58%

● Braces/aligners – 58%

● Acne – 57%

● Height – 56%

● Glasses/contact lenses – 55%


However, 72% have experienced a
However, 72% have experienced a “glow-up” since their teens, resulting in clearer skin (53%), a better haircut (51%), a fitter body (50%) and straighter teeth (49%).

SWNS / Smile Express

What are people insecure about as adults?

● Body Shape – 55%

● Hairstyle – 53%

● Smile – 52%

● Height – 48%

● Posture – 48%

● Voice – 47%

● Braces/aligners – 46%

● Acne – 46%

● Glasses/contact lenses – 45%

Caroline Bleakley

Caroline Bleakley is a USTimeToday U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. Caroline Bleakley joined USTimeToday in 2022 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with Caroline Bleakley by emailing carolinebleakley@ustimetoday.com.

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