Evaluation of augmented reality and social media on patient motivation to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment

Objectives: The objective of the study was to primarily evaluate patient motivation towards doing orthodontic treatment after showing them AR filters. Secondly, the focus was to evaluate patient motivation toward doing orthodontic treatment after showing them their probable post-treatment smile through AR application and to evaluate the efficacy of AR in orthodontics in simulating orthodontic therapy and its final probable outcome. Material and Methods: The data collected from individuals seeking orthodontic treatment was categorized on the level of interest in orthodontic treatment, the level of concern about appearance during treatment, the level of comfort to smiling with braces, the level of excitement about post-treatment smile, the level of willingness to post selfies or photos with braces on social media. Moreover, it was also categorized basis the level of influence of comments or messages from followers, the level of motivation to do the orthodontic treatment after seeing oneself with braces on filters, the level of impact of SmileView filter (By Invisalign India) on interest in orthodontic treatment by showing a probable post-treatment smile. Furthermore, the data was classified according to the level of satisfaction with SmileView probable post-treatment smile among 300 respondents, who rated each aspect on a scale of 1–5, where 1 means extremely reluctant, not bothered, apathetic or unsatisfied and 5 means very enthusiastic, very concerned, greatly influenced, or very satisfied. Results: About 42% of patients were more enthusiastic about orthodontic treatment after showing SmileView results. Patients’ preferences, social media participation, and ‘braces look’ acceptance had a significant association with the decision to initiate orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: This study showed that potential orthodontic patients have varying attitudes and motivations for orthodontic treatment and that visual simulations can positively influence their interest, motivation, and satisfaction with orthodontic treatment.