Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Introduction: The perception of dental appearance among university students is strongly influenced by psychosocial factors alongside clinical indicators. Their confidence is directly linked to this perception. This study explored how confidence might be influenced through the interaction between self-perception (“me”) and perceived social evaluation ("they"). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a structured questionnaire among university students in Bangladesh. Descriptive analysis helped summarize the data, whereas Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA estimated contributing associations of the study. Finally, significant determinants were identified with the application of Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results and Discussion: Reduced confidence was significantly associated with tooth discoloration and misalignment (malocclusion). Strong associations were also demonstrated by psychological factors like social media comparison and consideration of orthodontic treatment (braces). Conversely, socio-demographic variables had a limited effect on confidence related to dental appearance. Reflecting a state of “uncomfortable confidence”, many students maintained everyday social interactions such as smiling and speaking despite experiencing self-consciousness about appearance. Conclusion: The interrelations between self-perception and perceived social evaluation influence confidence linked to dental appearance. The significance of integrating psychosocial effects into clinical aspects for advancing oral health research is thus revealed by the findings.</p>