A new study suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) smile simulators can enhance patients’ perceptions of their potential smiles, but may not necessarily increase their motivation to pursue orthodontic treatment.
The research, published January 2, 2026, in the International Journal of Dentistry, evaluated the SmileView (SV) simulator’s impact on both aesthetic perception and treatment intent. The study was led by Thomas Mourgues, PhD, of the Rey Juan Carlos University Department of Orthodontics in Madrid.
In the study, 51 participants in Spain had their frontal “social smile” photographed and then used the SV app to generate a simulated post-treatment image. Participants rated their smile on a scale of 1 to 10 for overall perception, smile width, tooth alignment, color, shape, and gingival display. They also indicated whether they were considering orthodontic treatment, both before and after viewing the simulated smile.
The results showed a significant improvement in overall smile perception, which increased from 5.84 ± 2.12 to 7.00 ± 2.61 after the simulation (p = 0.038). Tooth alignment showed the most dramatic gain, rising from 5.63 ± 2.57 to 8.57 ± 1.67 (p < 0.001). Tooth color and shape also improved significantly, while changes in smile width and gingival display were not statistically significant.
Despite these improvements, willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment slightly declined, from 25 participants initially willing to 23 after viewing the simulation. Some participants reversed their initial decisions—10 went from willing to unwilling, and eight moved from unwilling to willing. Among participants motivated to pursue treatment post-simulation, tooth alignment, color, and shape improved significantly, while other variables showed little change.
It noted several limitations, including the subjective nature of the questionnaires used to assess smile perception, which could be influenced by personal and emotional factors.
“Orthodontists can use this tool to strengthen patient motivation, provided it is accompanied by clear explanations about the limitations of aligner treatments,” Mourgues and colleagues wrote.