Dentists Alarmed Over DIY Braces

You’ve seen them advertised – the DIY braces that can promise low prices and fast results, and are available online.

These braces have been shown to often result in permanent damage to the wearer’s teeth, gums and jaw. The Oral Health Foundation and its British Orthodontic Society have set up Safe Brace, a website providing expert advice on getting braces.

“Straightening teeth is a highly complex medical procedure and should only be carried out by a dentist or orthodontist,” says Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation.

“These face-to-face appointments are essential,” Carter continues. “They allow for a patient to be fully assessed by a qualified professional who can help guide them to arrive at the most appropriate treatment for their needs.

“Importantly, the dentist will also be able to monitor a person’s progress throughout the course of their treatment and make adjustments to the appliance when needed.

“By visiting a trained clinician, patients will get a full examination and have a range of different treatment options explained to them. This will put the patient in a great position to get the best results in a safe and effective environment. The consequences of ill-fitting braces are hefty and can leave a person with permanent damage to their teeth, gums and jaw.”

Professor Jonathan Sandler, president of the British Orthodontic Society, added: “In my professional opinion if you embark on any orthodontic treatment without a suitably trained clinician taking the time to examine you and make appropriate recommendations, you could be in danger of having serious conditions missed, as well as inappropriate and dangerous treatment carried out.”

For more information, go to the Safe Brace website: https://www.dentalhealth.org/safebrace