A study conducted by YouGov on behalf of British Orthodontic Society (BOS) found that 45% of adults are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and 20% would consider orthodontic treatment. The research was carried out to mark the launch of the first National Orthodontic Week in March. The survey canvassed the opinions of 2,050 people split into eight categories according to sex, age, social status, geographical location, working status, marital status and number of children in the household.
Commenting on the survey, BOS chairman Dr Nigel Harradine stated: “We already had evidence from several studies which indicates that one third of all children assessed at the age of 12 have a significant need for orthodontic treatment, and now this survey shows that 20% of adults are unhappy with the alignment and appearance of their teeth and would consider having orthodontic treatment. Such findings corroborate anecdotal evidence from orthodontists who are experiencing a significant increase in enquiries from adults who may not have had an opportunity to correct their bite and their smile earlier in life. This reflects both a change in attitude towards orthodontic treatment and recent advances in treatment techniques.”
Orthodontics is a dental specialty concerned with the growth of the teeth, jaws and face. Nearly one million people of all ages started having orthodontic treatment last year in the UK.
Britain is one of the only countries in the world where orthodontic treatment is available free on the NHS depending on the patients’ age and the severity of their problem. New technologies have meant that orthodontic treatment can now be discreet and more accessible to a wider range of people, no matter their age.