‘Safe Brace’ campaign introduced by the British Orthodontic Society and Oral Health Foundation

Safe Brace, a campaign that informs patients on the range of orthodontic treatments available, so that they can choose the appropriate treatment best suited to them, has been introduced by the British Orthodontic Society and the Oral Health Foundation. Both organisations will provide specialist information to the patient regarding their orthodontic, dental and general health, to help with decision making.

BOS President, Professor Jonathan Sandler, stated: “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. What other transforming dental or medical treatment would you undergo without an in-person evaluation or supervision by a medical professional? For me, one of the issues with DIY Braces is that it offers just 1 narrow solution when there may be a more appropriate one for the patient. The value of informed choice cannot be overestimated.”

Oral Health Foundation’s Chief Executive, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, stated: “We are seeing a growth in online companies offering orthodontic treatments at significantly reduced prices. For many patients, it will feel like a sensible consumer savvy choice, but this may not be the case. My clinical view is that Orthodontics should always involve face to face contact with a trained clinical professional. This is to ensure patient safety and the most effective treatment. When carried out correctly, orthodontic treatment can give patients the straight and confident smile they have always dreamed about; we want to make sure that patients are given the very best advice about the safest and most effective way to have orthodontic treatment.”