Orthodontic Society of Ireland advises people against six month treatment and potentially negative outcomes at quick fix clinics.
Specialist orthodontic treatment is the only way to achieve a healthy lifelong smile at any age.
(Embargo Monday 2nd September @ 0700 hrs) The OSI which represents the majority of orthodontists in Ireland is warning people against attending quick fix ‘smile clinics’ as part of its inaugural awareness campaign. Orthodontists who represent a highly specialized and valued branch of dentistry are growing increasingly concerned at reports of patients dissatisfied with the results of treatments used by some cosmetic dentists at ‘smile clinics’ to straighten teeth and are having to rectify some of these failed treatments.
Many of the treatments offered at these clinics which are heavily promoted are offered by dentists inexperienced in providing orthodontic treatment but who are claiming to give a beautiful smile in six months or less. This is much faster than the comprehensive individual treatment usually required to treat crowded and crooked teeth to get teeth fully corrected. Comprehensive treatment provided by specialist orthodontists ensures that following the treatment, the patient is biting correctly and the teeth are in harmony with the jaws and lips. Please see www.orthodontics .ie
As part of this campaign, the OSI is advising people that are considering getting their own or their children’s teeth straightened to follow this advice in order to get the best possible experience;
Check qualifications
- Some dentists (including ‘cosmetic dentists’) who provide orthodontic treatment have only had a few hours training in procedures to straighten teeth. So it is advisable to ask the orthodontist/ dentist how much training they have had in orthodontics and with the type of brace they are proposing to fit
- Orthodontists have first trained as general dentists (by completing five years of dental undergraduate training) and have then undertaken a further three years of training in orthodontics to qualify as orthodontic specialists and are recognised as such by the Dental Council of Ireland.
Consider all the options
- Any specialist orthodontist will discuss all the possible types of brace that can be used to correct your teeth. You should be wary if you are only offered one option or one type ofbrace.
Don’t expect a quick fix
- While it is true that simple straightening of the front teeth can be carried out in as little as six months, this is not always a long-term solution. It often takes at least 12 months to get the teeth fully corrected, biting correctly and in harmony with the jaws and lips.
Speaking in advance of the campaign launch, Dr Katherine Condren, President, OSI and Specialist Orthodontist, Terenure, D6 said “Orthodontics is a very specialised branch of dentistry. We have the required training to analyse and determine the causes of orthodontic problems and implement the most effective treatment plan to achieve the best and most cost-effective result. We understand that some people want a quick fix however specialist orthodontists who treat patients with crooked and overcrowded teeth everyday know that six month braces will only work for a small amount of patients (approximately 5%) and in those patients they usually only align the front teeth but do not provide a stable bite. We have the expertise to recognize the difference and can give people straight teeth in harmony with their face that will last a lifetime.”
Also speaking Dr Sinead O’Hanrahan, Vice-President OSI and Specialist Orthodontist, Navan said
“It is never too late to consider specialist orthodontic treatment, because healthy teeth can be moved at any age. An increasing number of adults are now availing of the benefits of specialist orthodontic treatment and the outstanding results. Ideally however the first orthodontic consultation should be at approximately nine years of age before the last baby teeth are shed as this gives the orthodontist more treatment options. A decision can then be made as to whether early intervention is appropriate or whether it is better to wait until all the permanent teeth erupt (at aged 12 years approximately.)”
As part of this awareness campaign, the OSI is also highlighting that
- Straight teeth are pleasing to the eye, easier to clean and are more likely to resist wear over time
- Crooked and crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay
- Achieving a beautiful straight smile is possible for any age and makes people feel better about themselves, leading to an increase in self-esteem and a more positive self-image
- Please visit ww.orthodontics.ie
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Orthodontic Society of Ireland (OSI)
The OSI was founded in 1990 and is the professional body representing the majority of the orthodontists in Ireland. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed, on average, three years of specialised training in how to diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. Advanced and on-going training enables specialist orthodontists to provide their patients with the highest standard of treatment, leading to the best results.Each member of the OSI is recognised as a specialist orthodontist by the Dental Council of Ireland. Orthodontists listed in the Specialist Register of Orthodontics have complied with the Irish Dental Council’s conditions for registration and are entitled to practice as Dental Specialists in Ireland. Please see www.orthodontics.ie to view the Specialist Register.
For further information and/ or to set up an interview, please contact Jane Curtin Tel.: 087 938 0779