The survey from the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) revealed that over 70 per cent of orthodontists reported an increase in adults seeking orthodontic treatment within the past three years.
The BOS marked its 30th anniversary in 2024 and said over this time, it has seen transformational changes in orthodontics. The survey demonstrated that clear aligners have been one of the most important developments during this time.
The 2024 survey attributed the rise in demand to the following:
- Online working/socialising and video calls, with over half of orthodontists (60 per cent) saying this is a factor for people seeking treatment
- The influence of celebrities and influencers, with over a third (38 per cent) of orthodontists saying this is a reason for adult patients wanting treatment
DIY treatment
The survey also revealed that the cost of living is having an impact on patients seeking treatment. The society said there is concern that people may put themselves in danger with ‘direct to the consumer’ teeth straightening – also known as ‘DIY braces’. Eighty-two per cent of orthodontists surveyed are concerned that more patients will be seeking ‘DIY’ treatment options because of the pandemic and a shift to digital communication and the commoditisation of healthcare.
The BOS has urged people seeking orthodontic treatment to visit a trained clinician to ensure that they have the various options available to them explained in person, so they can make an informed decision.
Anjli Patel, director of external relations for the BOS, said, “It is great to see the number of adults interested in orthodontics remains high and we want to ensure patients are given the very best advice about orthodontic treatment. Our members, specialists and dentists with a special interest, offer a range of options for adults, enabling them to provide a solution to any kind of orthodontic problem.”