To mark the launch of National Orthodontic Week ‘Love Your Smile’ which runs from April 11 to 15 the findings of a survey carried out by iReach for the Orthodontic Society of Ireland (OSI ), were published this week. This research which was conducted to establish Irish people’s views on the appearance of their teeth reveals that Wicklow adults are most unhappy with their teeth, Cork adults are most satisfied, 63 per cent of all adults would consider having some form of orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment and appearance of their teeth.
Of the adults who felt orthodontic treatment would be of benefit 42 per cent would contemplate treatment to improve their appearance, 36 per cent for an improvement in oral health and function, 21 per cent for an improvement in self-esteem. Adult patients represent 35 per cent of all orthodontists’ caseloads.
“We already have evidence from several international studies indicating that one third of children assessed at the age of 12 have a significant need for orthodontic treatment, and now this survey shows that more than 43 per cent of Irish adults are unhappy with the alignment and appearance of their teeth and would consider having orthodontic treatment,” said Mayo based orthodontist, Dr Peter Keenan. “These findings back up evidence from Irish orthodontists who have experienced 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 attitudes towards the role that orthodontic treatment can play in enhancing personal appearance as well as advances in orthodontic treatment techniques”.
The first annual National Orthodontic Week ‘Love Your Smile’ will take place from April 11 to 15 and is being run by the Orthodontic Society of Ireland (OSI ), the organisation representing the majority of orthodontists in Ireland which promotes the very best in education, research and care for patients.
