An association has recently been made in the national press between infective endocarditis and the orthodontic treatment of a young female patient.
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. It is a rare condition. There are many ways to develop endocarditis. However, people at greatest risk of endocarditis usually have damaged heart valves or heart defects. Treatments for endocarditis include antibiotics and, in certain cases, surgery.
A wide range of people seek orthodontic treatment and a small minority have medical conditions which means their treatment must be managed with additional care. However, there is no evidence of a direct link between endocarditis and orthodontic treatment.
The British Orthodontic Society awaits the outcome of any investigation into this individual case to ascertain the facts.
The British Orthodontic Society would like to reiterate the following statement:
BOS Statement: Guidance on teledentistry and remote interactions in orthodontic care
Please find below an advice sheet on Guidance on teledentistry and remote interactions in orthodontic care (including remote monitoring of clear aligner treatment).
BOS Statement: Response to Advertising Standards Authority ruling on Acceledent
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has made a ruling this week that marketing claims in support of Acceledent, a device designed to speed up treatment, are misleading.
BOS Statement: Claims about orthodontics
The role of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) is to promote the highest quality standard of care throughout the UK. This statement has been compiled by the BOS to help navigate some of the claims that are made about orthodontics, so you can find the best treatment for you or your child. More general information can be found elsewhere on the BOS website.
BOS Statement: Choosing the right clinician
Choose your clinician carefully, says the British Orthodontic Society. A report (1) on EssexLive News detailing the orthodontic experiences of a young male patient who wore appliances for more than 5 years illustrates how important it is for patients to see a clinician who is suitably qualified.
BOS Statement: Interproximal reduction
Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a technique used during orthodontic treatment to create space for tooth alignment. It involves removing up to 0.5mm of enamel from the sides of teeth to enable the orthodontist to straighten them accurately. The technique can also be used to improve the shape of teeth. It's a routine procedure but it requires care, skill and experience.
BOS Statement: Do-it-yourself braces
A number of websites are offering the public the opportunity to carry out their own orthodontic treatment at home. Most involve an individual being “assessed” as to their suitability for treatment using “selfie” photographs which they take themselves with their mobile phone.
