“Each year it is estimated that around 3,000 people have orthognathic treatment with an overwhelming 90% saying it has dramatically improved their health and wellbeing. The BOS is campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of orthognathic treatment to patients with congenital conditions or dentofacial anomalies. The BOS wants to see NHS funding maintained for a procedure which has a dramatic and positive life-changing impact on the lives of patients.”
Background
Orthognathic treatment (orthodontics combined with jaw surgery) is an unfamiliar term to most people. It is used in the treatment of adult patients with congenital conditions, like cleft palate, as well as patients who have difficulties in breathing while asleep or difficulties in eating due to skeletal issues. Carried out jointly by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon – dually qualified in medicine and dentistry – and an orthodontist, its purpose is to move the teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional and healthy, enabling patients to eat and breathe without restriction.
It’s important that the patient has ceased growing in order to produce a stable result so most treatments are provided to adult patients. The BOS has developed an Index of Functional Treatment Need to identify patients who would benefit most from treatment. If the patient falls within a level of need deemed by this index to benefit them then treatment should be available on the NHS.
Many patients who have severe jaw discrepancies also suffer from psycho-social problems due to having been teased or disadvantaged by their appearance. The results of orthognathic treatment can have a dramatic and positive effect on many aspects of life with increased self-esteem and confidence. There is very good research to show that the benefit to patients is long-lasting.
The BOS together with the Royal College of Surgeons have campaigned vigorously over the last few years to try to ensure there is parity for patients across the whole of the UK- to prevent there being a postcode lottery. NHS England has responded positively and it is hoped that irregularities in commissioning will be a thing of the past.
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: Endocarditis
An association has recently been made in the national press between infective endocarditis and the orthodontic treatment of a young female patient.
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.
