The first ever National Orthodontic Week in the UK was launched yesterday by the British Orthodontic Society (BOS).
According to the BOS, the aim of the weekly campaign is to focus attention on ways of improving the appearance and the function of the teeth .
Speaking at the launch event, BOS Chairman Nigel Harradine, said: "There is not enough knowledge about orthodontics and healthcare has an increasing need to be properly understood."
"There have been great advances in orthodontic technology and training in the UK is world class. We have top-quality research and clinicians here, however, there is a shortage of orthodontists . There are waiting lists of up to three years for those with a quantified significant need for treatment ."
A recent YouGov study carried out on behalf of the BOS found that 45 per cent of British adults are unhappy with the look of their teeth and one in five would consider orthodontic treatment .
Of those, over half (56 per cent) said they would consider treatment to improve their appearance, a quarter for a boost in self-esteem, and 18 per cent for an improvement in oral health and function.
Commenting on the research, Dr Harradine said: "Such findings corroborate anecdotal evidence from orthodontists who are experiencing 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 attitude towards orthodontic treatment and recent advances in treatment techniques."
