BOS calls for YouTube to ban DIY brace videos
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- Published: Wednesday, 29 August 2018 07:29
- Written by News Editor
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The British Orthodontic Society is recommending the introduction of more robust editorial control by video platform YouTube in order that any footage demonstrating and promoting so-called “DIY braces” is removed. Those which encourage young people to try a DIY approach to teeth-straightening should be taken down from the platform as soon as possible.
The BOS is extremely concerned about this trend for the following reasons:
- A full clinical examination by a trained clinician is necessary to decide if orthodontic treatment is in the best interests of an individual.
- There are a number of different types of orthodontic appliance with different advantages and risks. Those considering braces need to be aware of the choices available to them and also to understand the risks of treatment.
- Unsupervised treatment may result in a suboptimal outcome and the need for further treatment, or in the worst case scenario, cause permanent damage to dental health.
Joe Noar, BOS Director of Clinical Governance, says that videos which encourage young people to try a DIY approach to teeth-straightening should be taken down from the platform as soon as possible. He said: “Orthodontics requires great skill and understanding and attempts to straighten teeth without the supervision of a suitably qualified dental practitioner could lead to future problems with the bite and damage to the teeth.”
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