Invisible Aligner Sales: Has Zoom Led To Boom?
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- Published: Thursday, 24 August 2023 07:39
- Written by Guy Tuggle
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One of the most enduring memories of Covid-19 lockdowns was the phenomenon of home working. And as the nation came to terms with restrictions on movement and socialising (Downing Street excepted), a new phrase entered the vocabulary – ‘zoom meetings.’
The pandemic’s restrictions may be slipping into distant memory, however, ‘home working’ has proved a stubborn hangover, popular with staff and accepted by an increasing number of employers.
One unforeseen consequence of workers spending hours each day in video meetings is a growing awareness of smile imperfections and, notwithstanding the cost-of-living crisis, this has triggered a significant rise in teeth straightening product sales.
Three quarters (76%) of orthodontists reported an increase in the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment within the past three years according to a new survey published by the British Orthodontic Society (‘BOS’).
The rise of online working/socialising and video calls is credited with having an impact - over half of orthodontists (65%) said this is a trigger for seeking treatment.
Over a third (38%) signalled that their adult patients, 83% of whom are in the 26 to 55 age bracket, were influenced by influencers and celebrities.
DIY Safety Concerns
Worryingly, 88% of orthodontists surveyed expressed concern that as the cost-of-living crisis bites into disposable incomes, more patients will be turn to ‘DIY’ treatment options like ‘DIY braces’ and ‘direct to the consumer’ fixes. These are being widely advertised on social media and some television channels.
People seeking orthodontic treatment are advised to visit a trained clinician so that they have the various options open to them explained, in person, to make an informed decision.
The Safe Smiles Campaign - https://www.dentalhealth.org/safe-smiles-seeing-a-dental-professional imparts advice about the safest and most effective way to have orthodontic treatment.
Anjli Patel, BOS Director of External Relations said “It is great to see the number of adults interested in orthodontics remains high and we want to ensure patients are given the very best advice about orthodontic treatment.
Our members, specialists and dentists with a special interest, offer a range of options for adults, enabling them to provide a solution to any kind of orthodontic problem.”
*The BOS survey was carried out online in April 2023. The BOS membership is open to dentists andorthodontists. Members of BOS work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to high street practice, from academia to community clinics.
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