do you think dental braces are used too much these days?

[tkf57]

it seems that nearly all teenagers have dental braces fitted these days whereas when i was a few years ago they were quite uncommon - do you think it is always necessary?

[GOATY]

yes ugly teeth stay with you for life and a brace is for a short time. too many dummies for babies cause it

[kerry B]

It may seem it, but less and less teenagers are having these fitted as orthodontists now recieve a lot less funding from the NHS. Recently only extreme cases have been referred for orthodontic treatment.

[Cyndi M]

I really think it is more the parents than the orthodontist.

[Anonymous]

They are NOT ever necessary, only about 5% of all teenagers develop a serious medical issue and need orthodontic treatment. All braces do is give you a (somewhat better) smile. There is NOT any medical issue on not having braces and for more than 50 years ago, there were not any people needing treatment. Your smile can look practically the same before and after treatment. Braces could give you straighter teeth, but they could have also made it harder to brush and easier to get cavities. Is it really worth a sometimes 6 year commitment?

[Mariah]

Not always. There are many alternatives. iBraces, invisalign are a few others... Well, I guess now we are paying more attention to our mouths than before, is that a bad thing?

- mariah

[Andrew]

I think it can only be a good thing that people are taking more of an interest in their oral health. Why shouldn't they take up the increased opportunity of orthodontic treatment even if it's for something minor? Being stuck with bad teeth most of your life can have an impact on self-confidence.