CHANDIGARH,12.03.22=The Indian Orthodontic Society and Chandigarh Orthodontic study circle held an awareness campaign and unveiling of IOS awareness posters at Sukhna lake on 12^th March, where they emphasized on the importance of an Orthodontic treatment and drawbacks of at home Aligners and Do It Yourself(DIY)aligners .The President of Indian Orthodontic Society(IOS) DrSrikrishnaChalasani, Vice President of IOS DrSarabjeet Singh,Secretary of IOS DrSrideviPadmanabhan along with other eminent Orthodontist of the region Dr Deepak Gupta,DrSukhdeep Kahlon and Dr Sohinderjeet Singh were present for the awareness drive.

Dr.Sarabjeet Singh Vice President of Indian Orthodontic Society and the convenor of Chandigarh Orthodontic study circle, who was present on this occassion addressed the press and public regarding the importance of orthodontic treatment.

In today’s online world, everything is available at the click of a button, including ALIGNERS. Some orthodontic companies these days are promoting the use of Do It Yourself (DIY) aligners for the straightening of teeth and delivering these aligner sets by courier straight to your home. These companies are spreading the wrong message that one can do orthodontic treatment at home by themselves using their computer-designed aligners without the supervision of a qualified orthodontist. The sole motive of these companies is to make a profit, not the welfare of orthodontic patients.

Each patient requires a customized treatment plan and thus requires a thorough evaluation by the orthodontist before the start of orthodontic treatment. Proper x-rays, photographs and models are to be evaluated before starting the case. Orthodontic treatment requires continuous monitoring, and for this, the patient needs to visit in person at the orthodontist’s clinic. Use of these aligners at home by yourself without the supervision of qualified orthodontist may lead to:

1 Loss of teeth

2 Damage to Jaw and Gums

3.Change of bite leading to jaw joint pain

4.Speech Problems

5.Emotional trauma

On the other hand, Orthodontic aligners are technological very advanced products, they are computer designed appliances to be used by a SPECIALIST qualified ORTHODONTIST. These aligners are usually used for minor orthodontic problems, whereas braces can be used for all types of conditions ranging from simple to complex orthodontic problems.

DIY Aligners are just an alternative to braces for the straightening of teeth in patients having minor orthodontic problems. Therefore, aligners cannot replace braces since braces are time-tested and proven orthodontic appliances for moving your teeth efficiently. The treatment modalities depend completely on the complexity of the dental problem.

Seeking to promote patient safety in dentistry, the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) has recently announced that the remote treatment of malocclusion as unacceptable and potentially hazardous.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) dentistry gained increasing popularity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Despite its popularity, remote orthodontic treatment has caused great concern over patient safety According to the BOS press release, increasingly more companies are promoting and selling orthodontic treatment, including aligners, by post without initial diagnosis or regular clinical monitoring. They attract clients by asserting that the treatment is affordable, fast and safe. However, patients are often not warned that at-home orthodontic treatments could cause a severe risk to their health.

The Indian Orthodontic Society and Dental Council of India ,(the highest statutory body in the country regulating Dental Education and the Profession ) issued a public notice 27th December 2021.Both of them wishes to emphasize that the Dental treatment shall ONLY be performed by REGISTERED dentists at his/her clinic/hospital and NOT AT HOME. Scanning of teeth of patients shall be performed by registered dentists only.The orthodontic appliance that is used is only secondary to the skill, expertise, and experience of the orthodontist.YOUR ORTHODONTIST IS BEST JUDGE FOR YOUR TREATMENT.

An Indian Orthodontic Society Advisory on Direct to Consumer(DTC) Aligners was also issued on 12th March,2022.