WORLD FEDERATION OF ORTHODONTISTS (WFO)
A STATEMENT ON
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Orthodontics
It is the policy of the WFO to advocate worldwide for the best orthodontic treatment for all patients that receive orthodontic treatment. Evidence has shown that before beginning treatment, an in-office clinical examination by a qualified orthodontist, including diagnostic imaging with radiographs and pictures, is the best means to assess orthodontic needs, plan, and complete appropriate treatment.
An in-office orthodontic consultation provides opportunity to evaluate the health and position of the teeth, jaws, jaw joints and how they work together. This is in addition to how the teeth look and are aligned. It allows the orthodontic specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan based on both esthetics and health. Equally important is the fact that an orthodontist has the training to recognize problems during treatment and make changes if needed to achieve treatment goals.
Orthodontists are the only dental specialists who have additional professional education and training after becoming a dentist that is focused on the movement of teeth, jawbones, facial bones, and soft tissue that affect your smile, chewing and speech. Their specialized training includes understanding growth and age-related developmental factors which also contributes to providing patients with a healthy, beautiful smile. It is best to get the expert’s opinion about your orthodontic problem, options to resolve it, expertise during treatment and, in so doing, potentially avoid any unintended harmful consequences that can result from DIY/DTC treatment.
*References available on request