New research from Ipsos MORI commissioned by the British Lingual Orthodontic Society (BLOS) indicates that 18% of the population of England and Wales believe their teeth would benefit from straightening with braces.
The survey of 877 people in England and Wales aged 15 and over was carried out to assess awareness, attitudes and experience of orthodontics with a focus on lingual braces, which are fitted behind the teeth.
Lingual braces are suited to people who do not want their braces to be visible or who want treatment to be discreet. The research found that 72% of the British population is unaware of the lingual option.
The survey also found that people living in the South East are more likely to believe they need braces. Of those living in the South East of England, 30% felt their teeth would benefit from orthodontics compared to 7% of those living in the South West. Asked whether they would consider giving orthodontics as a present to a friend or a loved one, 6% of those interviewed said they definitely would, equating to 3.1 million people in England and Wales.
