Abstract
The literature concerning risk/benefit appraisal for orthodontic treatment is reviewed with respect to factors which influence dental health, social psychological well-being and the harmful effects of orthodontic treatment. There is little evidence to suggest that the absence of malocclusion is associated with a measurably higher self-esteem and life fulfillment, or with major advantages for dental health, except for a limited number of traits. With regard to treatment, small risks of iatrogenic harm exist, while the effects of partial or total failure of treatment, and the lack of long-term stability of results should not be underestimated
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Shaw, W., O'Brien, K., Richmond, S. et al. Quality control in orthodontics: risk/benefit considerations. Br Dent J 170, 33–37 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4807399
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4807399
This article is cited by
-
Quality analysis of the clinical practice guidelines for management of impacted maxillary central incisors: a systematic review
Evidence-Based Dentistry (2024)
-
Comparison of the quality of life changes of patients receiving sagittal split ramus osteotomy or intraoral vertical subsigmoid osteotomy for mandibular prognathism
Clinical Oral Investigations (2023)
-
Study protocol for the management of impacted maxillary central incisors: a multicentre randomised clinical trial: the iMAC Trial
Trials (2022)
-
Prioritising NHS dental treatments: a mixed-methods study
British Dental Journal (2022)
-
Epidemiology of orthodontic treatment need in southwestern Ethiopian children: a cross sectional study using the index of orthodontic treatment need
BMC Oral Health (2020)