Direct-to-consumer orthodontics: surveying the user experience.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontics has caused significant controversy among dentists and orthodontists. However, little is known about the actual harms or benefits experienced by users of at-home teeth aligners.

Methods

The authors designed a 24-item online survey to assess users' experiences with at-home aligners. The authors recruited users for 6 months (March-August 2019) on social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter) and online forums related to DTC orthodontics. A total of 470 responses were analyzed.

Results

The typical respondent was a white, female millennial (23-38 years old in 2019) who purchased aligners to correct crowding. More than one-half of respondents consulted with a dentist before purchasing aligners. In those interactions

SUBMITTER: Wexler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7391059 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature