Orthodontic Problems Prevalent in Saudi Arabia
Figures released at the Saudi Orthodontic Society revealed that up to 80 percent of children in Saudi Arabia need dental braces.
The meeting, which took place in Jeddah on the 31st January and 1st February, was attended by a host of dentists, doctors and specialist orthodontists from Saudi Arabia and countries all over the world.
Ali Habib, an orthodontist, told Arab News that the event was designed to develop skills among orthodontists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There has been some concern that wearing braces has become fashionable in the kingdom and therefore some children are having them fitted without needing treatment. However, Mr Habib said that for the majority of children, there was a genuine need for treatment as a result of genetic factors and a lack of awareness of dental health issues, which contributed to high rates of decay and tooth loss.
Dr Tareq El-Bialy, from the University of Alberta, spoke about invisible braces, a treatment that has become extremely popular in the USA and Western Europe. He added that it is best to treat children at a young age to prevent further orthodontic problems developing.
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