On 10 May 2016 the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) launched a new online resource to support the decision-making of the rising number of adults opting for orthodontic treatment.

The BOS Guide: Orthodontics for adults is a first for BOS in that it's designed for patients to read before they see a clinician.

There have never been so many different treatment choices for patients. Last month BOS warned against websites offering DIY orthodontic treatment because of the risk they pose, posting a statement on the BOS website: http://www.bos.org.uk/News-and-Events/BOS-Statement-Do-it-yourself-braces. The statement strongly advises against any treatment which bypasses a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist.

The BOS Guide covers all aspects of orthodontic decision-making: why, how, where and who. Each section has key points or tips which guide the patient towards getting the information they need to make the right choice for them.

A complementary video featuring Professor Tim Newton, Professor of Psychology as applied to Dentistry, contains advice on the questions to ask a clinician.

Alison Murray, President of BOS, said at the press launch for the new guide: 'We want to ensure that individuals are empowered to understand the choices they are making.

'We really want the guide to adult orthodontics to give potential patients the full picture and to highlight that orthodontic treatment can be complex. Our aim is to provide information which will help adults wanting treatment to become more discriminating consumers.'

The guide can be found at www.bos.org.uk/adultorthodontics .