Faculty member cautions about non-traditional orthodontics procedure in Bloomberg article

Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 24, 2018 -– Hera Kim-Berman, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, is quoted about the growing field of tele-orthodontics in a story on the website of Bloomberg News.

Companies like SmileDirectClub use a process that requires limited in-person dentist appointments compared to traditional orthodontic treatment. Patients initially have their teeth scanned in person, then the company uses a 3-D printer to make a series of clear plastic braces that are sent to patients over a period of time, usually with few in-person appointments.

The story quotes Kim-Berman as it explains that mainstream orthodontists, including the American Association of Orthodontists, are warning consumers that teeth-straightening is a complex medical procedure best performed by dental professionals who regularly evaluate the patient’s teeth in person during the process.

Read the entire story on the website of Bloomberg News, which focuses on business and financial news.