INFORMED CONSENT
for the orthodontic patient
Risks and Limitations of Orthodontic Treatment
Successful Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the orthodontist and the patient. The doctor and staff are dedicated to achieving the best possible result for each patient.
As a general rule, informed and cooperative patients can achieve positive orthodontic results. While recognizing the benefits of a beautiful healthy smile, you should also be aware that, as with all healing arts, orthodontic treatment has limitations and potential risks.
These are seldom serious enough to indicate that you should not have treatment; however, all patients should seriously consider the option of no orthodontic treatment at all by accepting their present oral condition. Alternatives to orthodontic treatment vary with the individual’s specific problem, and prosthetic solutions or limited orthodontic treatment may be considerations. You are encouraged to discuss alternatives with the doctor prior to beginning treatment.
Results of treatment
Orthodontic treatment usually proceeds as planned, and we intent to do everything possible to achieve the best results for every patient. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be completely satisfied with your results, nor can all complications or consequences be anticipated. The success of treatment depends on your cooperation in keeping appointments, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding loose or broken appliances, and following the orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
Length of Treatment
The length of treatment depends on a number of issues, including the severity of the problem, the patient’ growth and the level of patient cooperation.
The actual treatment time is usually close to estimated treatment time, but treatment maybe lengthened it, for example, unanticipated growth occurs, if there are habits affecting the dentofacial structures, if periodontal or other dental problems occur, or if patient cooperation is not adequate.
Therefore, changes in the original treatment plan may become necessary. If treatment time is extended beyond the original estimate, additional fees may be assessed.
Discomfort
The mouth is very sensitive so you can expect an adjustment period and some discomfort due to the introduction of orthodontic appliances. Non-prescription pain medication can be used during this adjustment periods
Relapse
Completed orthodontic treatment does not guarantee perfectly straight teeth for the rest fo your life. Retainers will be required to keep your teeth in their new positions as a result of you orthodontic treatment.
You must wear your retainers as instructed or teeth may shift, in addition to other adverse effects. Regular retainer wear is often necessary for several years following orthodontic treatment. However, changes after that time can occur due to natural causes, including habits such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and growth and maturation that continue throughout life.
Later in life, most people will see their teeth shift. Minor irregularities, particularly in the lower front teeth, may have to be accepted. Some changes may require additional orthodontic treatment or, in some cases, surgery. Some situations may required non-removable retainers or other dental appliances made by your family dentist.
Extractions
Some cases will require the removal of deciduous (baby) teeth or permanent teeth. There are additional risks associated with the removal of teeth which you should discuss with your family dentist or oral surgeon prior to the procedure.
Orthognathic Surgery
Some patients have significant skeletal disharmonies which require orthodontic treatment in conjunction with orthographic (dentofacial) surgery. There are additional risks associated with this surgery which you should discuss with your oral and/or maxillofacial surgeon prior to beginning orthodontic treatment.
Please be aware that orthodontic treatment prior to orthognathic surgery often only aligns the teeth within the individual dental arches. Therefore, patients discontinuing orthodontic treatment without completing the planned surgical procedures may have a malocclusion that is worse than when they began treatment
Decalcification and Dental Caries
Excellent oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment as are regular visits to your family dentist. Inadequate or improper hygiene could result in vanities, discolored teeth, periodontal disease and/or decalcification. These same problems can occur without orthodontic treatment, but the risk is greater to an individual wearing braces or other appliances.
These problems may be aggravated if the patient has not had the benefit of fluoridated water or its substitute, or if the patient consumes sweetened beverages of foods.
Root Resorption
The roots of some patients’ teeth become shorter (resorption) doing orthodontic treatment. It is not known exactly what causes root resorption, nor is it possible to predict which patients will experience it. However, many patients have retained teeth throughout life with severely shortened roots.
If resorption is detected during orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend a pause in treatment or the removal of the alliance’s prior to the completion of orthodontic treatment.
Nerve Damage
A tooth that has been traumatized by an accident or deep decay may have experienced damage to the nerve of the tooth. Orthodontic tooth movement may, in some cases, aggravate this condition. In some cases, root canal treatment may be necessary. In sever cases, the tooth or teeth may be lost.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum and bone) disease can develop or worsen during orthodontic treatment due to many factors, but most often due to the lack of adequate oral hygiene.
You must have your general dentist, or if indicated, a periodontist monitor your periodontal health during orthodontic treatment every three to six months. If periodontal problems cannot be controlled, orthodontic treatment may have to be discontinued prior to completion.
Injury From Orthodontic Appliances
Activities or foods which could damage, loosen or dislodge orthodontic appliances need to be avoided . Loosened or damaged orthodontic appliances can be inhaled or swallowed or could cause other damage to the patient.
You should inform your orthodontist of any unusual symptoms or of any loose or broken appliances as soon as they are noticed.
Damage to the enamel of a tooth or to a restoration (crown, bonding, veneer, etc.) is possible when orthodontic appliances are removed. This problem may be more likely when esthetic (clear or tooth colored) appliances have been selected. If damage to a tooth or restoration occurs, restoration fo the involved tooth/teeth by your dentist may be necessary.
Headgears
Orthodontic headgears can cause injury to the patient. Injuries can include damage to the face or eyes.
In the event of injury or especially an eye injury, however minor, immediate medical help should be sought. Refrain from wearing headgear insinuations where there may be a chance that it could be dislodged or pulled off.
Sports activities and games should be avoided when wearing orthodontic headgear.
Temporomandibular (Jaw) Joint Dysfunction
Problems may occur in the jaw joints, i.e., temporomandibular joints (TMJ), causing pain, headaches or ear problems. Many factors can affect the health of the jaw joints, including past trauma (blows to the head or face), arthritis, hereditary tendency to jaw joint problems, excessive tooth grinding or clenching, poorly balanced bite, and many medical conditions.
Jaw joint problems may occur with or without orthodontic treatment. Any jaw joint symptoms, including pain, jaw popping or difficulty opening or closing, should be promptly reported to the orthodontist.
Treatment by other medical or dental specialists may be necessary.
Impacted, Ankylosed, Unerupted Teeth
Teeth may become impacted (trapped below the bone or gums), ankylosed (fused to the bone) or just fail to erupt. Oftentimes, these conditions occur for no apparent reason and generally cannot be anticipated.
Treatment of these conditions depends on the particular circumstance and the overall importance of the involved tooth, and may required extraction, surgical exposure, surgical transplantation or prosthetic replacement.
Occlusal Adjustment
You can expect minimal imperfections in the way your teeth meet following the end of treatment. An occlusal equilibration procedure may be necessary, which is a grinding method used to fine-tune the occlusion.
It may also be necessary to remove a small amount of enamel in between the teeth, thereby “flattening” surfaces in order to reduce the possibility of a relapse.
Non-Ideal Results
Due to the wide variation in the size and shape of the teeth, missing teeth, etc., achievement of an ideal result (for example, complete closure of a space) may not be possible. Restorative dental treatment, such as esthetic bonding, crowns or bridges or periodontal therapy, may be indicated.
You are encouraged to ask your orthodontist and family dentist about adjunctive care.
Third Molars
As third molars (wisdom teeth) develop, your teeth may change alignment. Your dentist and/or orthodontist should monitor them in order to determine when and if the third molars need to be removed
Allergies
Occasionally, patients can be allergic to some of the component materials of their orthodontic appliances. This may require a change in treatment plan or discontinuance of treatment prior to completions. Although very uncommon, medical management of dental material allergies may be necessary.
General Health Problems
General health problems such as bone, blood or endocrine disorders, and many prescription and non-prescription drugs (including bisphosphonates) can affect your orthodontic treatment. It is imperative that you inform your orthodontist of any changes in your general health status
Use of Tobacco Products
Smoking or chewing tobacco has been shown to increase the risk of gum disease and interferes with healing after oral surgery. Tobacco uses are also more prone to oral cancer, gum recession, and delayed tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
If you use tobacco, you must carefully consider the possibility of a compromised orthodontic result.
Temporary Anchorage Devices
Your treatment may include the use of a temporary anchorage device(s) (i.e. metal screw or plate attached to the bone.) There are specific risks associated with them.
It is possible that the screw(s) could become loose which would require its/their removal and possibly relocation or replacement with a larger screw. The screw and related material may be accidentally swallowed. If the device cannot be stabilized for an adequate length of time, an alternate treatment plan may be necessary.
It is possible that the tissue mourned the device could become inflamed or infected, or the soft tissue could grow over the device, which could also require its removal, surgical excision of the tissue and/or the use of antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses.
It is possible that the screws could break (i.e. upon insertion or removal.) If this occurs, the broken piece may be left in your mouth or may be surgically removed. This may require referral to another dentist specialist.
When inserting the device(s). it is possible to damage the root of a tooth, a nerve, or to perforate the maxillary sinus. Usually these problems are not significant; however, additional dental or medical treatment may be necessary.
Local anesthetic may be used when these devices are inserted or removed, which also has risks. Please advise the doctor placing the device if you have had any difficulties with dental anesthetics in the past.
If any of the completions mentioned above do occur, a referral may be necessary to your family dentist or another dental or medical specialist for further treatment. Fees of these services are not included in the cost for orthodontic treatment.
