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The following information is important for you to have and understand. This information is routinely shared with all of our patients. We are excited about creating your beautiful and healthy smile. We also feel that anyone considering orthodontics should understand that orthodontic therapy has some risks and limitations.
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Our goal is to create your ideal smile and we will do everything in our power to achieve it. In dealing with the many differences in growth, development, genetics and patient cooperation it is important to realize that perfection is not always possible. Sometimes, we must accept a functionally and aesthetically adequate result.
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It is a fact that in life teeth are constantly changing position with or without braces and it is not uncommon for slight alignment irregularities to occur over time. This is true with even the most faithful retainer wear. The more irregular the teeth were before treatment the more likely they will be to move after braces. Abnormal muscle function may also affect stability. It is possible (though uncommon) that additional treatment may be suggested later on in life.
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Sometimes, although rarely, the nerve of a tooth may die. This is much more likely in teeth with “deep” decay or some other form of trauma. If the nerve dies, root canal (endodontic) therapy will be necessary.
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Orthodontic treatment may at times cause some discomfort.
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Some patients have or may develop allergies to dental materials and/or orthodontic appliances which may necessitate early termination of treatment and compromise of the result.
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Some patients may have an increased likelihood of developing periodontal (gum) disease and/or changes in the shape and health of the gum tissue (loss of interdental papilla) or thin gums.
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Root resorption or the dissolving of the root of a tooth may occur during orthodontic treatment. This process is not predictable. It can be due to many factors including trauma, impaction, endocrine disorders and other systemic and idiopathic reasons. Under healthy circumstances shortened roots will not significantly affect tooth longevity; but can adversely affect longevity in conjunction with gum disease.
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Orthodontic therapy may in some circumstances adversely affect the temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ). Correct alignment of the teeth and bite appear to improve tooth related causes of TMJ pain, but not in all cases. TMJ problems are very rarely caused by a single circumstance and appear to be adversely affected by tension, stress and trauma.
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Abnormal and disproportionate growth of the jaws occurs in some people and is unpredictable. This type of jaw growth can affect jaw relation and may require changing the original treatment objectives or accepting a compromised result. Skeletal growth disharmony is a biological process and is beyond the control of the orthodontist.
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If extraction of teeth, exposure of impacted teeth or orthognathic (jaw) surgery are suggested as options in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, there may be additional risks associated with these treatments and they should be discussed thoroughly with the dentist or surgeon who performs these procedures.
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Treatment times are estimates only and can be delayed due to: poor patient cooperation, poor oral hygiene, broken appliances, missed appointments and lack of facial growth. Significantly delayed treatment times adversely affect the desired result. Estimated treatment time is 18 Months.
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The patient’s most important responsibility is to keep the teeth and appliances clean and intact. If after thorough instruction the patient is unmotivated to do this, treatment will be terminated and the braces removed. In other words the patient’s general welfare supercedes orthodontic care.
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While infrequent and usually of minor consequence it is possible that injury from appliances may occur such as swallowing, aspiration, enamel fracture or increased likelihood of decalcification and/or dental caries (cavities) due to poor brushing.
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Some preexisting conditions such as congenitally misshaped or missing teeth may require additional dental restorative treatment (not through this office) and may decrease the likelihood of an ideal result.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT
I hereby acknowledge that the major treatment considerations and potential risks of orthodontic treatment have been presented to me. I have read and understand the above information. Dr. has presented this information to aid in making a decision regarding orthodontic treatment and I have been given to opportunity to ask Dr. all questions regarding the proposed treatment and the information on this form. I understand that orthodontic treatment is elective and that other choices may include restorative dental treatment or no treatment at all. I hereby consent to orthodontic treatment for Cookie Doe.
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