Patient Informed Consent and Information

We appreciate your confidence in choosing our clinic for your orthodontic treatment. We want you to be fully informed and invite you to inquire about your treatment at any time.

As a rule, excellent orthodontic results can be achieved with informed and cooperative patients. Thus, the following information is given to anyone considering orthodontic treatment in our office. While recognizing the benefits of a pleasing smile and healthy teeth, you should also be aware that orthodontic treatment has some risks and limitations. These seldom are enough to contraindicate treatment, but should be considered in making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment.

1. Oral Hygiene: Immaculate oral hygiene is a must during orthodontic treatment. Failure to brush and floss thoroughly every day may result in decalcifications (permanent white markings on teeth), decay, or gum disease. Food containing sugars and between-meal snacks should be avoided.

2. Non-vital Tooth: A non-vital (“dead”) tooth is a possibility on rare occasions. An undetected non-vital tooth may flare up during orthodontic treatment, necessitating root canal treatment. In some cases, canker sores or allergic reactions are also a possibility.

3. Root Resorption: Root desorption can occur in some cases. This is the shortening of the ends of the roots of teeth. Normally, shortened roots are not disadvantaged. However, should the patient experience gum disease in later years, severely shortened roots may reduce the longevity of the affected teeth. Root resorption can also result from trauma, cuts, impactions, endocrine disorders, or unknown causes.

4. Headgear Use: Headgear instructions must be followed carefully for safety, as well as for optimum orthodontic results. The patient must release the elastic as instructed.

5. TMJ Issues: Problems with accompanying pain in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), also called the “jaw joint,” are also a possibility. Many times, orthodontic treatment can improve existing TMJ pain, but not in all cases. Stress and tension are also a factor in some TMJ problems.

6. Treatment Compromise: Occasionally, treatment objectives may have to be compromised. If growth in either of the jaws becomes disproportionate, the jaw relationship can be affected. This skeletal growth disharmony is genetically coded and beyond our control. It may also become necessary to stop orthodontic treatment short of the desired final result if non-compliance with oral hygiene causes extensive decay. In either case, it will be discussed thoroughly with the patient and/or parent before treatment is discontinued.

7. Relapse: Teeth have a tendency to relapse toward their original position following active orthodontic treatment. Full cooperation in wearing retainers is necessary to reduce this tendency. When retainer use is discontinued, some relapse is still possible.

8. Treatment Duration: The total time of treatment may extend beyond our original estimate. Lack of facial growth, poor patient compliance, broken appliances, and missed appointments are all factors that may lengthen the treatment time.

9. Dental Maintenance: Regular cleanings and check-ups at six-month intervals, or more frequently if needed, will still be necessary to maintain the teeth in good health.

I have read and understand this letter of information and hereby give consent to the orthodontic treatment recommended by my dentist.