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The Pros and Cons of Braces or...

Informed Consent

The following information is provided to patients who will be starting orthodontic treatment in our office. While recognizing the benefits of teeth that function well and have a pleasing appearance, a patient should be aware that orthodontic treatment, like any other treatment of the human body, has inherent risks and limitations. The response of a living system cannot be predicted perfectly. If a patient decides not to proceed with treatment, then the state of the dentition (teeth) can be expected to continue on its present path. Any unwanted changes that are occurring can be expected to continue, but the rate of these changes are very unpredictable. In general, dental change tends to be very slow, but as much as we would like to, we cannot tell a patient exactly what might happen if they decide not to proceed with our recommendations. A patient must balance the risks of non-treatment against the risks of treatment. In our opinion, the risks of treatment are not enough to rule against proceeding; nevertheless, a patient should consider them carefully before they make a final decision. Please note that it is not possible to list every circumstance, so the following list is necessarily incomplete.

blue THE PATIENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Orthodontic treatment will not be completely successful unless a patient complies with the directions given. Many treatment conditions are controlled by our patients outside of the office. A patient needs to fulfill his or her responsibilities. Typically these responsibilities will include:

  • Correct use of the appliance: orthodontic appliances are designed to deliver forces in a very specific manner. If the appliance is not worn as requested, the treatment will not proceed as planned.
  • Meticulous oral hygiene: A thorough brushing several times each day, complete flossing once each day and daily application of a stannous fluoride mouth rinse are important.
  • Care of the appliance: lost, broken, or bent appliances disrupt the treatment plan. Unwanted tooth movement may occur if the appliance is not working as designed.
  • Regularly scheduled appointments: Appliances must be adjusted periodically and treatment progress must be monitored carefully. Missed or rescheduled appointments prolong treatment, and may cause unfavorable results.
  • Routine dental visits: A patient should continue to see their family dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning during orthodontic treatment.
blue TOOTH DECAY/STAINS/DECALCIFICATION

The bacteria present in plaque (the white, sticky material that is constantly forming on tooth surfaces) will damage a patient's tooth surfaces if it is not removed several times each day by thorough brushing. This damage includes tooth decay and permanent white decalcification scars. The bacteria that live in plaque thrive on refined carbohydrates (sugar!). While a patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment, they should minimize the amount and frequency of sugar in their diet. These same problems can occur without orthodontic treatment, but the risk is greater to an individual wearing braces.

blue INFLAMMATION OF THE SOFT TISSUES

The wires, brackets, or band attachments can sometimes irritate the lips, cheeks, or gum tissue. These soft tissue irritations usually heal quickly. The wax that we give our patients can help cushion these irritations while they are healing. If the irritation is persistent a patient should contact us immediately so that we can solve the problem. Irritation of the gum tissue may also occur if oral hygiene is not excellent. Severe tissue reactions may require us to refer a patient to a periodontal (gum) specialist.

blue TREATMENT GOALS AND TREATMENT COMPLETION

We have tried to establish realistic and achievable goals for treatment. We know that patients share our desire to produce the best result that is possible. As we begin treatment, we believe that we will be able to achieve those goals. Nevertheless, unforeseen factors such as atypical tooth formation, disproportionate jaw growth, and/or failure to comply with instructions may interfere with our intentions. These biological processes are beyond the orthodontist's control. As treatment proceeds we will keep a patient fully informed as to treatment progress. If our original goals become unreachable, we will discuss the alternatives with the patient and/or parent.

blue TREATMENT DURATION

Although we give a patient an estimate of their treatment time, we do not know exactly how long their treatment will take. Individuals vary considerably in their response to orthodontic forces, so treatment time may be more or less than our estimate. It is our general intention to have the treatment move along in a fashion that is consistent with tissue health, minimal discomfort, and long-term stability.

blue PAIN OR DISCOMFORT IN THE JOINT OF THE JAW

Pain, discomfort, clicking or popping noises may occur in or near the joint of the jaw at any time, including during orthodontic treatment. Just as with any joint discomfort, the possible causes vary widely. It is important that we be told about jaw joint problems so that we can deal with them promptly.

blue LOSS OF TOOTH VITALITY

It is possible for the nerve of a tooth to die during orthodontic treatment, especially if a tooth was previously injured, bumped, or impacted. It is helpful in our monitoring the health of each tooth for a patient to tell us about any previous injury or stress to the tooth. Sometimes seemingly minor bumps can result in nerve damage that is unknown to a patient. Such previous injuries cannot always be detected during the orthodontic diagnostic process. Root canal treatment may be recommended if such a problem occurs. Extraction (tooth removal) is necessary occasionally, though not usually.

blue INJURY FROM APPLIANCES

Appliances are designed to have a maximum amount of strength and a minimum amount of injury potential. Nevertheless, accidents can occur and a patient can be injured by sharp parts of the appliances. A patient could also be injured during a routine appointment by one of our sharp instruments. It is also possible for a patient to swallow or inhale small parts of the appliance that fall into the back of the throat at any time, including routine office visits. Everyone working with a patient in the office will be attentive particularly to preventing accidents. Headgear instructions must be followed carefully. Improperly handled headgear may cause injury to the face or eyes, even blindness. Patients are warned not to wear the headgear during times of horseplay or competitive activity. Always release the elastic force before removing the headgear from the teeth. Although our headgear are equipped with a safety system, we urge caution at all times. Tender teeth should be expected after most office adjustments. The period of tenderness or sensitivity varies with each patient and the procedure performed. Typically, post-adjustment tenderness may last 24-48 hours. Abnormal wear of tooth structures is also possible if a patient grinds their teeth excessively.

blue UNEXPECTED GROWTH CHANGES

Growth of the facial structures and the teeth can sometimes take unexpected turns. A child who has grown in average proportions may not continue to do so. If growth becomes disproportionate, the jaw relationships can be affected. If this occurs, original treatment objectives may not be met.

blue UNEXPECTED TOOTH ERUPTION PROBLEMS

Sometimes when a tooth is erupting (growing in), it does not follow the usual and expected direction of eruption. The tooth may not be able to reach its normal position and will become impacted or stuck under the bone. Usually it is possible to solve these impactions, but not always. If the impaction is extreme and the tooth becomes tightly bound to its surrounding bone, it may not be possible to move that tooth at all. We will be monitoring the teeth carefully as they grow in to catch such a problem. If a tooth does become impacted, a change in the plan of treatment may be necessary.

blue ENAMEL FRACTURES

Tooth enamel is a crystalline structure and like other crystals, it can have undetected defects and fracture lines within it. As a result, even when extreme care is taken, enamel can fracture during placement or removal of the appliances. Such fractures may also occur if a band or bracket is bitten on at just the wrong angle or if the enamel has been weakened by decay or dental restorations (fillings). The enamel may also be damaged by rubbing against a part of the appliance. Tooth-colored ceramic brackets are abrasive to enamel. A patient must be sure to report if any tooth is bearing against a ceramic bracket.

blue ORAL SURGERY

Sometimes tooth removal or orthognathic(jaw) surgery is necessary in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, especially to correct crowding or severe jaw imbalances. Risks involved with treatment and anesthesia should be discussed with the patient's general dentist or oral surgeon before making a decision to proceed with such a procedure.

blue SUCCESS OF THE TREATMENT

We intend to do everything possible to provide the very best treatment result. However, we cannot guarantee that the proposed treatment will be successful to a patient's complete satisfaction. Individual patient differences create the possibility of incomplete or unstable results. Selective retreatment may be necessary despite the very best of care.

blue ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

Unforeseen circumstances, such as growth changes or gum disease may cause us to recommend a form of treatment not previously discussed. These changes in treatment plan may require additional treatment in our office or with another specialist. Additional treatment with associated fees will be discussed with the patient.

blue ROOT RESORPTION

Orthodontic forces initiate a cellular response in the supporting tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth. It is this cellular response that allows the teeth to move. Sometimes, this response becomes confused resulting in damage to the ends of the roots of the teeth. Usually this effect is mild and does not compromise the teeth. However, sometimes this root resorption can be extensive and may then endanger the teeth if periodontal (bone and gum) support is lost at some future time. Some patients are prone to this happening, some are not. Because it is not possible to predict which teeth might be affected, we may want to take progress x-rays of a patient's teeth during the treatment process to evaluate whether root resorption is occurring.

blue STABILITY OF THE FINAL RESULT

The tooth positions achieved at the end of treatment may not be perfectly stable. The retainers that a patient wears, will enhance the stability of the final result, but even diligent wear of the retainers may not keep a patient's teeth exactly as they were at treatment's end. The teeth and jaw structures are a dynamic system that constantly change throughout one's lifetime. Orthodontic treatment does not make a patient immune to this process. Maturational changes that occur after active orthodontic treatment may alter the quality of the end result. Ongoing wear of the retainers will minimize changes. If a patient decides to stop wearing their retainers at some point, their teeth may change. Some of the original problem may re-emerge.

If you don't understand some of this information, be sure to question the doctor until you understand completely.

 

 
© S. Jeffrey Crews, DMD, PC - No reproduction without authorization.