We appreciate your confidence in selecting our office 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 supplied to anyone considering orthodontic treatment in the office. While recognizing the benefits of a pleasing smile and healthy teeth, you should also aware of the orthodontic treatment has some risk and limitations.
- Oral hygiene is a must orthodontic treatment. Failure to brush and floss thoroughly everyday may result in decalcification (permanent white marking on teeth), decay or gum disease. Food containing sugars and between meal snacks should be eliminated.
- A non-vital ("dead") tooth is possibility or rare occasions. An undetected non-vital tooth may flare up during orthodontic treatment necessitating root canal therapy. In some cases canker sores or allergic reactions are also a possibility.
- Root resorption can occur in some cases. This a shortening of the ends of the roots of teeth. Normally the shortened roots are not a disadvantage. However, should this patient experience gum disease in later years, severely shortened may reduce the longevity of the affected teeth. It should be noted that there are other cause of the root resorption as well. It can be resulted of a trauma, cuts, impactions, endocrine disorders or unknown causes.
- Problems with accompanying pain in the Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), also called the "jaw joint", are also a possibility. Many times orthodontic treatment can improve already existing TMJ pain, but not in all cases. Stress and tension are also factors in some TMJ problems.
- 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.
- The total time of treatment may be extended beyond our original estimate. lack of facial growth, poor patient compliance, broken appliance, and missed appointments are all factors which will lengthen the time of treatment.
- Accidental or Intentional loss or damage of bracket is charged an appropriate fee. Two consecutive bonding of loose bracket, buccal tube or molar bond will also be charged.
- Regular cleaning and check- ups at three-month intervals, or more frequently if needed, will still be necessary to maintain the teeth in good health.
- Retainer fee, other orthodontic appliance, and other treatment done during and after orthodontic procedure will be charged an additional fee.
I have read and understand this letter of information and hereby give consent to the orthodontic treatment recommended by my dentist.