INFORMATION ABOUT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Orthodontic treatment involves wearing braces (removable and/or fixed). It may involve the extraction of teeth and, occasionally, jaw surgery. Before starting orthodontic treatment you must have an orthodontic assessment. This usually involves taking an x-ray of your teeth, photographs, intra-oral scan and a full clinical assessment. You will need to know and understand the benefits and the risks of orthodontic treatment. If you have any more questions please ask the orthodontist at your next appointment. It is important that you fully understand what is involved in having orthodontic treatment before you decide to go ahead.
What are the possible risks of orthodontic treatment?
- Root shortening: Root shortening is a normal consequence of orthodontic treatment. On average, the length of the roots of your teeth will shorten by 1-2mm; this usually has no long term effect. However, some patients biological response is different and this can result in severe root shortening (root length can be reduced by more than half the root length). Severe root shortening may also result in tooth discolouration, tooth mobility or in extreme cases tooth loss. The only way to avoid root shortening is not to have orthodontic treatment.
- Permanent damage to your teeth/ decalcification: Your teeth will be permanently damaged unless you keep your teeth and braces clear and closely follow the instructions on what you can and cannot eat and drink. If you do not keep your teeth and brace clean, you risk having permanent white or brown marks on your teeth. This is the early stages of tooth decay. If you frequently eat sweets, sugary foods, fruit drinks or fizzy drinks, you also risk having cavities in your teeth. The more often you have sugary foods or drinks, the more likely you are to damage your teeth.
- Relapse: Relapse is any movement of teeth back to their original position following orthodontic correction. You will be asked to wear retainers after treatment. Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in their new position and prevent relapse. It is important that you wear them as instructed. You should expect your teeth to move if you stop wearing retainers. Changes in the position of your teeth can continue throughout life and are part of the normal ageing process.
- Pain/discomfort: Having a brace fitted is not painful. However, it is common to experience some pain and discomfort for 3 – 5 days after fitting the brace and after each adjustment appointment.
- Unsuccessful treatment: Failure to achieve the aims of treatment. Your orthodontic treatment should be successful if you are committed to your treatment. You will need to look after your teeth and brace well, follow the orthodontist’s instructions and attend regularly to have your brace adjusted.
Patient responsibilities
- To attend for regular appointments as scheduled. Failure to attend or late cancelations(less than 24hours) may incur a charge. This also may lead to your treatment being delayed or discontinued.
- To continue to have regular check-ups with your general dentist throughout orthodontic treatment
- To follow all brace wear and care, diet and oral hygiene instructions provided by your orthodontist
- To stop habits such as nail biting and thumb sucking
- To wear a sports mouth-guard during all contact sports (available to purchase in reception)
- To phone the practice if you have any concerns or issues with your brace or retainers.