ORTHODONTICS treatment is an exciting that can provide more than a beautiful smile, healthier teeth and gums and a better bite for normal chewing

Orthodontics treatment, like any other treatment of the body depends for much of it success on the understanding and co-operation of patients. Please read this booklet carefully and ask your orthodontist to explain anything you do not understand. While recognizing the benefits of healthy teeth and a pleasing smile, you should also be aware that orthodontics treatment has a limitations and potential risks. Clarify what is expected of you as a patient, or as the parent of young patient, to achieve excellent results. Keep in mind that with orthodontics treatment, like other healing arts, results cannot be guaranteed. The unknown factor in any orthodontic correction is the response of the patient to the orthodontics treatment.

Before treatment begins, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form on your own behalf or on behalf of your child, verifying that you understand not just the potential advantages but also the potential problems or hazards.

Should you have any questions please ask.

ORTHODONTICS plays an important role in improving overall oral health and in achieving balance and harmony between the face and teeth for a beautiful, healthy smile. An attractive smile enhances ones self esteem, which may actually improve the quality of life itself. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and thereby may decrease the tendency to decay or to develop diseases of the gums and supporting bone.

Because of the individual conditions present and the limitations imposed by nature each specific benefit may not be attinable for every patient.

ORTHODONTICS strives to improve the bite by helping to direct the forces placed on the teeth, thus protecting them from trauma during everyday activities such as chewing and grinding. orthodontics distributes the stress throughout the mouth to minimize excessive stress on the bone, roots, gum tissue and the jaw joints.

Through orthodontics treatment, potential dental problems may be eliminated including the problem of abnormal wearing down of the teeth. Treatment can facilitate good oral hygiene to minimize tooth decay and the future periodontal problems. Also orthodontics can provide a pleasant smile which greatly enhance one's self-image.

All forms of medical and dental treatment, including orthodontics, have some risks and limitations. Fortunately in orthodontics complications are infrequent and when they do occur they are usually of only minor consequence. Nevertheless, they should be considered when making the decision to undergo orthodontics treatment The principal risks in orthodontics treatment may include:

• Orthodontic appliances do not cause tooth decay. Gum disease, tooth decay and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can occur if orthodontic patients eat foods containing sugar and / or do not brush their frequently or properly. These same problems can occur without orthodontics treatment but the risk is greater to an individual wearing braces.
• Teeth may have tendency to change their positions after treatment. This is usually only a minor change and on average 90% to 95% of a correction is retained. The faithful wearing of retainers should reduce this tendency. Teeth can however move at any time, whether or not they have had orthodontics treatment. This is especially true during the late teen period when active growth of the lower jaw is coming to an end. The most vulnerable teeth are those in the lower front. Throughout life the bite can change adversely from various causes such as: eruption of wisdom teeth, growth and / or maturational changes, mouth breathing, playing of musical instruments and other oral habits. Very occasionally, tooth movements will be severe enough to merit a further short course of treatment to ensure a satisfactory result.
• The health of the gums and bone which support the teeth may be affected by orthodontic tooth movement if a condition already exists, and in some rare cases where a condition does not appear to exist. In general, orthodontics treatment lessens the possibility of tooth loss or gum infection due misalignment the teeth or jaw. Inflammation of the gums and loss of supporting bone can occur if bacterial plaque is not removed daily with good oral hygiene.
• In some patients the length of the roots of the teeth may be shortened during orthodontics treatment. Some patients are prone to this happening, some are not. It is nearly impossible to predict susceptibility. Usually this shortening does not have significant consequences but, on occasion, it may become a threat to the longevity of the teeth involved.
• Occasionally problems may occur in the jaw joints (T.M.J.) causing joint pain, headaches or ear problems. These problems may occur with or without orthodontics treatment. Any of the above noted symptoms should be reported to the orthodontist.
• Sometimes tooth may have been traumatized by a previous accident or a tooth may be decayed or have large fillings which can cause damage to the nerve of a tooth.. Orthodontic tooth movement may i some cases aggravate this condition and in rare instances may lead to root canal treatment.
• Sometimes orthodontic appliances may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated, or may irritate or damage the oral tissues. The gums, cheeks or lips may be scratched or irritated by loose or broken appliances or by blows to the mouth. Usual post adjustment tenderness should be expected, and the period of tenderness or sensitivity varies with each patient and the procedure performed. (Typical adjustment tenderness may last 24-28 hours). You should inform your orthodontist of any unusual symptoms, or broken or loose appliances, as soon as they are noted.
• Atypical formation of teeth, or insufficient or abnormal changes in the growth of the jaws, may limit our ability to achieve the desired result. If growth becomes disproportionate during or after treatment, or a tooth forms very late, the bite may change, requiring additional treatment or, in some cases, oral surgery. Growth disharmony and unusual tooth formations are biological processes beyond the orthodontist control. Growth changes the occur after orthodontic treatment may alter the quality of treatment results.
• If improperly, headgear may cause injury to the face or eyes, even blindness. There have been few reports of injury to the eyes of patients wearing headgear. Patients are warned not to wear the appliance during times of horseplay or competitive activity. Although our headgears are equipped with a safety system we urge caution all times.
• The total time required to complete treatment may exceed the estimate. Excessive or deficient bone growth, poor co-operation in wearing the appliance the required hours per day, poor oral hygiene, broken appliances and missed appointments can lengthen the treatment time and affect the quality of results.
• Co-operation throughout treatment is your best guarantee of achieving a pleasing smile and a good bite. Failure to co-operate could force the orthodontist to change the procedures and goals of your treatment. As a last resort treatment might have to be suspended. The consequences of early suspension may be worse than no treatment at all.
• where ceramic bracket have been used, there have been some reported incidents of patients experiencing bracket breakage and / or damage to teeth, including the wearing down of the tooth enamel and flaking or fracturing of the tooth's enamel on debonding. Fractured brackets may result in remnants which may be harmful to the patient especially if they are swallowed or aspirated.
• Due to the variation in the size and shape of the teeth, achievement of the most ideal results (for example complete closure of excessive space) may require restorative treatment. The most common types of treatment are cosmetic bonding, crown and bridge restorative dental care and/or periodontal therapy.
• General medical problems can affect orthodontic treatment. Should you keep your orthodontist informed of any changes in your medical health.