Orthodontic Treatment Informed Consent

Braces themselves do not cause cavities. However, poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to:

• Cavities
• Permanent white marks on teeth (decalcification)
• Gum inflammation

To prevent these problems:

• Brush thoroughly after every meal
• Floss daily
• Maintain regular dental checkups and professional cleanings at least twice per year

If oral hygiene is not maintained, orthodontic treatment may be modified or stopped to protect your teeth.

Sugary foods and starches allow bacteria in the mouth to produce acids that can damage tooth enamel.

To reduce this risk:

• Avoid sticky or sugary foods that stay in the mouth for long periods
• Brush after every meal using fluoride toothpaste
• Use a proxy brush (interdental brush) to clean around brackets and wires
• Floss daily

Poor oral hygiene may lead to decay, gum problems, or interruption of treatment.

Some patients may experience gum inflammation or bone loss around the teeth during orthodontic treatment.

This condition is often related to:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Existing gum disease
• Individual biological factors

If significant gum disease develops, treatment may need to be paused or discontinued until the condition is treated.

During orthodontic treatment, the roots of some teeth may shorten slightly. This process is called root resorption.

• Mild root shortening is common and usually harmless
• Severe cases are rare

If severe root resorption occurs, orthodontic treatment may need to be modified or stopped early.

Some patients may experience symptoms involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during treatment, including:

• Jaw clicking
• Jaw locking
• Limited jaw movement
• Jaw or facial pain

These symptoms can occur with or without orthodontic treatment and are often temporary. If symptoms persist, referral to another dental or medical professional may be necessary.

Successful orthodontic treatment requires cooperation from the patient.

Patients must:

• Attend scheduled appointments
• Follow all instructions from the orthodontic team
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Follow appliance care guidelines

Failure to cooperate may result in treatment delays or termination of treatment before completion.

In rare situations, the nerve of a tooth may become damaged during orthodontic treatment. This is often related to previous trauma or large fillings rather than orthodontic forces.

If this occurs, the tooth may require root canal treatment to save it.

Teeth naturally shift throughout life.

After orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers as instructed is essential to maintain the results achieved.

Failure to wear retainers may result in relapse (teeth shifting back toward their original position).

Orthodontic appliances may occasionally cause minor injuries or irritation.

Examples include:

• Mouth irritation from brackets or wires
• Allergic reactions to certain materials (such as nickel or acrylic)
• Accidental swallowing of small appliance components
• Injuries caused by rubber bands or orthodontic parts

Proper care and following instructions can greatly reduce these risks.