Informed Consent for Braces

Although orthodontic treatment may improve your smile and health, you should also be aware that any orthodontic procedure has boundaries and risks that you should think about before undergoing treatment.

Treatment outcomes and treatment durations vary depending on the quality of the braces which are used, your dentist’s experience working with braces, and your level of participation in this process. We need your permission to utilise the components of your braces and your agreement to wear aligners full-time.

I agree that I should only get braces after consulting with an orthodontist. Due to the fact that orthodontics is not an exact science, I acknowledge that my doctor has not and cannot make any guarantees or assurances concerning the outcome of my treatment.

Device description

Braces can be metal, clear or a combination. Braces may contain Nickel, Stainless Steel, Titanium and other metals. Please let us know if you are allergic to any metals or alloys.

Braces come in a variety of types. These include metal braces, clear braces, or a combination of both. Braces might include nickel, stainless steel, titanium, and other metals. If you are allergic to any metals or alloys, please let us know.

Procedure

A complete orthodontic prophylaxis (clean) is completed before your dentist begins any treatment. Routine orthodontic pre-treatment examination might include X-rays (radiographs) and photographs. Your dentist may also take impressions or intraoral scans of your teeth. After a thorough prophylaxis, braces will be placed on your teeth. It may take up to 60 minutes to complete, and may cause discomfort at times. If advised otherwise, you should follow up with your doctor at least once every seven to ten weeks; these appointments are generally scheduled in advance at the clinic.

Elastics may be required during treatment to facilitate certain orthodontic movements. To aid with treatment, patients may require extra impressions and techniques.

Retention

At the end of therapy, we recommend using retainers to keep the teeth from returning to their original placement. I am aware that if retainers aren’t used enough, teeth may shift and that relapse is costly.

Risks and inconveniences

Like other orthodontic treatments, the use of braces may involve some of the risks outlined below:

• The treatment time and ability to achieve the intended results may be affected by neglecting appliances/braces, not using the product as directed by your dentist, missing appointments, or having erupting or unusually shaped teeth.
• Tenderness may occur from time to time.
• Lips, gums and cheeks may be scratched or irritated.
• Teeth may shift position after treatment. Consistent wearing of retainers at the end of treatment is recommended to reduce the chance of this occurring.
• Tooth decay, periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums or permanent markings (e.g. decalcification) may occur if patients consume foods or beverages that contain high sugar levels, do not brush and floss their teeth properly after snacks and meals, or do not use proper oral hygiene and preventative maintenance.
• The braces may temporarily affect speech and may result in a lisp, although any speech impediment caused by the braces should disappear within one or two weeks
• Braces may cause a temporary increase in salivation or mouth dryness and certain medications can heighten this effect
• Brackets can come off throughout your treatment if you eat hard and sticky foods, if this happens you will be required to have the bracket replaced as soon as an appointment is available
• Teeth may require interproximal recontouring or slenderising in order to create space needed for dental alignment to occur
• The bite may change throughout the course of treatment and may result in temporary patient discomfort
• In rare instances, slight superficial surface wear of the teeth may occur.
• Occlusal adjustment may be required at the end of orthodontic treatment.
• Atypically shaped, erupting and/or missing teeth may affect the ability to achieve the desired results.
• Treatment of severe open bite, severe overjet, mixed dentition, and/or skeletally narrow jaw may require supplemental treatment.
• Supplemental orthodontic treatment may be needed for more complicated treatment plans where braces alone may not be adequate to achieve the desired outcome.
• Braces are not effective in the movement of dental implants.
• General medical conditions and use of medications can affect orthodontic treatment.
• Health of the bone and gums which support the teeth may be impaired or aggravated.
• Oral surgery may be necessary to correct crowding or severe jaw imbalances that are present prior to using braces. If oral surgery is required, risks associated with anaesthesia and proper healing must be taken into account prior to treatment
• A tooth that has been previously traumatised, or heavily restored may be aggravated. In rare instances the useful life of the tooth may be reduced, the tooth may require additional dental treatment such as endodontic and/or additional restorative work, or the tooth may be lost.
• Existing dental restorations (e.g. crowns) may become dislodged and require re-cementation or replacement.
• The length of the roots of the teeth may be shortened.
• Product breakage is more likely in patients with severe crowding and/or multiple missing teeth
• Orthodontic appliances or parts thereof may be accidentally swallowed.
• In rare instances, problems may also occur in the jaw joint, causing joint pain, headaches or ear problems
• Allergic reactions may occur
• Teeth that are not at least partially held by the braces may undergo supraeruption.
• In rare instances, patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) due to mild stimuli including dental procedures.

Informed Consent

I have been given the chance to read the preceding information describing orthodontic treatment with braces. I am aware of the advantages, risks, alternatives, and drawbacks of treatment as well as the option of not receiving treatment. My dentist has informed me, and I have had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns regarding orthodontic treatment.