Active Treatment
I acknowledge that Dr. Ahmed is not an orthodontist, but rather a general dentist who has taken numerous post graduate courses in orthodontics.
Dr. Ahmed attempts to stay abreast of all the newer techniques in all phases of dentistry, including orthodontics, in an effort to provide the best possible treatment to his patients.
I consent to the taking of photographs and x-rays before, during, and after orthodontic treatment, as they are necessary part of the diagnostic procedure and record keeping. I further give permission for the use of these photographs, x-rays and records to be used for the purpose of research, education, or publication in professional journals.
I certify that the general treatment considerations and the potential problems or orthodontic treatment were presented to me and that I have read and understand the contents as indicated by my initials; including benefits of treatment, risks of treatment and non-treatment, and the proposed orthodontic treatment plan. I now consent to treatment.
Dear Patient,
We are delighted that you have entrusted us with your orthodontic care. We shall do our utmost to uphold that trust by offering the best possible treatment we are capable of providing. The optimum results are usually achieved with well-informed and thus cooperative patients.
We ask you to read the following to share with you some facts about orthodontic treatment, which, like any medical or dental procedure, may include some limitations.
This information is routinely supplied to anyone considering orthodontic treatment in our office. That is, it helps to provide information regarding what one may expect from treatment. As well, it provides enough information so that the patients have an understanding of the extent of the problem, benefits from the treatments, risks of treatment, treatment alternatives and possible consequences if no treatment is performed.
It is imperative that the patient keep scheduled appointments, practice excellent oral hygiene (we highly recommend the SONICARE ), wear appliances as Initial prescribed, eat proper foods, and wear retainers after active treatment.
Orthodontic appliances do not cause cavities, swollen gums or white spots but they can set up an environment in which these negative things can occur if Initial excellent oral hygiene practices are not met. We recommend the use of the SONICARE and regular check-ups to help ensure that this does not occur.
This can occur with or without orthodontic treatment. This is usually associated with teeth that had a previous injury or have a large/deep filling. Root canal therapy would then be required.
This can occur with or without orthodontic treatment in some individuals. This negative side effect usually presents no problems for patients with normal root length and healthy gums and bone. If the patient has gum disease with resultant loss of supporting bone, then root resorption can cause the tooth to be lost sooner.
In the case of younger, growing patients, the treatment plan will be determined on the anticipated amount and direction of facial growth. On occasion, the facial growth does not occur as predicted and a change in treatment objectives and procedures may be necessary. Growth is an inherited biological process and is beyond the dentist's control. Thumb, finger or tongue habits and mouth breathing can adversely affect growth. My philosophy is to treat problems early and non-surgically, if possible.
Some patients experience TMJ problems prior to, during and after orthodontic treatment. Some of the signs and symptoms include clicking, popping, limited mobility, and possibly pain and locking of the jaw in serious cases. During the records appointment, we attempt to determine the presence and severity of TMJ Initial problems, and then minimize risks during treatment.
Reshaping the tooth (limited to enamel) before, during or after treatment, may be Initial recommended to provide room for alignment, improved appearance and stability.
If after orthodontic treatment minor spacing remains between the teeth because of small or abnormal tooth size, bonding (white filling material) may be suggested Initial to fill the spaces. This improves the esthetics and stability of the case.
This can vary with the severity of the malocclusion, patient cooperation, and individual response to the orthodontic treatment. Lack of projected facial growth and growth direction, poor patient compliance, broken appliances, or missed appointments all lengthen treatment time and may also affect the final result. Normal treatment time with braces is 24-30 months, but this can vary considerably and does not include Phase 1 or the orthopaedic phase of treatment.
Treatment will be discontinued for lack of patient cooperation, including poor oral hygiene, broken appliances, lack of wear time of appliance, or elastics and in cases where, to continue the treatment, would unfavorably influence the dental health of the patient. Prior to discontinuance of treatment, the patient or parent will be thoroughly informed of the reasons and hopefully will agree.
Relapse is defined as the movement or shifting of teeth back to their original position after the braces have been removed. Minor relapse can occur even with good cooperation throughout the active and retention phases of treatment. Some contributing factors may include eruption of wisdom teeth, the growth pattern of the jaws ( direction and amount ), muscle balance ( lips, cheeks and tongue ) and habits. It is important for patients to keep their appointments during the retention stage and to wear their retainers at all times, except while engaged in contact Initial sports or cleaning the appliance.
When using brackets, it is possible that some of the tooth's enamel may be removed inadvertently if the tooth has enamel fracture lines or if the occlusion shears off a bracket.
Allergies to medicines and orthodontic materials may occur during orthodontic treatment. If you are aware of these allergies they can be avoided, but f they are unknown to you, it is impossible to predict any reaction. People who are already allergic to certain foods, or who have hay fever, are more prone to allergies to orthodontic materials.
Sometimes orthodontic appliances may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated or may irritate or damage the oral tissue. Also, if improperly handled, headgear may cause injury to the face or eyes or even blindness. Although, if the patient is careful and follows the instructions given, the possibility of such a mishap is Initial extremely rare.
