We appreciate your confidence in selecting our practice for your orthodontic treatment. We want you to be fully informed and invite you to inquire about your treatment at any time.
First I want you to know that I am not an orthodontic specialist. I am a general dentist who practices orthodontics, having taken an extensive program in orthodontic treatment, and continue to do so.
As a rule, excellent orthodontic results can be achieved with informed and cooperative patients. While recognising the benefits of a pleasing smile and healthy teeth, you should also be aware that orthodontics has some risks and limitations.
Immaculate oral hygiene is a must during orthodontic treatment. Failure to brush and floss thoroughly every day may result in decalcifications (permanent white marks on teeth), decay or gum disease. Foods containing sugars and between meal snacks should be eliminated.
Periodontal (gum and bone) disease can develop or worsen during orthodontic treatment due to the lack of adequate oral hygiene. You must have your general dentist, or if indicated, a periodontist monitor your periodontal health every three to six months. If periodontal problems cannot be controlled, orthodontic treatment may have to be discontinued prior to completion.
A non-vital (dead) tooth is possible on rare occasions. An undetected non-vital tooth may flare up during orthodontic treatment, necessitating root canal therapy. In some cases allergic reactions are also a possibility.
Root resorption can occur in some cases. This is shortening of the ends of the roots of teeth. Normally, the shortened roots are not a disadvantage; however, should this patient experience gum disease in later years, severely shortened roots may reduce the longevity of the affected teeth.
Headgear instructions must be followed carefully for safety, as well as for optimum orthodontic results. A headgear that is pulled outward while the elastic force is attached can snap back and injure the face or eyes. The patient must release the elastic force before removing the headgear from the teeth.
Problems with accompanying pain in the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ), also called "jaw joint", is also a possibility. In many cases orthodontic treatment can improve already existing TMJ pain, but not in all cases. Stress and tension are also factors in some TMJ problems.
Occasionally, treatment objectives may have to be compromised. If growth in either jaw becomes disproportionate, the jaw relationship can be affected. This skeletal growth disharmony is genetically coded and beyond our control.
Teeth move naturally with increasing age, just as hairlines recede and body parts sag. Teeth have a tendency to relapse toward their original position following active orthodontic treatment. Full cooperation in wearing retainers is necessary to reduce this tendency. We recommend long term (1 night per week) retention.
The total treatment time may extend beyond our original estimate. Lack of facial growth, poor patient compliance, broken appliances and missed appointments are all factors which lengthen the time of treatment.
Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to erupt on their own. Sometimes it is necessary to surgically expose the impacted tooth or extract the impacted tooth. If the tooth is surgically exposed for tooth movement, it could become non-vital or ankylosed (stuck to the bone), or suffer root resorption.
There may be some occasional discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment. This can usually be resolved with over-the-counter pain medication such as Panadol or Ibuprofen.
Some patients may develop sensitivity/allergy to some of the metals that are used in orthodontic appliances. If the patient has any known metal sensitivities, be sure to inform the dentist prior to fabrication or placement of orthodontic appliances.
Some cases will require the removal of baby teeth or permanent teeth (before/during or after the treatment). There are additional risks associated with the removal of teeth which you should discuss with your family dentist or oral surgeon prior to the procedure.
Damage to the enamel of a tooth or to a restoration (crown, bonding, veneer, etc.) is possible when orthodontic appliances are removed, especially when aesthetic (clear or tooth coloured) appliances have been selected.
Due to the wide variation in the size and shape of the teeth, missing teeth, etc., achievement of an ideal result may not be possible.
General health problems such as bone, blood or endocrine disorders, and many prescription and non-prescription drugs (including bisphosphonates) can affect your orthodontic treatment. It is imperative that you inform your Dentist of any changes in your general health status.
1. There is ONE complimentary replacement of a broken / lost bracket / wire during the course of treatment.
2. Treatment must be continuous and review appointments kept, or other fees may be payable to put things back on track due to non-compliance. Treatment will be put on hold if the patient fails to pay for two successive months. If this non-compliance is for a period of more than 4 months in terms of payments or appointments, then full treatment fees may have to be charged to start the case again. No refund will be given in such cases.
3. Orthodontic Fee for your treatment is $5800 (Metal).
4. Initial payment of $1500 is required before full banding.
5. Progress payment of $287 per month is required for next 15 months.
6. No Refund can be given for cases that are not completed for factors outside our control.
7. Retention is a separate process and is crucial to keep your teeth in place. The fee for retainers is between $250 to $500 for any additional set of retainers.
8. Broken / lost bracket / wire replacement cost if needed is $120.
9. Total treatment cost includes one set of retainers.