Macquarie Fields Dental Care

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. Thus, the following information is supplied to anyone considering orthodontic treatment in our practice. While recognising the benefits of a pleasing smile and healthy teeth, you should also be aware that orthodontics has some risks and limitations. These seldom are enough to contraindicate treatment, but should be considered in making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment.

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. Inadequate or improper hygiene could result in cavities, discoloured teeth, periodontal disease and/or decalcification. These same problems can occur without orthodontic treatment, but the risk is greater to an individual wearing braces. These problems may be aggravated if the patient often consumes sweetened beverages or foods.

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 during orthodontic treatment 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. It should be noted that there are other causes of root resorption as well, including the result of trauma, cuts, impactions, endocrine disorders or unknown causes.

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. It may also become necessary to stop orthodontic treatment short of the desired result, after thoroughly consulting with the patient and/or parent before the treatment is discontinued.

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. When retainer use is discontinued, some relapse is possible. We recommend long term (1 night per week) retention.