Topics on this page:
	Pain
	Impairments
	Tooth Damages
	Caries
	Risks and Problems
	Relapse
	Treatment Progress

Every orthodontic treatment is a more or less serious intervention in the human body. The responses differ highly and are individually. Before starting an orthodontic treatment it is wise to calculate benefits versus drawbacks, risks and problems.

Therefore it is very important that the patient or the persons responsible for the patient present the reasoning or the physical or psychological strain why the patient wants orthodontic treatment; this enables the doctor to get an idea of the patients benefits having treatment.

Specialised knowledge qualifies the doctor to calculate benefits and drawbacks and to assist the patient to come to the best possible decision.

Which are the risks, problems und possible side effects during an orthodontic treatment::

Pain

It is possible that at the beginning of an orthodontic treatment unexspected heavy pain can occur. Normaly this pain discontinues after 3 – 4 days. Additionally there can be an irritation of the oral mucosa.

In general the doctor knows a remedy. Tolerable, less intense discomfort after reactivating the appliances and a definitely increased sensitivity when biting together are unavoidable circumstances of an orthodontic treatment. Disorders of the mandibular jaw and the chewing muscles can develop more frequently during treatment (usually without any connection with the treatment), but in most cases these disorders were present before treatment.

Impairments

At the beginning chewing and biting hurts – it is helpful to eat soft food during the first days.

Depending on the appliance that is in the mouth, eating is no longer the indulgence it used to be without an appliance, food gets caught in the appliance. Only meticulously toothbrushing after each meal provides the good feeling of a clean mouth.

Speeching can be impaired. When going in for sports it is advisable to wear a mouthguard to prevent lesions of the oral mucosa. Do not wear removable appliances during sports!

Tooth Damages

Weakening and shortening of the root, the alveolar bone and the periodontium with consequences for the durability of the dentition can occur.

Very rarely could the nerv of a ( previously damaged) tooth die off. And the reinflammation of an endodontically treated tooth could happen.

While removing the fixed appliance superficial damages are possible.

temporary mobility of the teeth during treatment is observed

Caries

During orthodontic treatment teeth are more susceptible to decay because of the difficulty to clean.

The chances are that these damages can be avoided with painstaking dental care.

Risks and Problems

Risks of accidents are thinkable with the coincidence of hapless circumstances. An appliance can break or parts of an appliance can be swallowed

An unexpected growth of the facial bones and an extraordinary remodelling of the alveolar organ could be possible so that the teeth can not be moved in the anticipated way.

Unfavourable habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and a deviating swallowing pattern can interfere with the treatment, making it difficult or impossible to accomplish the treatment goal without further measures.

Relapse

It is possible that after a successful treatment an unexspected severe relapse occurs – minor relapses are the norm. The patient and the persons responsible for the patient have to know that the dentition, and even the form of a single tooth can change with the years and not remain unaltered like a foto or a prothesis.

Alterations of the dentition, especially in the lower and upper front teeth, are observed in most persons, they are constitutional and age-related – irrespective of orthodontic treatment.

If a patient wants to keep the result of a successful orthodontic treatment over a long period of time, permanent retention is essential. Removable retainers are worn night time, bonded retainers are bonded to the teeth, the disadvantages being the risks of orthodontic appliances as mentioned before. Retainers have to be remade which means further expenses for the patient..

Treatment Progress

Some patients wish a very detailed appearance of their dentition, detailing within tenth of millimeters. Extreme demands not only cause unproportional high costs, they are inconsistent with the individuality of natural teeth. Therefore it is very important to discuss your personal objective with the doctor.

The patient must know that an orthodontic treatment with doctor appointments and cooperation at home is time consuming. Minor problems and adversities of the patient with the appliance, deformed wires, loose parts etc…., can make additional appointments necessary and the patient must take the time to visit the office.

Typically appointments are made on a monthly basis – usually one appointment per month – and appointments have to be kept.

Now you might feel insecure, having reached the end of a long list of possible risks and problems. To your comfort you have to know: millions of patients had orthodontic treatment, very well tolerated the treatment and were happy with the results.

Progress in medical sciences goes along with medical experience and safety for the patients.