Benefits and risks of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment can create balance and harmony of the face and the teeth, resulting in an aesthetic smile, functional bite and the improvement of a patient's overall oral health and well-being. Optimum results for orthodontic treatment are achieved at the right time in a patient's growth development and, with patients who are cooperative, well-informed and who have realistic expectations.
Benefits
- Improved facial aesthetics and psychological well-being
- Bite correction
- Interceptive benefits
- Improved gum health
- Sleep Apnoea management
- Restorative outcomes
Risks
All treatment carries with it certain risks and limitations. Fortunately, the complications with orthodontics are infrequent and generally of only minor consequence. Nevertheless, the risks must be fully understood to enable an informed decision on whether or not to proceed with treatment.
- Demineralisation/caries
- Damage to enamel
- Root resorption
- Gum damage
- Physical trauma
- Temporomandibular disorder (jaw issues)
- Pulp damage
- Ankylosis
- Headgear injury
- Allergies
- Prolonged treatment
- Treatment failure
- Profile changes
- Relapse
When considering orthodontic treatment, it is important to reflect on the risks and benefits of treatment. There are a number of potential risks to a patient that should be carefully considered. However, severe damage is rare. On the flip side, not seeking orthodontic treatment may also result in psychosocial or physical damage. In the vast majority of cases, the benefits of orthodontic treatment outweigh the possible risks.
