Generally, VERY GOOD INVISALIGN GO RESULTS can only be achieved with informed and cooperative patients. Invisalign treatment remains an elective procedure. It, like any other treatment of the body, has some inherent risks and limitations. These risks are seldom serious enough to contra-indicate Invisalign treatment, but should be considered when you decide to begin Invisalign treatment. You are therefore urged to read the following information, ask any questions which come to mind, then consent to our treating you or your child by signing at the bottom of the form.
PATIENT COOPERATION
The total time required to complete treatment may exceed our estimate. Excessive bone growth, poor oral hygiene or poor cooperation in wearing the appliance 22 hours per day, broken appliances and missed appointments can lengthen the treatment time, increase treatment costs, and affect the quality of the end results. Sometimes refinements are required at the end of the procedure.
DENTAL DISEASE, DECALCIFICATION
Tooth decay, gum disease and permanent markings on teeth are fully preventable, but can occur if Invisalign patients eat food containing excessive sugar and/or do not clean their teeth frequently and properly.
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NON-VITAL TOOTH
An injured tooth can die over a period of time with or without Invisalign treatment and it may not be obvious that a tooth was previously injured. This tooth may flare up during Invisalign movement and require root canal treatment. This occurrence is seldom due to Invisalign and is more frequently related to a previous accident. Your general dentist would need to perform a root canal treatment if the tooth should flare up before, during, or after Invisalign treatment.
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ROOT RESORPTION – SHORTENING OF THE ROOTS
This can occur with or without Invisalign treatment. Under healthy conditions, the shortened roots usually are not a problem. In very rare cases, shortened roots can be a cause of loose teeth.
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PERIODONTAL PROBLEMS
Swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums can usually be prevented by proper and regular flossing and brushing. Periodontal disease can become serious and cause the loss of teeth. Should the condition become uncontrollable, Invisalign treatment may have to be discontinued short of completion. This would be rare, usually in adults with a pre-existing periodontal problem.
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RELAPSE
Teeth have a tendency to partially rebound toward their original positions after treatment. Rotations and crowding of lower anterior teeth are most common examples. Teeth also tend to drift forward in the mouth over the years. We advise wearing retainers every night for the first year, and almost every night from then on to avoid these biological changes. Usually a high percentage of the correction and good cosmetics can be maintained when retainers are worn in this manner. OPTIONAL SURGERY TO IMPROVE STABILITY can be carried out(please discuss with us)
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SLENDERIZING AND RESHAPING TEETH
In attempting to straighten the teeth, but keep the removal of any teeth to a minimum, we often sand away small amounts of tooth enamel between teeth. We also may reshape the sides or edges to improve shape.
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ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Allergies to medicines and Invisalign materials may occur during treatment. If you are aware of these allergies they can be avoided, but if they are unknown to you, it is impossible to predict any reaction. People who are already allergic to certain foods are more prone to allergies to materials. Some allergies that we are aware of include latex (gloves and rubber bands) and metals (such as Nickel).
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IF THE PATIENT IS STILL GROWING
Occasionally, unexpected or abnormal changes in the growth of the jaws or shape and size of the teeth may limit our ability to achieve the desired result. If growth becomes disproportionate, the bite may CHANGE, requiring additional treatment or, in some cases, oral surgery. Growth disharmony is a biological process beyond the orthodontist’s control.
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UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES
Sometimes Invisalign appliances may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated, or may irritate or damage the oral tissue. Teeth may be chipped or restorations (fillings or crowns) dislodged.
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CLEAR BUTTONS and TOOTH COLORED ATTACHMENTS
If attachments or buttons are needed on the front teeth, they do show more than if we do not need them. These auxiliaries are commonly needed and we request your permission to use these when needed.
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SPACES BETWEEN TEETH
Completion of Invisalign treatment, especially in adults, can result in slight spaces between some teeth. This is especially true if teeth were extracted, or if the widths of individual teeth are inconsistent. Also, in some adults with very crowded teeth, the gum tissues do not fill in, so there appears to be a space between teeth due to missing gum tissue. These can be easily addressed with non-invasive bonding procedures.
I have read, understood, and have had all my questions regarding the risks and limitations of Invisalign treatment answered. I further understand that one of the alternatives is no treatment. I also understand that should any of the above conditions threaten the health of this patient, treatment may be terminated.
