What are the risks of orthodontic treatment?
There are few risks in orthodontic treatment. Dental decay (caries) can occur around orthodontic appliances if oral hygiene is not maintained and if there is a high frequency of sugar intake in between meals and before bedtime. We will advise you if your cleaning is not optimal before such problems occur. Advice will also be given how to clean your teeth with appliances in situ. It is important that you follow this advice. It is normal for the roots of teeth to shorten (root resorption) by 1-2 mm during treatment. It is extremely rare for this to cause any long-term detrimental effects. If the bone surrounding teeth (alveolar bone) is thin or has been damaged by previous gum disease (periodontal disease) there is a risk of recession occurring following orthodontic treatment. This can be minimised by ensuring that all gum disease is treated before starting orthodontics and keeping the teeth clean during treatment.
