What is patient cooperation and how important is it during orthodontic treatment?
Good patient cooperation means that the patient not only follows my instructions on wearing appliances as prescribed and tending to oral hygiene and diet, but is also an active partner in orthodontic treatment. Successful orthodontic treatment is a two-way street that requires a consistent, cooperative effort by both the myself and the patient. To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must carefully clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed, avoid foods that might damage braces and keep appointments as scheduled. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions if the patient consistently wears the forces to the teeth, such as rubber bands, as prescribed. To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular dental check-ups must continue during orthodontic treatment.
