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Overview of Clear Aligner Treatment Risks and Complications

The following information is provided to patients who will be starting with the Clear Aligner positioner system of treatment. Whilst we recognize the benefits of teeth that function well and seem to have a pleasing appearance, a patient should be made aware that Clear Aligner positioner, like any other treatment of the human body, has limitations and inherent risks. The response of a living system cannot be predicted perfectly. If a patient decides not to proceed with treatment, then the state of their teeth definition can be expected to continue on its present path. Any unwanted changes that are occurring in the mouth can be expected to continue, and the rate of these changes is very unpredictable. Dental changes generally tend to be very slow, but as much as we would like to, we cannot predict what may or may not occur if a patient decides not to proceed with our recommendations. A patient must think about and balance the risks of non-treatment against the risks of treatment. In the majority of cases, it would be our opinion that the risks of treatment are not enough to rule against proceeding with the treatment. Nonetheless, a patient should consider any and all risks carefully before making a final decision. It is very important to note that it is not possible to list every circumstance, so the following list is extensive but incomplete.

The Responsibility Of The Patient

You must make sure that any dental work that will alter the shape or size of your teeth is completed before the Clear Aligner impressions are taken and the positioners are made. You must wear the Clear Aligner positioners 20 to 22 hours per day for them to be effective. You will move on to the next positioner when your present positioner/s fits your teeth well (easily fitting in and taking out of the mouth by appearing slightly loose). You must be aware that the loss of a positioner could prevent your treatment from being completed if not replaced or worn as instructed.

Clear Aligner Positioner Description

The system consists of a series of clear removable appliances (positioners) that move your teeth in small increments from their original position to the desired position. Some patients require bonded attachments (small aesthetic tooth-colored dental composites) and/or elastics on their teeth to facilitate specific dental movements. You wear the positioner/s in pairs, one on your upper arch teeth and one on your lower arch teeth unless you undertake a single arch treatment. Each positioner/s fully covers your teeth and is virtually invisible when in the mouth. The total number of positioner/s varies depending on the complexity of your orthodontic problem. The positioner/s are presented on colored models and worn in sequence. The only time you remove your positioners is to eat, drink, and clean your teeth. Approximately every two to three weeks, you will switch to the next positioner/s in the series. Your orthodontist/dentist will monitor your progress through a series of follow-up appointments.

Tooth Decay, Decalcification, Periodical Disease

Bacteria present in plaque (the white substance that is constantly forming on the surface of the teeth) release acids that draw calcium and phosphorous out of the outer surface of the teeth. This will damage a patient's tooth surfaces if the plaque is not removed at least twice each day by thorough brushing, flossing, and rinsing. This damage includes tooth decay and permanent markings of decalcification. The bacteria that live in plaque thrive on carbohydrates, e.g. sugar. While a patient is undergoing Clear Aligner treatment, they should minimize the amount and frequency of sugar in their diets. Cleaning by your dentist is necessary during treatment. Daily fluoride mouthwash use is helpful in the maintenance of oral hygiene control.

Treatment Objectives & Treatment Completion

We have tried to establish achievable and realistic objectives for treatment. We know that patients desire the best result that is possible. As you begin treatment, we believe that you will be able to achieve those goals. Unforeseen factors, nevertheless, may interfere with our expectations. As treatment proceeds, we will keep the orthodontist/dentist fully informed as to their patient's treatment progress. If our original goals become unobtainable, we will discuss the alternatives with your orthodontist/dentist who will in turn talk to the patient/s and keep them fully informed of any situations that may arise.

Treatment Duration

Although we give a dentist an estimate of their patient's treatment time, we do not know exactly how long their treatment will take. Individuals vary considerably in their response to orthodontic treatment, so treatment time may be more or less than our estimate. You must be aware poor cooperation in wearing the Positioners or auxiliary elastics for the required hours per day, poor oral hygiene, lost positioners, missed appointments, and other factors can lengthen the treatment time and also dramatically affect the quality of the end result. It is our intention generally to have the treatment move along consistently so that there is minimal discomfort, tissue health is sustained, and long-term permanent stability.

Clear Aligner Treatment may cause:

• Enamel Removal/Reduction
• Placement Of Attachments
• Discomfort Or Pain In The Joint Of The Jaw
• Loss Of Tooth Vitality (Nerve Damage)
• Change in Speech (articulatory & linguistic phonetics)
• Injury From Positioners
• Unexpected Tooth Problems
• Enamel Wear
• General Medical Conditions
• Root Resorption

Treatment Success

It is our intention and that of your orthodontist/dentist to do everything possible to provide the very best treatment result. However, we cannot guarantee that the proposed treatment will be successful to a patient's complete satisfaction. Individual patient differences create the possibility of unstable or incomplete results. Therefore, selective pre-treatment at additional fees may be necessary despite the very best of care. A limited period of braces may occasionally be recommended to achieve an optimal result.

Final Stability Of Teeth

The positions of the teeth achieved at the end of treatment may not be perfectly stable. The retainers that the patient wears will enhance the stability of the final result. However, even diligent wear of the retainers may not keep a patient's teeth exactly as they were at the end of treatment. The teeth and jaw structure are a system that is constantly changing throughout one's life. Orthodontic treatment does not make a patient immune to this process. Maturity changes that occur after active orthodontic treatment may alter the quality of the end result. The wearing of the retainers long-term or permanently will minimize changes. If a patient decides to stop wearing their retainers at some point, their teeth may change, and some of the original problems may re-emerge. A lifetime commitment to retainers would be necessary to stabilize the position of the teeth long-term and permanently.

Possible Alternatives

Alternatives included, but not limited to can include:-

• No treatment
• Extraction versus treatment without extraction
• Orthographic surgery (jaw surgery) versus treatment without surgery
• Conventional brace, prosthetic teeth (artificial replacement) or compromised solutions

INFORMED CONSENT

I can read and write English and have been given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the nature and purpose of the proposed treatment and have received answers to my satisfaction. I do voluntarily assume any and all possible risks, including the risk of substantial harm, which may be associated with any phase of this treatment in hopes of obtaining the desired result. The fees for these services have been explained to me, and I accept them as satisfactory. By signing this form, I am freely giving my consent to authorize the doctors and staff at Lotus Dental Clinic to render any services they deem necessary or advisable to treat my dental conditions, including the administration and/or prescribing of any anesthetic agents and/or medications.

"I agree that healthcare provider(s) involved in my care at this facility will access my health information through the Health Information Exchange System (NABIDH) in accordance with the Laws of the United Arab Emirates, Emirate of Dubai Legislation and Dubai Health Authority Policies "

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Alternatives to the above treatment

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