You have the right to know the risks associated with orthodontics. Orthodontics also known as braces can improve a patient's smile. There are options to braces that include doing nothing. The advantage of doing nothing is the cost and time involved and you eliminate the risks of problems that can occur with braces. Another option to braces may be restorative dentistry such as crown and bridge work or bonding and veneering, perhaps for some extractions and dentures.

Sometimes in place of braces a patient may choose removable appliances such as the bionator. The advantage is that hygiene is easier to maintain and the appliances do not have to be worn all the time. For some adults or nongrowing children orthognathic surgery is an option. In Dr. Starkey's practice orthognathic surgery is referred to specialists.

It is not possible to achieve perfection as an outcome with braces though great improvements can be made. What can go wrong with braces? Most of the time decay or cavities or decalcification around the braces due to poor hygiene. Roots can resorb, that means they can shorten and the teeth can become loose. Gum disease can occur from braces if hygiene is not excellent. If you already have gum disease braces can cause you to lose teeth or cause a worsening of the gum disease.

If teeth need to be pulled sometimes the spaces cannot be completely closed. There is in orthodontics a high relapse rate. That means recrowding of the teeth for example. In most cases retainers are required. These retainers must be worn a long time and for some patients the time is indeterminate.

Brackets (braces) on the teeth can pop off or break loose. When a bracket is loosened, the time it takes to finish the orthodontic case is increased. Wires can poke the patient and can come loose. Great cooperation is required to have a good outcome.

I have read the above and still am not deterred in my interest in having braces done.

Here is what I think the problems are
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This is what I think Dr. Starkey will do for me:
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What to do for ortho emergencies or postbracket, banding appointment: If it is a wire poking your cheek you may place some wax on the wire or bracket. We have some at our office or you can get it at the local pharmacy. No time? You can try some chewing gum. If you have just had the braces placed today then and there is pain take over the counter pain relievers as needed. Pain recedes in 1 to 3 days. If a wire is poking out or the pain is inordinate please call the office . 391-1931