PREPARE AN INFORMED ORTHODONTIC DECISION

Orthodontic treatment risks for adults

Orthodontic treatment carries risks that depend partly on your teeth, health and treatment plan. Discuss the likely benefits, individual risks and monitoring before agreeing to start.

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YOUR TOPIC AT A GLANCE

Risks to discuss before orthodontics

  1. Starting health

    Discuss gums, decay, existing restorations and previous tooth injuries.

  2. Monitoring

    Know what will be checked and how concerns can change treatment.

  3. Long-term plan

    Include retention, maintenance and possible additional care.

A visual summary of this guide’s key points. General information for a clinical conversation, not an assessment or treatment plan.
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A KEY QUESTION

Know which problems need contact between visits and what findings could change or stop treatment.

01

Your individual risk discussion

General risk information needs to be applied to your history and goals. Complications can occur despite appropriate care. Discuss the consequences that concern you, alongside alternatives such as leaving things unchanged or choosing a limited goal. A promise of no risk is not reliable.

02

Enamel and gum health

THE DETAILS TO UNDERSTAND

Decay, gum disease or inadequate cleaning may need attention before fitting an appliance. Poor cleaning during treatment can lead to early removal. Discuss white marks, cavities, inflammation and recession. Have cleaning demonstrated and continue routine dental care alongside orthodontic reviews.

A reading map for this section. General information; discuss your individual circumstances with the appropriate clinician.
Fixed-brace teaching cast with visible enamel and gum margins, above a separate interdental brush.
Illustrated explanation: Monitoring around fixed braces The exposed enamel around brackets and the gum margin illustrate areas to discuss when planning cleaning and monitoring. Illustration for general information; not a patient result.
03

Roots and previous injuries

Orthodontic movement can shorten roots; more extensive changes are less common but important. Mention past tooth injuries even if they no longer hurt. Have the starting findings and monitoring plan explained, including what might prompt imaging, a change of plan or stopping movement.

04

Discomfort and existing restorations

Get instructions for expected discomfort and irritation, with a contact for troublesome wires, trays or attachments. Tell the clinician about crowns, veneers and large fillings. Existing restorations may be damaged during appliance removal; discuss relevant risks and how repair would be arranged and charged.

05

If the plan needs to change

Discuss problems with wear, cleaning or attendance early. Findings may lead to a pause, shorter course or revised goal. Before agreeing to changes, obtain updated options and costs, including what an incomplete result means and which retention or further care remains necessary.

06

After active treatment

Teeth can move afterwards, so retention is part of the initial decision. Include long-term reviews and replacement-retainer costs. For treatment abroad, establish who handles unexpected problems, routine monitoring and retention at home, and verify the proposed service with the provider.

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Common questions

No. Moving teeth still requires assessment, care and monitoring. Discuss the specific plan.

The condition needs assessment and management first. Establish what must be stable before treatment.

No. Its extent and significance vary. Have the findings and implications explained.

Yes. It remains relevant even when the tooth currently feels comfortable.

About this information

Published by Best Smile Turkey, a health-tourism intermediary. Your treating dentist is responsible for assessment, treatment and care.

Use this information to prepare questions for your dentist. An examination is needed to advise on treatment. Photographs, models and previews cannot establish suitability or predict results.

Source checking is not a clinical review. How we use sources and images, or how to report a correction.

Sources and further reading

These resources offer general guidance; their publishers do not endorse Best Smile Turkey or the treating provider. Manufacturer links identify products or records, not independently compared outcomes. NHS funding information concerns UK care, not treatment costs in Turkey.

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