Dear Sir or Madam,
Your child, or you yourself, are about to begin a treatment in Dento-Facial Orthopedics, commonly referred to as “orthodontic treatment.”
You have chosen a qualified specialist, and we commend you for this decision.
Dento-Facial Orthopedic Treatment
In children, dento-facial orthopedics aims to promote harmonious growth of the facial structure by:
- supporting proper development of oral and nasal functions,
- intercepting or treating early-developing anomalies,
- reducing the risk of dental trauma.
In adolescents, dento-facial orthopedics addresses established anomalies with a focus on facial aesthetics and the proper alignment (occlusion) of the adult dentition.
In adults, orthodontics, sometimes combined with maxillofacial surgery, strives to position the teeth in order to:
- ensure optimal chewing function,
- improve facial and dental appearance,
- facilitate the placement of dental prosthetics, if needed (as defined by the French Society of Dento-Facial Orthopedics).
In all cases, these orthodontic treatments aim to improve vital functions such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speech.
The harmony and balance of these functions are key to the long-term stability of the treatment.
While aesthetics is also a concern, it is only one component of the overall treatment.
For all these reasons, any known medical condition must be reported to us immediately, either before or during the treatment.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
1/ Initial Diagnostic Evaluation
To diagnose orthodontic issues, your practitioner will perform a clinical assessment and may carry out or prescribe additional tests such as X-rays, dental impressions, photographs, or any other necessary examinations.
A thorough study will then allow for the development of a personalized treatment plan.
The underlying causes of dental or jaw deformities can be varied, hereditary, congenital, accidental, or functional (e.g. thumb or tongue sucking, etc.).
The treatment plan may require collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as ENT specialists, speech therapists, surgeons, or other fields as needed.
Important: Especially in children, a new assessment may be required during the treatment depending on growth, in order to evaluate progress and adapt the plan accordingly.
2/ The Treatment
Once the diagnosis and plan are finalized, treatment may involve removable appliances (e.g. plates, aligners) or fixed appliances (e.g. brackets, bands), possibly combined with auxiliary devices (e.g. palatal arches, elastics, etc.).
These appliances may cause minor discomfort or tooth sensitivity in the first few days. Your orthodontist will provide guidance to ease this adjustment period.
3/ Your Responsibilities During Treatment
Oral Hygiene:
- Maintaining a clean mouth is essential. Brushing instructions will be provided at the start of treatment, and hygiene will be monitored regularly.
- Orthodontic treatment performed under proper hygiene conditions does not cause cavities. However, a check-up every six months with your regular dentist is required to detect or prevent cavities.
- Poor hygiene can lead to white spots (decalcification) or gum inflammation (gingivitis), which may become irreversible if not addressed.
Diet:
- Avoid sugary drinks, sweets, and snacking, which promote cavities,
- Avoid sticky foods (e.g. nougat, caramel, chewing gum, cereal bars), and hard foods that can deform or break appliances.
4/ Duration of Treatment
The treatment length depends on the severity of the malformation, the extent of tooth or jaw movement needed, the patient’s stage and type of growth (favorable or not), and how the permanent teeth are evolving.
It varies from one individual to another and is difficult to estimate precisely.
The most critical factor remains your strict adherence to treatment instructions, this is the key to minimizing treatment duration.
Sometimes, intermediate monitoring periods may be necessary between treatment phases.
5/ Possible Complications, Limitations, and Constraints
Although rare, during treatment, issues such as root shortening or jaw joint disorders may arise. These may require modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the treatment.
Treatment may also be discontinued if therapeutic instructions are not carefully followed.
6/ Retention = Stabilization
To preserve the results achieved, a simpler but often long-term (even lifelong) appliance phase is needed, to minimize the risk of relapse.
This retention phase is as important as the active treatment itself.
Over time, the body naturally evolves. For teeth and muscles, minor changes may occur without compromising results.
Regular dental check-ups are strongly recommended.
7/ Conclusion
These guidelines and explanations will be supplemented by the information we provide to you during the course of your care.
If you have any doubts at any time, please do not hesitate to contact our office by phone or speak to us at your next appointment.
The undersigned patient, or the child’s parent or legal guardian, acknowledges having been fully informed by the practitioner regarding the guidelines, constraints, potential complications, limitations, and risks associated with dento-facial orthopedic treatment and the techniques used, as well as the terms of coverage by the national health insurance system. A copy of this document has been provided to the signatory.
