Your Future Following Orthodontics

We certainly have no crystal ball and we can't predict the future, but there are certain things concerning the correction in your mouth that we can predict. The results of your treatment are the result of a combination of your cooperation and our knowledge and skill. There are certain factors of which you should now become aware as to the future Dental health in your mouth.

Concerning the permanence of your correction, it has been the experience of orthodontists over the nation, through the years, that about ninety-five percent of the correction is to be retained. If we could put your teeth up on a shelf and let them stay there, they would remain perfectly straight. But, fortunately, they are there to be used! Naturally, during the chewing forces that are at work in your mouth, there will be some adaptive changes that the teeth will make so as to function in the manner that they deem best. We do not expect them to stay exactly as we placed them, since these changes will occur as function goes on. This readjustment is not a failure of your correction but nature's changes that we learn to expect as we learn to expect changes in other portions of our body as we grow older.

Now that we have finished our care, it is wise that you go back to your family Dentist, have him thoroughly check your teeth to see if there are any cavities that he might need to care for, and give your mouth a thorough prophylaxis. His normal recall plan will then allow him to continue to care for your mouth through the years. We think that he will be anxious to see how well you have responded to our treatment.

Well, now it's about time for us to bid you farewell, for awhile. If you have been a good patient, then through your cooperation, we have achieved what we started out to do when you first came to us. You now have a beautiful smile, so use it.

Important parts of our usual appliance
Important Toothbrushing Tips
How a tooth moves
Eating Habits and Orthodontics
Your Future Following Orthodontics