s3 dental Orthodontic Treatment Consent & Terms For Treatment
Successful orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is based on the agreement the patients will wear the appliance for the prescribed time daily and regularly.
It must be understood that the physiological changes required for the predictable movement of teeth will need sustained forces to be applied to teeth to allow the resorption and formation of bone.
Teeth have a periodontal ligament which allows them to move, and it can give the appearance of the desired movement, but this can soon relapse if the movement has not been sustained for a suitable period for bone to form and harden in the right area.
Wearing an appliance for 1 hour a day for 20 days will not give the same desired movement as wearing an appliance for 20 hours in a single day.
It should be understood that some tooth movements are more difficult than others and take longer.
Whilst S3 Dental will endeavour to support patients through their orthodontic journey – but we cannot wear the appliances for patients and simply put there are no shortcuts to successful orthodontic treatment.
Treatment may take longer than the estimated time and patients should understand that absolute time frames for treatment are not possible.
At the end of treatment – retainer wear is essential.
Condition for treatment with Clear Aligners is as follows:
1. Appropriate daily wear time – minimum 18 hours a day.
2. Appropriate wear consistently daily – each aligner for 14 days minimum unless instructed otherwise.
3. Maintaining excellent oral health - Any dental decay or periodontal disease must be treated, controlled and aligners removed to eat and drink.
4. Attendance for appointments with their aligners in – we can only assess movement when comparing and checking fit of aligners.
5. Appropriate Retainer Wear – Every night during sleep is ideal. A minimum 5 out of 7 days a week is subject to discussion. Retainers are a lifelong requirement and will need to be replaced over time. This will cost extra unless part of a limited plan.
6. Appropriate Retainer and Aligner care – Aligners should not be cleaned with abrasive products and not be used inappropriately.
7. Ensure we have the correct contact details such as email and mobile numbers – We may need to contact you regarding your treatment, and we must know if your contact information changes.
As orthodontic treatment is based on a fixed fee at S3 Dental we plan and structure our appointments according to patient needs during treatment. This means it is important patients attend their appointments when requested.
Patients who fail to attend their appointment, on short notice cancel their appointments or attend late may be charged an appointment fee. We require 2 business days’ notice to avoid cancellation fees.
Failed, short notice cancellations and late arrivals are charged at £50 per appointment. This is independent of the treatment cost.
Unreasonable delays in treatment due to patients not attending appointments may incur additional costs. If patients fail to attend within 2 months of a scheduled appointment, we reserve the right to charge an additional £100 per month not attended after this. Without supervision, treatment needs can change and require a reassessment of treatment.
Relapse of orthodontic treatment is a major risk and unfortunately, it can happen very quickly. Patients are responsible for the orthodontic retention and relapse of treatment is not the responsibility of S3 Dental unless explicitly stated. Lost, damaged, or misplaced aligners should be replaced immediately, and you should contact us straight away if you need a replacement. We provide Essix Retainers at the end of treatment which needs to be worn each night. Fixed wire orthodontic retainers are provided after a discussion of the risks and chargeable extras. They are not advised.
Composite bonding and teeth whitening conducted as part of orthodontic treatment is a one time offer and treatment, and continuing care and maintenance of this treatment is chargeable.
Hygienist appointments and dental examinations are encouraged to maintain oral health but any costs for these appointments are separate from orthodontic packages unless explicitly stated.
Patients who move away from the area still have an obligation to their treatment, and unfortunately S3 Dental cannot take responsibility or liability for any delays in treatment in such cases.
If treatment cannot be completed due to patients not being able to attend appointments, we are not able to refund the cost of treatment and any outstanding balance will still be due unless explicitly agreed beforehand.