Editable Informed Consent

1. An impression or 3D scan is taken so the Dental Professional can determine candidacy
2. If the patient is not a candidate, no further steps follow (a consultation fee may apply)
3. If the patient is a candidate, payment of the quoted amount is made to the Dental Professional to begin; the quote includes the entire therapy, IPR if necessary, and one set of retainers (it does not include additional x-rays, screenings or other dental work)
4. A provisional treatment plan is digitised and then scrutinised and approved by the Dental Professional
5. Once approved, it becomes the final plan and the aligners are manufactured accordingly
6. The aligners are made available for collection, with instructions from the Dental Professional
7. In the rare event candidacy is revoked during planning, funds paid (except the consultation fee, x-rays, screening and dental work done) are returned within seven business days

Therapy takes around four to eight months on average and the aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day, removed only to eat, brush and floss (duration varies with the Dental Professional’s instructions). Benefits include being clear and almost undetectable, an affordable option, and the convenience of eating and cleaning without the aligners attached, with progress estimated and visually represented in software. Traditional and lingual braces are alternatives, with similar risks, and can treat more severe cases.

• Temporary changes in speech and saliva flow when first wearing the aligners
• Minor discomfort and tenderness as teeth adjust to each aligner, usually lasting two to three days
• Irritation of gums, lips or cheeks at first; discontinue and seek care if an allergic reaction to the materials occurs
• Supra-eruption of a tooth not properly covered, which can make cleaning harder and risk gum disease or tooth loss
• Inter-Proximal Reduction (filing between teeth to create space) may be needed in more complex plans; it’s performed by the Dental Professional or Oral Hygienist and is included in the cost
• Persistent, uncomfortable sensitivity should be reported immediately, as it may indicate nerve damage; a history of restorations or tooth injury carries higher risk
• Bite changes and, in some cases, jaw-joint problems causing headaches, pain or ear problems (more likely with clenching, grinding, arthritis or past trauma)
• Teeth can become impacted, especially with supplementary, impacted or un-erupted teeth
• Aligners cannot move implants, ankylosed teeth or restorations such as bridges
• Crowns, veneers or bridges may need replacement due to tooth movement; remanufacturing for this is charged at a reduced cost
• A “black triangle” may appear where long-overlapped teeth lack gum tissue once aligned
• Decalcification, gum inflammation, cavities, decay or gingival recession, worsened by poor oral hygiene, sugary food/drink and missing six-monthly check-ups
• Bone and gum health may be impaired in some circumstances
• Resorption (shortening of the tooth roots), with increased risk if the patient has had braces before
• Bonded retainers must be removed before a scan or impression (at the patient’s own cost, with their Dental Professional)
• General medical conditions and certain medications may affect tooth movement
• A broken or cracked aligner must never be used, it could be swallowed or inhaled
• Oral piercings must be removed during treatment to avoid breaking teeth or aligners
• Other possible effects include swelling, sensitivity, numbness, painful jaw muscles and unforeseen conditions
• A retainer must be worn on completion to hold the teeth in position, at least 22 hours a day for eight weeks before switching to night-time wear; failure to wear it can allow the teeth to move