IATROGENIC ATTENTION IN ORTHODONTICS

Before proceeding with orthodontic treatment, both the patient and the orthodontist should reflect on the risks and the benefits of the proposed treatment. Most of the adverse effects of orthodontic treatment can be easily avoided by undertaking certain precautions during the treatment. Patient¿s attitude is also an important factor in ensuring predictable and successful treatment outcomes. The orthodontist must counsel the patient, ascertain his or her expectations and assess whether they are realistic. Some patients, particularly those contemplating surgery, may expect a radical change in their personal life or have expectations of restoring a failing marriage and are high liability cases to treat because of over expectation from the proposed treatment. They must be recognized at the start and the limitations must be explained to them. With vigilant selection, diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring, timely intervention, and good patient cooperation, we can ensure that the majority of orthodontic patients benefit by improved facial and dental aesthetics as well as function, without any unwanted side effects at the end of treatment.