Manage expectations with ortho

Managing expectation can mitigate the risk of patient complaints in orthodontic treatment, says UK-wide dental defence organisation MDDUS.

MDDUS has encountered cases where patient complaints have arisen due to patients’ expectations being unrealistic, particularly with short-term orthodontic treatment.

“Many patients have high expectations when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Dentists need to manage these expectations, particularly with short-term cosmetic orthodontics – also known as a six-month smile,” says MDDUS dental adviser Rachael Bell.

“The recommended timescale for treatment is traditionally between 18 months and two years, so it is perhaps unsurprising that patients want a quick fix if possible.”

At MDDUS, we have encountered cases where patients have made a complaint and demanded a refund because their orthodontic treatment didn’t turn out as planned. “Typically, this occurs when patients don’t realise the limitations of the treatment and want instant results when in reality they require conventional orthodontics to bodily move the teeth,” says Bell.

“Sometimes patients underestimate how quickly results can be achieved and they stop treatment midway through care when they realise it won’t be completed for the social event they planned it for.