How does patient compliance affect orthodontic treatment outcomes?

Patient compliance plays a crucial role in achieving successful orthodontic treatment outcomes. When patients consistently follow the prescribed treatment regimen, which typically includes wearing appliances, aligners, or retainers as directed, the applied forces are effective in moving teeth into the desired positions over time. This adherence ensures that the orthodontic devices can deliver the correct forces to the teeth consistently, which is essential for the biological processes involved in tooth movement to take place effectively.

When patients neglect their responsibilities or fail to comply with their treatment plan, the forces might become inadequate or inconsistent, leading to longer treatment durations or less favorable results. Thus, ensuring that forces are applied correctly and consistently ultimately supports the goals of the orthodontic treatment, allowing for optimal alignment and function of the teeth.