What impact does poor patient compliance have on orthodontic treatment?

Poor patient compliance can lead to significant challenges during orthodontic treatment, primarily manifesting as delays and potential failure. When patients do not adhere to prescribed instructions—such as wearing retainers, following dietary restrictions, or attending scheduled appointments—the planned movement of teeth may be hindered. This non-compliance can disrupt the treatment timeline, as teeth may not move as intended, resulting in the need for extended treatment periods. In some cases, if compliance issues are severe or persistent, it can even lead to permanent failure of the treatment, necessitating a reevaluation and possibly a new treatment plan altogether.

In contrast, enhanced treatment outcomes, having no significant impact, or reducing the need for adjustments reflect scenarios where compliance is maintained or not a factor, which does not accurately represent the reality of orthodontic practices. Hence, understanding the crucial role patient cooperation plays in achieving successful orthodontic results underscores its importance in treatment planning and execution.