How to Read Your Orthodontic Treatment Plan: A Patient's Plain-English Guide

A complete orthodontic treatment plan should include: a diagnosis of the malocclusion being treated; the treatment objectives; the specific appliances proposed and why; any planned tooth extractions and the reason for them; the estimated treatment duration; the retention protocol (what retainers you will wear and for how long after braces come off); an honest account of risks and limitations; a discussion of treatment alternatives; and the full cost including what is and is not included in the fee. You are entitled to a written copy of the plan and to take time to consider it before signing.

Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth — how far forward the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower front teeth when biting. A normal overjet is approximately 2 to 4mm. A large overjet (sometimes colloquially called ‘buck teeth’) means the upper teeth protrude significantly further, which is a common reason for orthodontic treatment. An increased overjet also increases the risk of dental trauma in accidents. The orthodontic treatment plan should describe what overjet measurement you currently have and what the planned treatment will achieve.

Tooth extractions — most commonly removing premolar teeth (the small teeth between the canines and molars) — are recommended when there is insufficient space in the dental arch to align all the teeth in their correct positions. Creating space by removing a tooth allows the remaining teeth to be moved into better alignment. Extractions are not always needed — in some cases, the arch can be expanded or teeth moved to create enough space. Whether extractions are the right plan depends on the severity of crowding, the position of the teeth, and the relationship of the jaws. Your orthodontist should explain specifically why extractions are or are not part of your plan.

Yes — you are entirely entitled to seek a second opinion on any orthodontic treatment plan before proceeding. This is particularly advisable if your plan includes significant decisions such as tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or an unusually long or expensive treatment, or if you feel the plan has not been explained to your satisfaction. A specialist orthodontist (one on the GDC Specialist Register for orthodontics) is the most appropriate person to provide a second opinion. Many orthodontists now offer virtual assessments that can provide an independent view of your situation before you commit to treatment.

A complete orthodontic treatment plan should include: a diagnosis of the malocclusion being treated; the treatment objectives; the specific appliances proposed and why; any planned tooth extractions and the reason for them; the estimated treatment duration; the retention protocol (what retainers you will wear and for how long after braces come off); an honest account of risks and limitations; a discussion of treatment alternatives; and the full cost including what is and is not included in the fee. You are entitled to a written copy of the plan and to take time to consider it before signing.

Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth — how far forward the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower front teeth when biting. A normal overjet is approximately 2 to 4mm. A large overjet (sometimes colloquially called ‘buck teeth’) means the upper teeth protrude significantly further, which is a common reason for orthodontic treatment. An increased overjet also increases the risk of dental trauma in accidents. The orthodontic treatment plan should describe what overjet measurement you currently have and what the planned treatment will achieve.

Tooth extractions — most commonly removing premolar teeth (the small teeth between the canines and molars) — are recommended when there is insufficient space in the dental arch to align all the teeth in their correct positions. Creating space by removing a tooth allows the remaining teeth to be moved into better alignment. Extractions are not always needed — in some cases, the arch can be expanded or teeth moved to create enough space. Whether extractions are the right plan depends on the severity of crowding, the position of the teeth, and the relationship of the jaws. Your orthodontist should explain specifically why extractions are or are not part of your plan.

Yes — you are entirely entitled to seek a second opinion on any orthodontic treatment plan before proceeding. This is particularly advisable if your plan includes significant decisions such as tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or an unusually long or expensive treatment, or if you feel the plan has not been explained to your satisfaction. A specialist orthodontist (one on the GDC Specialist Register for orthodontics) is the most appropriate person to provide a second opinion. Many orthodontists now offer virtual assessments that can provide an independent view of your situation before you commit to treatment.