Informed consent and orthodontics.

The legal doctrine of informed consent has struck a chord of fear in most dental practitioners today. This, in turn, has caused many orthodontists to assume a defensive attitude in their practices. A better posture might be to use informed consent to their own and their patients' best advantage. This is accomplished by using the doctrine to enhance patients' education and understanding of their orthodontic problems, the benefits of corrective therapy, any risks associated therewith, and viable treatment alternatives. The end result is an open and honest relationship with the patients, which promotes doctor/patient autonomy.