Orthodontic Treatment

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that performs treatments for the teeth to perform their duties in a healthy way and to position them in harmony with each other in the jawbone. A dentist who specializes in orthodontic treatment is called an orthodontist.

What Does Orthodontic Treatment Cover?

Although braces treatment usually comes to mind when we think of orthodontics, the field of orthodontics is much wider. Correction and repositioning of crowded and separated teeth, treatment of jaw closure disorders and elimination of jaw level differences fall within the field of orthodontics.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is of great importance for the protection of dental and jaw health. Crowded and separated teeth and jaw malocclusion can cause bigger problems that are difficult to treat over time. Teeth positioned in a healthy way with orthodontic treatment both fulfill their function better and look more aesthetic.

How is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?

All treatments in orthodontics are personalized. It is done by using appliances specially prepared for each patient. Appliance is the general name of the devices used in orthodontic treatment. Fixed and removable appliances are used inside or outside the mouth according to the treatment plan. Appliances such as archwire, brackets, lingual retainer, face mask, chin-cup, headgear are the main appliances used in orthodontic treatment.

How is Braces Treatment Performed?

The braces used to move the teeth gradually according to a certain plan are called arch braces in orthodontic treatment. Braces treatment is performed together with brackets. The bracket is an apparatus that is glued on the teeth and through which the wires are passed. The braces are connected to each other by passing through the brackets. Depending on the problem in the patient’s teeth, force is applied to the teeth with the treatment program made by the orthodontist. The treatment is completed in an average of 6 to 24 months.

What is Lingual Orthodontics (Hidden Braces)?

The term lingual is used in orthodontics to refer to the inner surfaces of the teeth in contact with the tongue. Lingual orthodontics is a treatment method performed with braces attached to the inner parts of the teeth that are not visible from the outside. Invisible braces provide great convenience to patients with high aesthetic expectations.

What is a Transparent Plaque?

For patients who do not prefer braces, orthodontic treatment with transparent aligners offers great comfort. In this treatment, aligners that are individually produced in series and are not easily visible from the outside are used. Transparent aligners can be removed from the mouth for 1 to 2 hours in special cases. This gives patients a significant advantage in their social life. Cleaning the teeth is easier than in patients with braces.

What is Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)?

Orthognathic Surgery is the surgical procedure performed in adult people in cases where the lower jaw and upper jaw are not positioned in the normal position to each other or the teeth do not fit with each other in the closed mouth position, in order to bring the jaw and tooth positions to the position they should be.

Before starting the treatment, the patient’s head radiographs (panoramic, cephalometric, three-dimensional radiographs, etc.) are taken and examined. A detailed consultation (by an orthodontist, maxillofacial surgeon and dentist) is then performed. Before the treatment, the patient should share all the questions he/she has about the treatment with his/her physicians. The patient, who is informed about the treatment in detail, follows the treatment plan with their physicians.

Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?

For permanent orthodontic treatment in children, all permanent teeth must come out. In other words, permanent orthodontic treatment can be performed after the average age of 12. Anyone whose permanent teeth have been completed can have orthodontic treatment without an upper age limit. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 can be treated with preventive orthodontic treatment to prevent the problem from escalating.

What Should Be Considered During Orthodontic Treatment?

Patients who continue orthodontic treatment should pay extra attention to oral and dental hygiene. Food residues accumulate more easily on teeth with wires and brackets and trigger the formation of dental plaque. Hard foods such as carrots, apples and quinces should be eaten by cutting them with a knife. Nuts in their shells should not be broken with teeth.

What Should Be Done If the Appliances Are Broken or Deteriorated?

If the braces break, the brackets break, or the clear aligners are lost, you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately. In case of delay, treatment planning and duration will be extended.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take to Complete?

Orthodontic treatment takes an average of 6 to 24 months. The duration of treatment is determined according to the type of treatment applied and the problem of the patient.