Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that performs treatments for the teeth to perform their duties in a healthy manner and to position them in harmony with each other in the jawbone. A dentist who specializes in orthodontic treatment is called an orthodontist.
When orthodontics is mentioned, braces treatment usually comes to mind, but the working area of orthodontics is wider. Correction and repositioning of crooked and split teeth, treatment of jaw closing disorders and elimination of jaw level differences are in the field of orthodontics.
Orthodontic treatment is of great importance in terms of maintaining dental and jaw health. Crowded and split teeth and jaw closing disorder can cause bigger problems that become more difficult to treat over time. With orthodontic treatment, teeth that are positioned in a healthy way both perform better and look more aesthetic.
All treatments in orthodontics are personal. It is made by using appliances specially prepared for each patient. Apparatus is the general name of devices used in orthodontic treatment. Fixed and movable appliances are used inside or outside the mouth according to the treatment plan. Appliances such as arch wire, brackets, lingual retainer, face mask, chin-cup, headgear are the main devices used in orthodontic treatment.
The braces, which are used to move the teeth gradually according to a certain plan, are called arch wire in orthodontic treatment. Braces treatment is performed together with brackets. The bracket is the appliance that is attached to 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. Treatment is completed in an average of 6 to 24 months.
The term lingual is used in orthodontics to refer to the inner surfaces where the teeth come into contact with the tongue. Lingual orthodontics is a treatment method performed with braces attached to the invisible inner parts of the teeth. Invisible braces provide great convenience to patients with high aesthetic expectations.
For patients who do not prefer braces treatment, orthodontic treatment with clear aligners offers great comfort. In this treatment, plates that are produced in series and that are not easily visible from the outside are used. Transparent plates can be removed from the mouth for 1 to 2 hours in special cases. This gives patients a significant advantage in their social lives. Cleaning the teeth is easier than in patients with braces.
Orthognathic Surgery is the surgical procedure performed to bring the jaw and tooth positions to the required position in cases where the lower jaw and upper jaw are not positioned in a normal position to each other or the teeth do not sit with each other when the mouth is closed.
Before starting the treatment, the patient’s head radiographs (panoramic, cephalometric, three-dimensional radiographs, etc.) are taken and examined. Then, a detailed consultation (by orthodontist, maxillofacial surgeon and dentist) is made. Before the treatment, the patient should share all the questions that come to his mind about the treatment with his physicians. The patient, who is informed in detail about the treatment, follows the treatment plan with his physicians.
For permanent orthodontic treatment in children, all of the permanent teeth must come out. In other words, after the average age of 12, permanent orthodontic treatment can be performed. Anyone with permanent teeth can have orthodontic treatment without an upper age limit. For children between the ages of 8 and 12, the problem can be prevented by intervening with preventive orthodontic treatment.
Patients continuing their orthodontic treatment should pay extra attention to oral and dental hygiene. Food residues accumulate more easily on teeth with braces and brackets and trigger the formation of dental plaque. Hard foods such as carrots, apples and quince should be cut with a knife and eaten. Nuts in shell should not be broken with teeth.
You should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if the braces are broken, the brackets are broken or the transparent plaques are lost. In case of delay, treatment planning and duration will be extended.
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 in the patient