Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics; It is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses malpositioned jaw relationships, mismatched and crooked teeth, tries to prevent a possible problem, and treats a problem that has arisen.

Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is necessary in cases of skeletal problems such as lower or upper jaw protrusion or backwardness, dental crowding, treatment of gaps between teeth, disorders of closing relationships of teeth, asymmetric smile treatments and smile aesthetics.

What are the Orthodontic Treatment Methods?

Orthodontic treatment methods need to be evaluated according to the treatment that needs to be applied. In this process, your orthodontist will show you the right path.

Most of the jaw problems in pediatric patients can be solved with the help of appliances. There are also treatment options with the help of removable plates, also known as transparent plates (invisalign, etc.).

Brackets and wires are classic orthodontic treatments and have been used for many years.

Recently, with the development of technology and the emergence of digital orthodontics, the prevalence of transparent aligners (invisalign, etc.) in orthodontic treatment has increased. It can be used at all ages, from solving jaw problems in the early stages to solving dental problems in the late stages.

Is There a Certain Age Range for Orthodontic Treatment?

Early check-ups of children are very useful. Sometimes, it may be possible to prevent a serious treatment process in the future with the help of a small appliance or plate.

Early treatments are preferred for individuals with skeletal problems (such as forward or retarded lower-upper jaw). Individuals with jaw problems diagnosed at late stages should also be prepared for a surgical process with orthodontic treatment.

In cases where there is no jaw problem but there is a dental problem, orthodontic treatment can be performed at any age. There is no age limit in orthodontic treatment.

How Long Does the Orthodontic Treatment Process Take?

The duration of treatment may vary depending on the treatment method to be used (wire-bracket or transparent plate),the age of the patient, and check-ups with the physician. The duration of treatment, which usually varies between 12 and 18 months, is actually individual.

In other words, the treatment period is different for each patient and regular medical check-ups are required every month.

Is the Orthodontic Treatment Process Painful?

The process is not painful. However, in some periods, slight pain may be felt due to the effect of the applied force.

How Should Dental Care Be Done During Orthodontic Treatment?

Tooth brushing should not be limited to 2 or 3 times during orthodontic treatment. Effective brushing and interface cleaning after every meal is absolutely necessary.

Will I Have Difficulty Eating During the Treatment Process?

There are points to be taken into consideration when consuming food and beverages during treatments with wires and brackets. For example, it is necessary for treatment not to consume very hard foods or to consume them in small pieces.

In transparent plaque treatment, the person does not have to follow any rules as he can remove his plaques while eating.

What is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment is a transparent plate treatment. It is a treatment method in which digital orthodontics and transparent plaques made to fit the teeth move the teeth without the use of wires and brackets.

First, three-dimensional models of the teeth scanned with an intraoral scanner are obtained and a treatment simulation is planned with a computer software. Afterwards, transparent plaques suitable for the teeth are produced with this digital method. With these plates, which are changed at regular intervals, the teeth are provided with the desired final shape. With Invisalign, the person's treatment process can be monitored digitally.

The most important feature of the treatment is that it does not restrict the patient's comfort zone. Orthodontic treatment becomes an unnoticeable process when viewed from the outside with the transparent aligners used. The use of transparent aligners during orthodontic treatment prevents intraoral sensitivity and injuries that may be caused by braces.

Since the aligners are removable, cleaning the teeth and their interfaces is much easier. This makes a significant difference in individuals with high caries activity. This treatment, which is very easy to follow remotely, also makes people feel comfortable in their social environments.

Invisalign treatment; It can be used in adults, teenagers and children. Like all orthodontic treatments, clear aligner treatments need to be planned and followed by an orthodontist.