What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics; It is the branch of science that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of jaw, tooth and facial disorders.
Orthodontic treatment helps the development of the jaw in young children and helps the teeth to be in the correct positions, provides correction of the existing crowding, bite irregularities as well as the jaw-face disorders in adults.
With orthodontic treatment, you can have a healthier mouth, a more impressive appearance and teeth that will stay in your mouth for longer.
Besides, orthodontics; It cooperates with various branches of medicine and dentistry in the treatment of congenital or acquired jaw and facial disorders.
Who Is Orthodontics Treatment Performed?
Orthodontic treatments should be performed by specialist physicians who have completed at least 4 years of orthodontic residency training after 5 years of dentistry training and who have been awarded the title of “Orthodontist”.
Who is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontist; They are dentists who have received special training in orthodontic disorders and their treatments.
After 5 years of dentistry education, at least 4 years of Orthodontics specialization or doctorate program is accepted.
As a result of this process, people who prepare a specialization thesis and pass the necessary exams become orthodontists.
Orthodontic expertise requires long-term training and practice.
How is Orthodontics Treatment Done?
Orthodontic treatment is performed with the help of various fixed or removable apparatuses applied to the teeth or jawbone.
The shape of these apparatuses is not optional, it is determined according to the needs of the treatment.
Moving Devices
Movable devices, which are mostly used in the mixed dentition period between the ages of 7-12, help the development of the jaw and guide the growth of permanent teeth.
Fixed Orthodontics Devices;
Metal Brackets
They are the most commonly used orthodontic devices.
These brackets, which adhere to the teeth one by one, move the teeth thanks to the orthodontic wires passing between them.
Transparent Brackets
These brackets, made of tooth-colored or completely transparent material, work on the same principle as metal brackets.
The most important difference is that it looks less. In addition, it is mostly used in adults because it requires more care and attention.
Lingual Brackets
They are fixed metal brackets that adhere to the inner surface of the teeth. Its most important feature is that it is never seen from the outside.
Due to the differences in the treatment technique, treatment times are longer than the front brackets.
Wireless Orthodontics Treatments
- These treatments are applied by using a series of transparent plates to correct dental distortions.
- The teeth, which are gradually corrected in the computer environment, are corrected with these invisible plaques.
- These plates are removed only for eating and brushing and are worn constantly.
- It is used only in patients with tooth deformity and is not suitable for use in disorders in the maxillofacial system.
Why Should We Have OrthodonticsTreatment?
- Most people first apply to orthodontists for aesthetic concerns due to tooth crowding.
- However, crowding in the teeth causes many problems besides aesthetics. Closure disorders, which we call malocclusion, are not only an aesthetic problem, but also cause chewing and speech disorders.
- Since it is more difficult to maintain oral hygiene in crooked teeth, caries occurs more easily. Likewise, plaque accumulation at the interfaces increases and gum diseases occur with gingival recession.
- Due to the crowding in the teeth, the upper and lower teeth cannot come to their normal closure, the forces cannot be transmitted to the jaw bones normally. This causes joint problems (clicking when opening and closing the mouth).
- It has been observed that trauma (such as falling, hitting a ball) affects the front teeth more than it should be, especially in children or people with developed upper jaw or upper teeth, and may cause frequent losses in the front teeth.
- Especially in people who have more than the space between their lower and upper front teeth, the pronunciation of some sounds becomes difficult and this can lead to speech disorders.
- As a result of the incompatibility between the jaws and teeth, sometimes the teeth cannot find a place and remain impacted.
- Impacted teeth can dissolve the roots of adjacent teeth or cysts can form around impacted teeth, leading to pathological results.
- Orthodontic treatment should be considered as a kind of vaccine. Like vaccines made to protect our children from diseases; Children whose teeth and jaw structure are optimized with orthodontic treatment reduce the risk of developing dental and jaw diseases throughout their lives.
- A beautiful smile and beautiful teeth will increase a person’s self-confidence and create positive effects in his social life. The importance of a beautiful smile and aesthetics in society is inevitable.
When Should We Go to the Orthodontist?
- In children, milk teeth begin to erupt at the age of 6 months and are completed at the age of 2.5 years. Permanent teeth begin to erupt at the age of 6-7 and continue until the age of 12.
- In this period, it is useful to have an orthodontic examination to diagnose possible orthodontic problems with the eruption of permanent teeth and to stop them, if any.
- Early intervention may be required at the age of 7-8 years. In cases where only the teeth show irregularity, it is usually expected that the permanent dentition is completed for treatment.
- In adult patients, teeth can always be moved, but it should be kept in mind that aging will reduce the duration of treatment and tolerance to treatment.
How Long Does Orthodontics Treatments Take?
- The duration of orthodontic treatments varies according to the individual and the type of treatment. Treatment of only teeth related disorders takes less time than the treatment of disorders with jaw irregularities.
- Positive results can be obtained in orthodontic and orthopedic treatments between 6-24 months on average. The reduction or prolongation of the treatment period also depends on the individual being treated.
- Protecting the health of teeth and gums during the treatment, avoiding foods that should not be eaten, correct and proper use of the appliances applied in the treatment are among the factors affecting the treatment period.
How Often Is It Necessary To Have Controls During The Treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, checks are made at an average of 4-6 weeks, provided that the first times are more frequent.
Is There Any Pain During Or After Orthodontics Treatment?
It is not possible to hurt you in any way while attaching braces to your teeth.
It is normal for you to feel a slight sensitivity for a very short time after each appointment, as the arch wires on your teeth will be changed and force will be applied again during your monthly periods when you come to the checkup.
What Should Be Done For The Care Of The Brackets And Oral Cleaning?
- The most important point to be considered during the treatment is that the teeth should be brushed immediately after eating whatever is eaten.
- After each brushing, it should be carefully checked on the mirror that the brackets are cleaned adequately.
- The brackets have a very suitable design for food residue and bacterial plaque accumulation. In addition to brushing, once a day, braces and teeth should be thoroughly cleaned with dental floss or interface brushes in the evening.
- In addition, teeth and gums should be checked every 6 months and care should be taken if necessary.
What Should Be Considered During Treatment?
- The most important factor in the treatment process is the harmony of the patient-doctor-family triangle. The appointment days given during the treatment should be followed and the duties and responsibilities given by the doctor should be fulfilled.
- One of the most important factors for the success of the treatment is dental and oral care. The health of teeth and gums directly affects the success and duration of the treatment.
- During the treatment, hard foods such as apples and carrots should not be eaten by biting. It is necessary to eat such foods by breaking them into small pieces.
- In addition, it is more appropriate not to eat sandwiches and hamburgers that are consumed by biting during the treatment. It is not suitable to eat nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts and nutrients such as cherries, plums and olives without removing the seeds, as it may damage the brackets in the mouth.
Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment? Can Orthodontic Treatment Be Applied At Any Age?
- There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Age is not important in teeth corrections, orthodontic treatment can be applied to anyone with healthy bones surrounding the teeth.
- No matter how old the patient is, dental crowding can be corrected. However, if there is an irregularity in the jaw bones of the person (progression or retardation of the upper jaw or lower jaw), then orthopedic treatment is required.
- The timing of this treatment can be decided after the patient is examined individually.
What is Transparent Apparatus?
Transparent appliances are devices that allow correction of dental distortions without wearing braces, can be attached and removed, and provide treatment by using invisible transparent plates.
Since transparent plaques can be inserted and removed, they do not reduce the comfort of patients’ eating and do not prevent tooth brushing and flossing.
What Privileges Does It Offer?
- Transparent appliances consist of completely transparent plates. In this way, they cannot be seen from the outside.
- There is the possibility of plugging and unplugging when desired. There is no aesthetic concern as with metal braces.
- It is a treatment method that solves all the problems experienced in bad breath, sticking of the braces in the palate, tooth brushing. It does not affect your voice or speech.
- Provides faster completion of your treatment. It can be applied at all ages. These treatments are applied by using a series of transparent plates to correct dental distortions.
- The teeth, which are gradually corrected in the computer environment, are corrected with these invisible plaques.
- These plates are removed only for eating and brushing and are worn constantly. It is used only in patients with tooth deformity and is not suitable for use in disorders in the maxillofacial system.
