Orthodontics
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a branch of dentistry that uses various auxiliary devices (brackets, bands, wires, clear aligners, removable plates, and extraoral appliances) to correct irregularities in the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments are performed by orthodontists/orthodontists.
What are the Types of Orthodontic Treatment?
The methods used in orthodontic treatment vary depending on the type and severity of the individual's orthodontic problem, as well as the patient's expectations. In patients with intermaxillary problems who are still growing and developing, removable aligners are used first, and when necessary, extraoral appliances. Once the intermaxillary problems are resolved, the dental problems can be addressed.
For individuals with only dental problems (crowding, gaps between teeth, tooth alignment discrepancies, etc.), braces or clear aligner treatments without braces can be considered. For fixed braces, metal brackets, clear brackets, and lingual brackets placed on the back of the teeth can be preferred.
How Old Should You Have an Orthodontic Exam?
Individuals should have their first orthodontic exam around age 7-8, when the permanent incisors erupt. The direction and location of the incisors not only provide insight into potential future orthodontic problems but can also indicate positional and dimensional problems between the upper and lower jaws. Orthodontic exams and orthodontic treatment at an early age, along with simple procedures, can help prevent future complex treatments. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment is available to anyone with healthy tooth roots and surrounding tissues; there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment.
Who Can Receive Orthodontic Treatment? Anyone with misaligned teeth, gaps, malocclusions (the relationship between the upper and lower teeth), or positional or dimensional problems between the upper and lower jaws needs orthodontic treatment. Individuals with such problems often believe that orthodontic treatment will only benefit aesthetics, but bite problems, and especially misalignments, not only cause aesthetic problems but can also lead to poor oral hygiene and long-term problems in the surrounding tissues. Furthermore, depending on the severity of orthodontic treatment, unbalanced muscle activity can pose a threat to the jaw joint.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Without Braces Possible?
Patients may prefer not to wear braces for both aesthetic and functional reasons, such as eating and speaking. Today, with technological advancements, orthodontic treatment without braces is now possible. Also known as clear aligner treatment, this orthodontic treatment method involves taking impressions or intraoral scans of patients, and then digitally transferring the patient's oral condition using special scanners and computer software. Afterward, you can virtually visualize the planned tooth movements with your orthodontist and make changes.
Before starting the aligners, which will help you achieve the desired results at the end of treatment, some teeth can be fitted with auxiliary attachments called "attachments" to facilitate movement of the teeth in the desired direction. The aligners used in treatment are highly aesthetic and can be removed during meals, making them more hygienic and eliminating any restrictions on eating and drinking during treatment.
What Are the Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment?
Aesthetics are often the primary concern of patients seeking orthodontic treatment. However, crooked teeth can also cause problems with chewing, speaking, and joints. Cavities and gum disease can occur, particularly when patients have crooked teeth, due to inadequate hygiene. Orthodontic treatment optimizes the contact between teeth, allowing patients to maintain more effective oral care.
In some cases, such as protruding front teeth, it is observed that these teeth, especially in younger patients, are highly vulnerable to trauma and pose a greater risk of tooth fracture or loss during play. Protruding front teeth can be treated with simple procedures, reducing the risk of trauma.
Occlusion problems in patients with intermaxillary problems can also make eating and drinking difficult. It has been observed that patients with gaps between their upper and lower front teeth, in particular, experience difficulty biting and some speech problems.
For individuals with orthodontic problems, a beautiful smile after treatment will boost their self-confidence, and this will have a positive impact on their social life.
What Should You Consider During Orthodontic Treatment?
The most important factor to consider during orthodontic treatment is dental and oral hygiene. Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment must brush their teeth and any auxiliary devices used after every meal. However, certain food and drink restrictions apply depending on the type of auxiliary devices used. Patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment (orthodontic treatment with brackets and wires) should avoid foods such as nuts, gum, plums, dates, etc., which could cause the attachments to break. On the other hand, clear aligner treatments without braces have no food or drink restrictions, and patients can freely consume whatever they desire.
Does Orthodontic Treatment Harm Teeth?
Orthodontic treatments involve displacement of teeth within the jawbone by applying compression and tension forces in the desired direction. During tooth movement, the optimal force is applied to move the teeth in the desired direction. Therefore, by allowing biological activity within the tooth roots and jawbone, they pose no threat.
During orthodontic treatment, various auxiliary devices such as brackets, bands, and attachments are bonded to the teeth. As long as patients maintain their oral hygiene as instructed by the dentist, they should not experience any problems during or after treatment.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the type and severity of the patient's orthodontic problem, the treatment technique used, and patient cooperation. While simple crooked teeth or gaps between teeth can be treated in as little as 5-6 months, treatment for conditions such as extractions, intermaxillary problems, and severe maxillary narrowing can take longer. On average, orthodontic treatments last 12-18 months.