Orthodontic Treatment
What is Orthodontics?
The word “Orthodontics” is derived from the Greek words “ortho” meaning straight, and “odons” meaning tooth.
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of teeth that are not aligned properly and facial irregularities. Although the term implies straight teeth, orthodontics today treats not only teeth but also irregularities of the lower and middle face. The field of orthodontics examines the position of the upper and lower jaws relative to the base of the skull and their relationship to each other in three dimensions.
With the new developments in orthodontics in the 2000s, age limits for many treatments have been eliminated. There are treatment options available for adult patients as well, with a focus on aesthetics, patient satisfaction, and comfort.
What are the Orthodontic Treatment Methods?
- Orthodontic treatment with metal braces (metal dental braces)
- Orthodontic treatment with ceramic braces (porcelain dental braces)
- Orthodontic treatment with lingual braces (invisible dental braces)
- Orthodontic treatment with transparent aligners (Invisalign)
How is Orthodontic Treatment Applied?
In the initial stages of orthodontic treatment, the dentist should conduct a comprehensive orthodontic examination of the patient. This allows the patient to be informed about the course, shape, duration, and details of the treatment. After determining the content of the treatment, the dentist takes measurements of the patient’s mouth and teeth for the preparation of the appliances. Various scans and X-ray findings may also be required at this stage.
Orthodontic appliances are prepared by dental technicians and then applied to the patient by the dentist. Unless additional procedures are needed, it is sufficient for the patient to attend routine check-ups and follow all recommendations from the dentist to successfully complete the treatment.
Which Teeth are Treated in Orthodontics?
- Overdevelopment of the upper jaw
- Underdevelopment of the upper jaw
- Overdevelopment of the lower jaw
- Underdevelopment of the lower jaw
- Misaligned front teeth
- Crowding
- Gaps
- Impacted teeth
- Missing teeth
Objectives of Orthodontic Treatment
The primary goal of orthodontics is to treat dental irregularities. Especially during childhood, regular check-ups detect potential dental issues, allowing for the creation and implementation of a preventive treatment plan. This can prevent problems that may arise in later years. The first orthodontic check-up usually starts around the age of 7-8. Early treatment can ensure healthy jaw development, proper alignment of permanent teeth, regulation of lip and tongue functions, and correction of bad habits.
However, early diagnosis and treatment are often missed. Therefore, when an individual reaches adulthood, they may encounter orthodontic problems. At this stage, the second part of orthodontic treatment, correcting existing irregularities, comes into play.
With comprehensive information and advanced technology treatment methods, successful orthodontic applications can also be performed on adults. Therefore, it’s never too late to have a new smile.
What Causes Orthodontic Problems?
Orthodontic problems can result from various genetic and environmental factors. Challenges encountered during dental and jaw development, early loss of baby teeth, skeletal growth disorders, dental and jaw traumas at a young age, and finger-sucking habits during childhood can trigger orthodontic problems.
Dental irregularities can cause aesthetic concerns for patients. Moreover, maintaining oral hygiene can be challenging when teeth are misaligned or impacted.
Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss and gum problems. Skeletal disorders can also cause temporomandibular joint disorders.
Orthodontic treatments are applied to correct structural abnormalities of teeth and jaws.
Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
Invisalign treatment corrects certain levels of dental misalignment and alignment disorders without using traditional metal bands, braces, or wires. This system uses nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-designed for each individual. These aligners are changed every two weeks. Each aligner is uniquely made for your teeth.
Your teeth gradually move with each aligner change, reaching the final positions determined by your doctor.
One of the best features of this system is that, unlike traditional treatment, it doesn’t use metal bands, braces, or wires that can trap food particles and bacterial plaque. Since the appliances used in the treatment are removable, maintaining oral hygiene is easier compared to other systems. Thus, the risk of bacterial plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and gum disease can be reduced.
Lingual Orthodontics (Incognito)
Lingual orthodontics is a technique where the brackets, which apply force to the teeth, are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue rather than the front surfaces facing the lips. The main advantage of this technique is that it’s entirely invisible.
Custom-made lingual appliances are available today. Thanks to its custom structure, treatment results are highly successful compared to other lingual treatment methods. The adaptation period for the patient is also very short due to its custom structure.
Problems like speech impairment or sores on the tongue, which may extend throughout the treatment period in other methods, are not observed in these systems. Within 2 weeks, the patient adapts to the appliance and continues their life as usual.
Unlike other lingual treatment methods, the application areas are broader in this method. Almost all malocclusions can be treated with this method. Being custom-made shortens the treatment duration to some extent. Made of gold alloy, it doesn’t have allergenic properties. Because gold is one of the most bio-compatible materials.
Note: The information and recommendations on this page are for informational purposes only. For diagnosis and treatments, please consult your dentist. For more detailed information, before and after photos, contact our WhatsApp line!