Orthodontics / Braces Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is performed using appliances commonly known as 'braces' or 'dental aligners'. These appliances can be fixed or removable. Fixed or removable appliances come in many combinations, including porcelain, metal, those attached to the inner surface of the tooth, and those supported from outside the mouth.

• If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth,
• If, despite your teeth being healthy, misalignment causes an unsightly appearance and you cannot maintain adequate hygiene no matter how much you brush,
• If this situation is causing health problems and negatively affecting your social life,
• If you want your teeth straightened and are looking for a permanent treatment that will not harm your teeth,
• If you want to smile with more confidence, then you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Before starting orthodontic treatment…
Orthodontic treatment is a very different and specialized form of treatment compared to other dental treatments. For this treatment to yield the desired results, it is crucial to first create a proper treatment plan and to follow this plan appropriately and with the necessary frequency.

Due to the specific nature of orthodontic treatments, they must be performed by a dentist specializing in orthodontics. Specialization in orthodontics is achieved through doctoral programs at universities, which can last 5-6 years, following 5 years of dental school education. At the end of this lengthy process, the dentist receives the title of 'Orthodontist' and a doctoral degree.

When choosing an orthodontist, it's crucial to ensure they are accessible. Poor communication between patient and doctor can lead to interruptions in orthodontic treatment and prolong treatment times. Many of the 4-5 year treatment periods we've heard about are a result of this lack of communication. Ensure your doctor is reachable via email or phone, and that they can respond to your appointment requests within a few days.

Before starting orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will inform you of the overall treatment plan and cost. Before your braces are fitted, your oral hygiene must be complete, and any fillings, gum problems, impacted teeth, or other oral health issues must be treated. Your orthodontist, along with your general dentist and other specialists, will develop your treatment plan and begin your treatment.

Age is a crucial factor in orthodontic treatment.
The American Orthodontic Association recommends that all children be examined by an orthodontist at age 6-7. This allows for the diagnosis of potential future problems. If orthodontic issues are not urgent, treatment can be postponed until all permanent teeth have erupted. This is to allow children easier tolerance to the appliances and to clean them properly. However, in cases involving skeletal abnormalities such as a significantly protruding upper or lower jaw, or misaligned upper and lower teeth, starting treatment in childhood is vital for the effectiveness and permanence of the treatment. If skeletal abnormalities are not treated promptly, they can lead to problems that can only be corrected later through surgery.

For patients seeking treatment in adulthood, age is no longer a factor. Problems that do not involve skeletal abnormalities and are solely due to tooth positioning can be corrected at any age. These abnormalities are resolved by moving the teeth to their desired positions using braces. If orthodontic problems are accompanied by skeletal issues and the patient's jaw abnormalities are externally visible, orthognathic surgery may be performed.

Pediatric Orthodontics

The vast majority of orthodontic treatments are necessary due to the premature loss of baby teeth caused by cavities. Early extraction of baby teeth leads to the loss of space necessary for permanent teeth to erupt, preventing them from finding adequate space in the mouth.

In some cases, even if there are no crowding issues in baby teeth, skeletal and dental abnormalities can occur due to hereditary reasons during the transition to permanent teeth. Bad habits such as thumb and pacifier sucking also contribute to the development of skeletal abnormalities. Quitting these habits at an early age can stop the progression of these abnormalities and sometimes even correct them. Skeletal problems can also occur in some cases where nasal breathing is obstructed (such as in cases of enlarged tonsils and adenoids). For early diagnosis and treatment of such problems, every child should undergo an orthodontic examination.

Parental Orthodontic Monitoring:
The first baby teeth begin to erupt when a child is 6-8 months old, and tooth eruption continues until the age of 3. The dentition remains stable between the ages of 3-6, but begins to change around 6-7 years with the eruption of the front incisors and the back molars. While problems are generally not seen during the baby dentition phase, parents should pay particular attention to baby teeth that haven't erupted or are erupting in the wrong direction.
During the transition to permanent dentition, the following situations require attention:
• Early loss of baby teeth,
• Upper incisors erupting too far forward or backward,
• Color and shape abnormalities in newly erupted permanent teeth,
• Delayed eruption of permanent teeth due to failure of baby teeth to fall out on time,
• Cavities in the first molars erupting at age 6,
• The upper jaw being too narrow to cover the lower jaw, • The upper and lower
front teeth not overlapping,
• The presence of various bad habits such as thumb or pacifier sucking.

The importance of baby teeth
: It is a proven fact that premature extraction of cavities in baby teeth can lead to orthodontic problems and impacted permanent teeth within the jawbone.

Baby teeth begin to erupt in a specific order starting around the 6th month after birth, and all baby teeth will have erupted by approximately 2.5 years of age. A total of 20 baby teeth, in both the upper and lower jaws, remain in the mouth until the age of 6. From this period until the age of 12, all baby teeth are successively replaced by permanent teeth. During this transition period, large cavities and early loss of baby teeth can cause crowding due to the movement of the teeth further back into these spaces, and can also lead to permanent teeth failing to erupt and remaining impacted. Therefore, it is extremely important that baby teeth remain healthy in the mouth.

Orthodontic problems are not solely caused by factors during the primary dentition period. Orthodontic problems can also be genetically inherited from parents or older family members. In addition, insufficient breastfeeding during infancy, or incorrect use of bottles and pacifiers, as well as bad habits in childhood such as thumb sucking, lip sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing, can also lead to orthodontic problems.

Orthodontic devices are used in treatment.
The basic principle of orthodontic treatment is to first eliminate the cause and then correct the resulting disorder. If dental and skeletal disorders are caused by reasons such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing, removable or fixed devices are used to prevent the continuation of these habits. Stopping these behaviors during the growth period prevents or even corrects dental and skeletal problems.

Generally, there are two types of appliances:
Removable appliances, which are generally used to correct simple malocclusions involving a few teeth. These appliances may have springs to push the teeth together or screws to expand the jaw. These appliances can usually be used for a few months.

Fixed appliances, or brackets, are bonded to the teeth and are generally used in more complex treatments. Brackets can be metallic in color, or there are tooth-colored varieties produced for adult patients. Porcelain brackets are usually used in adult patients. Because these brackets show even the slightest discoloration, much more attention must be paid to oral hygiene.

In children during their growth period, correcting skeletal deformities may sometimes require support from areas outside the mouth. Chin straps can be used in cases where the lower jaw is protruding, and neck braces can be used to retract the upper jaw if it is protruding. Although these devices are generally used for 14-16 hours a day, your doctor will determine the specific usage times for your child.

Patient participation is crucial for effective and rapid orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics is a team game played between the patient, the doctor, and the parents. It is very important for patients to wear their removable appliances and intraoral elastics as instructed and for the prescribed duration, and to maintain a high level of oral hygiene.

The Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on Daily Life
: Orthodontic treatment is a common treatment used in childhood. During orthodontic treatment, a child can do almost anything except for minor restrictions. They can participate in sports, sing, and play musical instruments. Orthodontic treatment will not negatively affect a child's studies; on the contrary, it will improve both their appearance and oral health during the developmental stages of their personality and body, leading to a more balanced physical and mental health.

The most important thing to remember during treatment is to brush your child's teeth properly after every meal. Your doctor will help you with how to maintain good oral hygiene. Establishing a good brushing habit during orthodontic treatment guarantees lifelong oral and dental health.

Preventing damage to fixed devices is crucial for the effectiveness of the treatment. Biting on hard foods can damage the wires. To prevent this, it's sufficient to eat fruits with pits and foods like chips and crackers more carefully, and to avoid consuming foods that can stick to the brackets too frequently.

During the initial stages of treatment, you may experience temporary discomfort in your teeth, gums, and cheeks. This is a natural part of the adjustment process to orthodontic appliances. This mild discomfort, which may last 2-3 days, will likely not occur for the remainder of the treatment.

Treatment Duration:
Simple malocclusions affecting only the teeth require treatment ranging from 6 months to 1 year. This duration varies from patient to patient, depending on the type of treatment, the type of appliances used, and individual factors such as age and gender. In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to correct malocclusion. In this case, the treatment duration is usually between 18-24 months.

In some skeletal problems that are diagnosed early and require treatment starting in childhood, treatment may take longer, although the intensity of the treatment is reduced. During your treatment, you will need to visit your orthodontist approximately every 4-6 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on your treatment progress.

Adult Orthodontics:
Healthy, straight teeth and a beautiful smile are the first and most important steps for a person to express themselves correctly. Crooked and irregularly shaped teeth not only cause an aesthetically unpleasant appearance but also lead to deterioration in oral and overall health.

In childhood, necessary orthodontic treatments may not be possible due to financial problems. Sometimes, straight teeth can become misaligned later in life due to extractions or gum problems. Lost teeth can cause the remaining teeth to move into the gaps, leading to spacing or tilting of the teeth to one side. If the upper and lower teeth do not close properly, besides aesthetic problems, irregularities in the temporomandibular joint, pain, and even difficulty opening the jaw can begin. Misaligned teeth not only negatively affect dental and general health but also cause individuals to feel marginalized and unhappy in society.

In the past, porcelain veneers were used to correct dental irregularities. Today, thanks to advancements in treatment techniques and material technology, it is possible for adults to benefit from orthodontic treatment as well. With the use of aesthetic brackets and wires, orthodontic treatment can continue without anyone noticing.

The individual is free to do almost anything during orthodontic treatment, with only minor restrictions. They can continue their work and social life, and participate in all kinds of sports activities. Braces will not restrict activities such as speaking, singing, or playing a musical instrument.

Things to keep in mind during treatment:
It's normal to experience some discomfort at the beginning of your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth and oral tissues will adjust to the braces within a few days. Your doctor will take measures to minimize your initial discomfort.

The most important rule to follow during your treatment is to maintain the highest level of oral hygiene to protect your teeth and gums. To this end, your orthodontist will explain the appropriate brushing techniques. You should brush your teeth after every meal. Using dental floss during and after treatment will help prevent interproximal cavities.

To prevent damage to your braces, you should avoid hard and sticky foods. Foods with pits, such as olives and plums, nuts, and hard chocolate can damage your teeth and braces.

Treatment Duration:
Thanks to advancements in treatment techniques, it is now possible to apply fast and effective treatments even in adulthood. Simple malocclusions involving only the teeth require treatment that can range from 12 to 24 months. This duration varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of treatment, the type of appliances used, and individual factors such as age and gender.

During orthodontic treatment, appointments are generally scheduled every 4-6 weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on your treatment needs. You can consult your orthodontist about any problems you may encounter during treatment.

Lingual Orthodontics:
Another developing treatment method today is "Lingual Orthodontics," where brackets are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth. In lingual orthodontics, special brackets and wires are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth instead of the visible surfaces, so no one except you and your doctor can tell you are undergoing treatment. The lingual orthodontic treatment technique has its own limitations, advantages, and disadvantages. Your orthodontist will inform you about these after your examination. Innovations in orthodontics are not limited to this.