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Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a treatment option to correct the incompatible positions of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment helps to prevent or treat dental crowding, incorrect relationships of the jaw bones, breathing and chewing problems, dental caries and gum diseases.
The basic principle of orthodontic treatment is to move the teeth and jaws by applying a certain force. This force can be provided by fixed or mobile devices. Fixed appliances consist of brackets and wires attached to the teeth. Movable devices consist of aligners or elastics that the patient can put in and take out of the mouth. In some cases, surgical treatments and orthodontic treatment progress together.
The time to start orthodontic treatment is around 6-7 years of age when the first permanent teeth begin to erupt. Since jaw development continues during this period, jaw disorders can be detected early and preventive treatments can be performed. Between the ages of 6-14, as the deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, tooth alignment is easy in this period and it is an important period for orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can also be applied to adults, only the treatment period is a little longer compared to young individuals because of the developmental status of adults. However, with the new treatment methods used today, orthodontic treatment is frequently performed in adults.
What are Orthodontic Treatment Methods?
Orthodontic treatment methods include various treatment options used to correct the incompatible positions of teeth and jaws and create a healthy oral structure. These treatment methods are applied both to eliminate aesthetic concerns and to provide functional improvements.
Metal Braces (Braces): Braces, commonly used in orthodontic treatment, are fixed appliances used to straighten teeth and adjust the jaw structure. Brackets, which are usually metal in color, consist of retaining parts that adhere to the tooth surface and thin dental wires connected to these parts. They provide correction by acting with the forces applied to the teeth. Rubber rings, called ligatures, connect the brackets to the wires and can be personalized with color options.
Covered Braces (Self Ligating): Covered brackets used in braces treatment are tiny retaining pieces that stick to the surface of the teeth. Covered brackets aim to speed up the treatment process by reducing friction in braces treatment. These brackets, which have tiny attachments that adhere to the surface of the teeth, support tooth movement with less friction. In this way, the treatment time is shortened and provides a more comfortable experience.
White Wires (Porcelain Wire): Porcelain or transparent wires, which emerged with the advancement of technology, are used as an alternative to metal brackets. It can be made of materials such as plastic, glass silica, and can be transparent or white in color. With the special brackets developed, it provides the effect offered by metal brackets and also offers an aesthetic appearance. They attract less attention than traditional metal wires.
Iconix Brackets: Iconix brackets are light-colored metal brackets. These brackets combine the durability of metal and the aesthetic advantage of clear brackets. It offers a wide range of color options for appearance preferences.
Transparent Aligners: Today, the increase in orthodontic treatment demands of adults has led to the development of removable and almost invisible transparent aligners, especially for people who do not prefer fixed braces. Transparent aligners, commonly known as Invisalign and other well-known brands, are produced personalized according to the individual's dental measurements. Each aligner is usually worn for 2-3 weeks. The advantages of this method include the fact that the plaques are almost invisible and can be removed at any time.
Lingual Orthodontics (Internal Wire): Lingual orthodontics is a treatment method in which brackets are positioned on the back surface of the teeth. In this way, the brackets are invisible from the outside and provide an aesthetic experience throughout the treatment process.
Removable Appliances (Palatal Rest): Removable appliances, which are widely used in children, help correct simple dental disorders. It is cost-effective and easy to use with its plug-in features.
Fixed Functional Devices (Powerscope): Fixed functional devices used to correct situations where the lower jaw is backwards provide skeletal correction. Effective results can be achieved when used at the appropriate age.
Temporary Abutment Screws (Anchor Screws): Tiny screws placed in the bone to support tooth movements offer a sensitive treatment option. It does not affect other teeth and can speed up the treatment process.
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Start?
The start of orthodontic treatment should generally be around the age of 6-7, when the first permanent teeth begin to emerge. This age range is a critical period in which jaw disorders can be detected early and preventive treatments can be applied, as jaw development continues. Another important period is the period between the ages of 6 and 14. In this age range, as milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, tooth alignment becomes easier, making it a suitable time for orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can be applied not only to young individuals but also to adults. However, due to arrested development in adults, the treatment period may be slightly longer than in younger individuals. Thanks to the modern treatment methods used today, orthodontic treatment is performed frequently and successfully in adults as well.
What are the Orthodontic Treatment Stages?
1. First Examination
At the first examination appointment, the patient's complaints are listened to. A comprehensive clinical examination determines whether orthodontic treatment is needed. Information about treatment options, duration and cost is given.
2. Start Records
Initial records are taken so that the treatment can be planned individually. Intra- and extraoral photographs, dental models, X-rays and, if necessary, computerised tomography are used to determine the patient's condition.
3. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Based on Analyses
Mouth models, photographs and x-rays are analysed and a personalised treatment plan is prepared. Treatment options and expectations are explained to the patient in detail.
4. Active Treatment Period
It is the period when orthodontic appliances are placed and activations are performed with monthly controls. Early intervention is important in skeletal disorders. Active treatment includes the stages of guiding jaw development and correcting tooth alignment.
5. Passive Treatment Period
After the active treatment is completed, the passive treatment period is started to maintain the results obtained. The alignment of the teeth is maintained by using fixed reinforcement braces and removable transparent appliances. During this period, it is important to pay attention to regular check-ups and oral care.
In order to achieve success in the orthodontic treatment process, appropriate care and participation is required at every stage of the process.
The duration of an individual's orthodontic treatment may vary from person to person. Factors affecting the duration of treatment include the patient's complaints, the complexity of the treatment plan and the characteristics of the disorder being treated.
Another factor that determines the duration of treatment is whether it is possible to correct some conditions, such as malocclusion, in a single stage of treatment. In some cases, the treatment may need to be divided into two or three stages to achieve success. The duration varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic treatment.
While simpler orthodontic problems can usually be solved within a few months, more complex problems may require 1-2 years to achieve successful results. The duration of treatment also depends on factors such as how early the patient starts treatment, how much compliance with the treatment plan and how much attention the orthodontist pays to the orthodontist's recommendations during treatment.
In conclusion, the duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on individual factors and treatment requirements, and each patient's case should be assessed individually.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Orthodontic treatment is a long process and it is important for patients to be patient and careful during the treatment process. Treatment requires the effective participation of not only the doctor but also the patient. In this process, it is very important for patients to comply with the treatment plan, pay attention to the doctor's recommendations and pay attention to their personal hygiene.
Eating and Drinking Rules: One of the most affecting factors in the orthodontic treatment process is the choice of food and beverages. After starting treatment, hard nuts, unsliced hard fruits and foods that may damage braces should be avoided. Consumption of foods such as hard bread edges, chips, caramel and chewing gum should be avoided. When consuming meat with bones, the bones should be separated beforehand and only soft meat should be consumed.
Care should also be taken when choosing beverages. Consumption of acidic drinks should be avoided, and drinks such as buttermilk, fruit juice and milk should be preferred.
Oral and Teeth Cleaning: Food residues accumulated between orthodontic appliances may pose a risk to teeth and gum health. Therefore, teeth should be brushed regularly after every meal. The toothbrush should be chosen according to the tooth structure and should be changed regularly. Flossing is also important. Oral cleaning habits should be continued throughout and after the treatment process.
Doctor Appointments: Regular doctor appointments are very critical during the orthodontic treatment process. These appointments are important to check that the treatment plan is implemented correctly, detect possible problems early and manage the treatment process effectively. In case of any breakage, breakage or emergency in the braces, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
Compliance with these rules helps patients manage the orthodontic treatment process more effectively. Participation and compliance in this process supports the successful completion of treatment and the achievement of permanent results.
What should be considered in the orthodontic treatment process?
