What is Orthodontics?

Improper alignment of teeth hinders proper functioning of teeth and thus, correct occlusion fails. The condition causes an aesthetic problem for the patient. The treatment used to manage this condition is called orthodontics.

Numerous children and adults face not only aesthetic problems, but also functional ones (chewing and speaking) secondary to poorly aligned teeth and bite problems. Most of these problems originate from misaligned teeth and jaws at incorrect position. Here, orthodontic treatment is ready to change life of you or your child.

What is cause of Orthodontic Disorders?

• Orthodontic problems can be congenital or secondary to genetic predisposition.
• They can also be caused by long-term use of nursing bottle or pacifier by babies. These hazardous habits should have been left behind to consider orthodontic treatment in children.
• Misalignment occurs when spaces are present secondary to tooth extraction before orthodontic treatment or teeth are so overlapped that they cannot fit into the jaw bone.
• Early erupting primary teeth are among other factors that can cause misalignment in the long term.

What are Orthodontic Treatments?

Comparing to other treatment methods, orthodontic treatments take longer time. After severity and stage of misalignment or crooked teeth are determined, a treatment method is selected. Teeth are also evaluated to check possible decays. Treatment is recommended for such teeth, if any. Duration and method of orthodontic treatment are subject to interpatient variations depending on severity of problems in teeth.

Metal or aesthetic (transparent) braces are used to solve bite-related problems of your or your child completely and your teeth can be excellently aligned just as you have dreamed of. Thus, you may also have the smile that you have dreamed of. Brace therapies have been safely used for many years and they offer ever increasingly aesthetic and comfortable solutions thanks to advanced technology. However, brace-free orthodontics (Invisalign) is a treatment method that consists of almost invisible, transparent, comfortable and removable plates. Most up-to-date and technological approaches of these treatments are available for you in our clinic.

When should an orthodontic examination be considered?

Orthodontic examination at regular intervals should be started at age of 6 years on average, when primary teeth are lost and adult teeth start erupting. However, it may be necessary to have orthodontic examination at earlier ages in case of long-term use of pacifier and nursing bottle in infancy, thumb sucking or problems that lead to breathing through mouth.

What is age limit for Orthodontic Treatment?

There is no age limitation for this treatment. Adults can also have orthodontic treatment and use braces or transparent plates easily and comfortably. Orthodontic treatment is the only modality to solve skeletal problems and developmental issues that involve bones in children, while we may, sometimes, need orthognathic surgery in adult patients.

Does Orthodontic Treatment Cause Pain?

One may feel pain while chewing especially in first several days of the treatment. However, the pain will gradually regress and disappear in several days. Pain killers can be taken, if advised by physician, when it is necessary.

What are Considerations in Orthodontic Treatment?

It is necessary to avoid solid foods with shell, acidic drinks and sticky foods, such as chewing gum and Turkish delight, throughout the orthodontic treatment. It is necessary not to eat or drink anything and not to smoke while transparent plates are in the mouth cavity. Moreover, oral hygiene requires far extra attention throughout the treatment.

How Can I ensure Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene requires extra attention during treatment to maintain dental health; oral hygiene should be performed strictly in line with instructions of dentist. These include brushing teeth correctly, use of interdental brushes and mouthwash solutions. If these factors are ignored, potential outcomes will be discoloration of teeth, decays and swelling, redness, bleeding and inflammation in gums.