Orthodontics (Braces)

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of dental disorders in the mouth, lower and upper jaw. People who carry out orthodontic treatments are called orthodontists. The main treatment of dental disorders in the lower and upper jaws is the braces treatment. Aesthetic appearance is as important as oral health in todays world and braces are applied by considering the tooth structure and specific needs of the person.

What are the causes of orthodontic problems (dental disorders)?

Problems with otolaryngology: When problems related to ear, nose and throat are not intervened in a timely manner, it also causes problems with oral and dental health, especially in children who are in the development period. Untreated adenoid and tonsil problems prevent the jawbone from developing in a healthy way and the teeth to settle in the correct and appropriate position.

Genetic factors: Similar to eye color, having a narrow upper jaw or perpendicular teeth are among the genetic factors that can be passed from mother and father to child. For this reason, children with parents who have orthodontic problems should definitely be under the care of a dentist, starting from the eruption of baby teeth and before the permanent teeth emerge.

Bad habits: Bad habits such as finger sucking, using a bottle for a long time, tongue and lip sucking, teeth grinding, nail biting, especially during the active use of milk teeth, negatively affect the child’s jaw development and form the basis of orthodontic problems.

What do braces do?

Braces treatment has a very important role in the correction of jaw and dental disorders that occur in childhood. Orthodontic treatment is used in the treatment of mouth and jaw structure disorders, tooth order related disorders and seperate teeth.

How long do braces treatment take?

The duration of braces treatment varies according to the level of the orthodontic problem of each patient.  Your dentist determines your treatment process according to your mouth and teeth structure. Skeletal deformities may require a treatment between 2 and 2.5 years, while dental distortions require 9 and 24 months.

What are the types of braces?

A single type of braces was used in the past but as aesthetic needs have become important,  braces that support the healthy development of the teeth as well as their beautiful appearance have started to be preferred nowadays. 4 types of braces are used to ensure the correct position of the patient’s teeth. These are metal brackets, transparent plates, lingual brackets and porcelain brackets. The duration of the treatment varies according to the age of the person applied. Treatment durations also differ from one another. The choice of braces is determined by the joint decision of the dentist and the patient, taking into account the needs and aesthetic expectations of the patient.

1. Metal Brackets

Having been used for a long time now, metal brackets are the most preferred type by dentists. They are placed on the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth and are the most durable and long lasting of all braces.

2. Porcelain Brackets

Porcelain brackets, also known as transparent braces, have a more aesthetic appearance than metal brackets. As it is less visible and has an aesthetic appearance, it is generally preferred by adult and female patients. Porcelain brackets have a more sensitive structure than metal brackets. Therefore, one must be careful when using them.

3. Lingual Brackets

Lingual Brackets are braces that are attached to the posterior surface of the teeth and preferred by adult patients who attach importance to aesthetics as they are not visible.

4. Transparent Plates

Transparent plates are wire-free orthodontic applications. Plates, also known as transparent braces, are removable, unlike other braces. After preparing the appropriate plates for you, your doctor gives them to you and determines the duration you need to wear them during the day. You should remove the plates before eating, and wear them after cleaning your teeth. Plates, which provide ease of use compared to braces, have a different duration of use and updating according to your teeth. Therefore, a personalized treatment plan should be determined and the person should act strictly in accordance with this process.

What to consider for the treatment of braces?

The most important thing to consider for the treatment of braces is regular cleaning of the braces and mouth during the treatment. Apart from this,

  • There should be no food residue between the braces especially after eating.
  • Acidic foods and drinks should be avoided.
  • You should consume foods recommended by your dentist during the period of using braces.
  • Foods that can stick to teeth such as chewing gum should be avoided.

Do braces cause pain?

There is no pain or ache during the braces bonding process, but you may start to feel pain a week after the application. The reason for this is the pain experienced after the pressure applied to your teeth with braces. Your doctor will give you painkillers in the first period of your treatment to deal with this pain.

What is the best age of orthodontic treatment?

The most suitable age is 10-12 years. However, depending on the magnitude of the problems in the mouth and jaw, orthodontic treatment may need to be started earlier.

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