Which treatments does orthodontics perform?
The correction of teeth and jaw structures is a branch of dentistry known as orthodontics. Orthodontic treatments are performed for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Orthodontists are specialists in straightening crooked teeth, correcting jaw disorders and improving facial appearance. Orthodontic treatments include: Fixed Braces: Ceramic or metal brackets are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. The teeth are moved to the desired position by means of wires attached to the brackets. Removable Orthodontic Appliances: It is used in the treatment of some minor tooth and jaw disorders. The patient can take one of these appliances off and put it on. Lingual Orthodontics: This treatment is invisible from the outside and aesthetically preferred because brackets are placed on the inner surface of the teeth. Invisalign and Similar Clear Aligners: This treatment method is performed using clear, removable plastic aligners, which are aesthetically preferred, especially by adult patients. Orthodontic expanders used when the upper or lower jaw needs to be enlarged. It is especially used in permanent and deciduous babies. Jaw Surgery: Surgical intervention may be required in addition to orthodontic treatment in the treatment of severe jaw disorders. Retention Appliances: It is used to maintain the new position of the teeth after they have been straightened. Retention appliances can be both fixed and removable. Functional Appliances: It is used to correct this growth inequality in cases where the growth of the upper and lower jaw is unequal. Habit Breaker Appliances: Used to break habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. Preventive Treatment of Dental and Skeletal Anomalies: Used to prevent the progression of anomalies or to solve problems with simpler treatments.
What does orthodontics cover?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry and deals with the correct alignment of the teeth, jaw and face. Orthodontic treatments are performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons, so that individuals can have a healthier mouth and a more aesthetic smile. Orthodontics covers a wide range of treatments and procedures. Tooth Alignment: It includes treatments to correct crooked, crowded or spaced teeth. Jaw Disorders: In cases where the upper and lower jaws are incompatible with each other, it focuses on treatments to bring these jaws into the correct position. Skeletal Anomalies: It is used for the treatment of skeletal problems in the face and jawbone. Developmental Anomalies: It covers the treatment of dental and jaw problems that are congenital or develop in the first years of life. Habit Breaking Treatments: It includes methods applied to treat dental and jaw disorders caused by bad habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Early Intervention: Monitoring the development of teeth and jaws in children, early diagnosis and treatment of small problems that may lead to bigger problems in the future. Adult Orthodontics: Specialized methods for the treatment of orthodontic problems in adults. Orthodontic Retention: Retention treatments applied to maintain the new position of the teeth after treatment. Jaw Surgery: Surgical interventions in addition to orthodontic treatment in severe jaw disorders. Interdisciplinary Orthodontics: Combined treatments performed together with other branches of dentistry such as periodontology, prosthodontics, oral surgery.
Who is orthodontic treatment applied to?
Teeth and jaw structure are corrected through orthodontic treatment. Although many people think that orthodontic treatment is only necessary for children and adolescents, in reality it can be applied to all age groups. Children and Adolescents: This age group is the most common group for orthodontic treatment. Since the development of teeth and jaw structures continues during this period, starting treatment early can prevent problems in the future without the need for more complex treatments. Adults: Orthodontic treatment for aesthetic or functional reasons is possible for adults who have not received orthodontic treatment before or whose treatment has not been completed. Due to advancing technologies and aesthetic orthodontic options (e.g. clear aligners or lingual brackets), adults are also opting for treatment. People with jaw disorders: Suitable for people of all ages. Some severe jaw disorders can be treated with orthodontic treatment and surgery. Bad Habits: Bad habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can cause tooth and jaw disorders in some children. Disorders caused by such habits can be corrected with orthodontic treatments. People with complex dental problems: Some people require orthodontic treatment for overbite, missing teeth or other complex dental problems. Such conditions may require the intervention of orthodontics and other branches of dentistry. People with Periodontal Problems: For people with gum disease, proper alignment of the teeth can also improve gum health. Patients with periodontal problems may therefore be candidates for orthodontic treatment.
How many days does orthodontics heal?
When talking about the “healing” process of orthodontic treatment, it is important to understand that this process is long-term in nature. Orthodontics is a treatment that usually takes months or even years to move the teeth and jaw into the correct position. However, the “recovery” that patients often wonder about is when the initial discomfort that may be experienced after starting treatment will pass. Initial Discomforts: When orthodontic treatment is started, especially when fixed brackets or wires are worn, mild sensitivity or pain in the teeth and gums may occur in the first few days. This discomfort is usually at its peak in the first 3-7 days of treatment and then decreases rapidly. Long-Term Treatment Process: The duration of orthodontic treatment required to bring the teeth and jaw into the correct position may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the problem, the treatment method used and the age of the patient. This period usually ranges from a few months to several years. Adjustments and Check-ups: During treatment, the orthodontist will adjust the braces or appliance at regular intervals. After these adjustments, mild discomfort may occur again, but it is usually not as severe as the initial discomfort and soon passes. Post-Treatment Retention: After the completion of orthodontic treatment, the retention phase is started in order for the teeth to maintain their new position. The retention appliance or wire used at this stage prevents the teeth from returning to their old position.
How many months does orthodontic treatment last?
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary greatly depending on the age of the patient, the current condition of the teeth and jaw, the severity of the problem to be treated and the treatment method used. Mild Tooth Disorders: If only a simple problem is being treated, such as mild tooth crowding or spaced teeth, the duration of treatment can usually range from 6 months to 12 months. Moderate Tooth Disorders: In cases of moderate tooth crowding, crooked teeth or crowding, the treatment period usually lasts between 12 months and 24 months. Severe Tooth and Jaw Disorders: For severe jaw disorders, deep bites, open bites or conditions that require extensive correction of the entire mouth, the treatment period can last from 24 months to 36 months or longer. In such cases, it may be necessary to treat not only with orthodontic treatment, but also with oral surgical interventions. Treatment Method Used: There may be differences in treatment duration between treatment with traditional metal brackets and clear aligner systems (e.g. Invisalign) or lingual braces. Age of the Patient: In children and teenagers, the bone structure is more flexible, so treatment can often progress faster than in adults. However, successful results can also be achieved in adults, only the treatment time may be slightly longer. Patient’s Cooperation: The success of orthodontic treatment depends largely on the patient’s cooperation. If the patient uses his/her appliance regularly in accordance with the orthodontist’s instructions and does not miss appointments, the treatment period can progress as planned.
What shouldn’t orthodontic patients eat?
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially if fixed brackets or wires are used, should avoid certain foods to avoid damaging their teeth or treatment appliance. Listed below are foods that orthodontic patients should eliminate from their diet or consume with caution: Hard Foods: Hard nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds; hard fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots; hard crackers or chips can damage the brackets. If such foods are to be consumed, they should be cut into small pieces or cooked to soften them. Sticky and Chewy Foods: Sticky sweets and candies such as gum, jelly beans, caramel, marshmallows can stick to the brackets and dislodge them. Hard Candies: Sugary candies, lollipops or hard bonbons can damage the brackets when chewed. Very Acidic Foods and Drinks: Consuming excessive amounts of acidic drinks such as citrus fruits, lemonade or soda can damage tooth enamel. This is especially noticeable in the areas under the brackets. Foods to Gnaw on: Gnawing on hard things like ice cubes, bones, or pencil leads can break brackets. Bread Crusts and Corn Cobs: Care should be taken when removing hard bread crusts or corn kernels directly from the cob. These types of foods can dislodge the brackets. Popped Corn: Unpopped corn kernels or hard corn husks can damage the brackets. Also, such food debris can easily get stuck between the brackets. Carbonated Drinks: Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks can stimulate the production of acid, which damages tooth enamel.
Is orthodontics painful?
Orthodontics is a treatment method used to correct tooth and jaw disorders. During the orthodontic treatment process, one of the issues that patients are most curious about is whether the treatment is painful or not. Treatment Initiation: When orthodontic treatment begins, especially when brackets or wires are first inserted, some sensitivity or mild pain may occur in the teeth and gums. This is caused by the teeth starting to move into a new position. This discomfort is usually at its most intense during the first few days and then decreases rapidly. Adjustments: During treatment, the orthodontist will adjust the brackets or wires at regular intervals. After these adjustments, slight discomfort or sensitivity may be felt, but this is usually short-lived. Removable Appliances: Slight pressure or discomfort may be felt during the insertion and removal of removable orthodontic appliances, but this is usually not a painful process. Oral Hygiene: Brackets or wires can cause food debris to become trapped. This can lead to inflammation of the gums, which can cause sensitivity. Regular oral hygiene helps prevent such discomfort. Jaw Surgery: Surgical intervention may be required to treat severe jaw disorders. Surgical interventions are usually performed under general anesthesia and there is a recovery period after surgery. There may be pain and tenderness during this time, but it can be kept under control with painkillers recommended by the doctor.
Does orthodontics pull teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is applied to ensure the correct alignment of the jaw and teeth. The patient’s tooth and jaw structure, the severity of the orthodontic problem and treatment goals determine the treatment plan. In some cases, tooth extraction may be required during this planning process. Excessive Congestion: If the patient’s mouth is overcrowded and there is not enough space for teeth, it is sometimes necessary to extract several teeth. This helps to align the other teeth correctly. Excess Teeth: Some patients may have more teeth than normal, known as “supernumerary teeth”. These additional teeth can be extracted if they interfere with the proper alignment of the other teeth. Orthodontic and Surgical Treatment: The severity of jaw disorders may require surgical intervention as well as orthodontic treatment. Sometimes tooth extraction may be necessary for such combined treatments. Incompatibility Between Teeth: If the upper and lower teeth are incompatible and this prevents the teeth from closing properly, tooth extraction may be an option. Dental Health Problems: During the process of planning orthodontic treatment, you may find that some teeth have health problems. For example, teeth with a lot of decay or gum disease can complicate the treatment process and therefore may need to be extracted.
