What is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatments, known as braces treatment, are methods used to correct crooked teeth and gaps in teeth.

What are Braces?

Braces are the main tools of orthodontic treatments. The suitability and treatment process of braces are determined by our specialist dentists after examining the patient's oral and dental structure. There are several different types of braces.

Metal Braces: These are braces that stand out for their durability. Although they are aesthetically less appealing, they are among the most preferred braces because they provide quick solutions.
Porcelain Braces: Although not as durable as metal braces, porcelain braces are more aesthetically pleasing due to their transparent structure and are among the most used types in braces treatment.
Lingual Braces: Although porcelain braces are aesthetically acceptable, they are easily noticeable in the mouth. Lingual braces, on the other hand, are made in a way that they are not visible from the outside as they are placed on the back of the teeth, and are generally preferred by adult patients.
Clear Aligners: This is a treatment method preferred by patients who do not want to use braces. It is used to correct relatively smaller problems.

When Should Orthodontic Examination Be Done First?

Orthodontic examination for children should be done between the ages of 6 – 7. Early examinations prevent potential future problems.

How Are Braces Applied?

First, our specialist dentists control the patient's oral and dental structure and decide on the treatment process. If there are any other treatments that need to be applied before the braces treatment, those are arranged first. Once all processes are completed, the braces treatment begins. The steps to be followed for braces treatment are:

Using an apparatus called a retractor, the contact between the teeth and the cheeks and lips is cut off. Thus, the teeth are prevented from getting wet and the effect of the adhesive applied to the tooth surface is increased.
Brackets are fixed on top of the specially applied adhesive.
After each attachment, a blue light is applied to the teeth to harden the adhesive and secure it.
After all the teeth are attached with braces, the retractors are removed, completing the braces application process.
Throughout the treatment period, the position of the brackets is changed by pulling the wires. The treatment continues until the teeth reach the desired position.

Benefits of Braces

Braces treatments are important not only aesthetically but also for dental health.

Benefits;

At the end of the treatment, it allows the person to smile freely and increases self-confidence.
It makes chewing easier and reduces the effort needed to eat.
Prevents teeth that are in the wrong place from straining the gums.
Prevents tooth drift or breakage caused by crooked teeth.
Positively affects speech in some special cases.
Prevents jaw problems with early diagnosis.
Improves the aesthetic appearance by correcting the shape of the face and jaw.

What Should Be Considered After Orthodontic Treatment?

As with any treatment method, necessary care should be taken for oral and dental health after braces treatment. At the same time, dental check-ups should not be neglected to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

Teeth should be brushed properly after every meal.
Appointments should be kept throughout the braces treatment.
Necessary appliances and elastics should be worn regularly throughout the treatment period.
Hard foods should not be consumed, and all foods should be eaten in small bites.
All foods with seeds should be consumed by removing the seeds.
Biting with the front teeth should be avoided.