Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth that are positioned improperly for any reason, ensuring they are properly aligned on the jawbones, and treating facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment is used to achieve properly aligned, non-crowded teeth. Today, orthodontics is used not only to correct crooked teeth but also to treat lower and mid-face irregularities. Dentrum Private Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic in Adana explains everything you need to know about orthodontics.
How Is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?
Orthodontic treatment is divided into two main categories: removable and fixed treatment. Removable treatment involves appliances and clear aligners that patients can insert and remove themselves. It is particularly successful in correcting mild crowding and gaps between teeth. Fixed orthodontic treatment, on the other hand, uses fixed brackets that the patient cannot remove. These special braces, made from either metal or ceramic materials, gradually move the teeth into their proper positions and correct misalignment.
Additionally, appliances such as chin cups and headgear may be used to correct certain jaw problems. These treatments are also considered part of orthodontic care.
Treatment Process and Age Limit
No Age Limit – Orthodontic treatment can be performed at any age, from childhood through adulthood. The ideal age for a child's first orthodontic examination is considered to be between 7 and 8 years old.
Treatment Duration – Depending on the severity of the condition, orthodontic treatment generally lasts between 12 and 24 months.
Retention Period – After treatment, retainers or clear retainers must be used to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their previous positions. This stage is called the retention period.
What Should Be Considered After Orthodontic Treatment?
There are several important points patients should pay attention to after orthodontic treatment. It should be remembered that teeth naturally tend to move back toward their original positions after treatment. Everyday functions such as chewing and biting may cause the teeth to shift forward, potentially leading to the recurrence of orthodontic problems. Two preventive measures can be taken to avoid this. The first is the use of fixed retainers after the braces are removed. These retainers are easy to clean and comfortable to use. Another option is removable retainers. These transparent retainers are worn throughout the day for the first six months following treatment. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress and may gradually reduce the wearing time.
Maintaining the properly aligned teeth achieved after orthodontic treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. To prevent the teeth from returning to their previous positions, the retention phase should be followed carefully, and regular orthodontic check-ups should not be neglected.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. The treatment timeline depends entirely on the individual's condition. It should be remembered that orthodontic treatment is generally a long-term process. Problems such as bite irregularities may sometimes be corrected with a single stage of treatment, while other cases may require two or three phases. Mild orthodontic issues may be resolved within a few months, whereas more complex cases may require one and a half to two years, depending on the patient's needs.
What Is the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Dentists provide general oral and dental care and perform a wide range of treatments. Orthodontists, on the other hand, are dental specialists who focus exclusively on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws. Their treatment methods and areas of expertise differ significantly. Dentists perform procedures such as cavity treatment, fillings, tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and teeth whitening. Orthodontists use braces and clear aligners to correct structural irregularities of the teeth and jaws.
Dentists graduate after completing a five-year dental education program. Orthodontists receive additional specialist training after earning their dental degree.
Are Orthodontics and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery the Same?
Although orthodontics and oral & maxillofacial surgery are sometimes confused, they are two entirely different fields. Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves surgical procedures used in adults whose upper and lower jaws are not properly positioned or whose teeth do not fit together correctly when the mouth is closed. Orthodontics, on the other hand, focuses on correcting structural problems of the teeth and jaws using braces and aligners. Depending on the patient's individual needs, either or both treatment options may be recommended.
Does an Orthodontist Apply Braces?
Dental braces can only be applied by orthodontists who are specialists in their field.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Harmful?
When orthodontic treatment is performed by qualified specialists under professional clinical conditions and the patient maintains proper oral hygiene, it is not harmful. On the contrary, once crowded teeth are properly aligned, brushing becomes much easier and more effective, contributing significantly to better oral health.
What Happens If Orthodontic Treatment Is Not Performed?
If orthodontic treatment is needed but not carried out, patients may experience numerous problems. Nearly all orthodontic issues negatively affect the appearance of the smile. In addition, bite problems may interfere with proper jaw development. The likelihood of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders also increases. Patients may experience difficulties with chewing, biting, and speaking. Cleaning crowded teeth is much more difficult because proper brushing and flossing become challenging, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Furthermore, aesthetic concerns may negatively affect self-confidence, social interactions, and psychological well-being.
What Conditions Does Orthodontics Treat?
Orthodontic treatment is not only performed to improve the appearance of a smile but also provides long-term benefits for oral and dental health. Orthodontics addresses the following conditions:
Crowded Teeth – When teeth do not fit properly within the jaw and overlap each other, the condition is known as crowding and can be corrected through orthodontic treatment.
Spacing Between Teeth – Excessive gaps between teeth can be aesthetically undesirable and can be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
Bite Problems – Conditions where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly.
Jaw Misalignment – Structural problems such as a protruding or retruded lower jaw or a narrow upper jaw can be improved through orthodontic treatment.
Impacted Teeth – Teeth that fail to erupt properly and remain trapped beneath the jawbone are also among the conditions treated by orthodontists.
When Should Children Have Their First Orthodontic Examination?
Many parents mistakenly believe that an orthodontic examination is only necessary when braces are needed. However, specialists recommend that children undergo their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven. At the age of 7–8:
- Jaw development can be evaluated in detail.
- The effects of habits such as thumb sucking can be identified.
- The risk of impacted teeth can be detected.
- Skeletal abnormalities of the mouth and jaw can be diagnosed early.
Early diagnosis can help prevent more complex conditions that may otherwise require surgical treatment later in life.
What Is Clear Aligner Treatment?
Clear aligner treatment is a modern orthodontic method designed to correct orthodontic problems using nearly invisible and aesthetically pleasing appliances.
Custom-made clear aligners apply controlled pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their ideal positions.
The advantages of clear aligner treatment include:
- An aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Easy insertion and removal
- Ability to remove them while eating
- Significant advantages for maintaining oral hygiene
- Elimination of the need for metal brackets
These advantages make clear aligners a popular choice among adult patients.
What Types of Braces Are Used in Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment utilizes various types of brackets made from different materials. These include:
Metal Brackets – Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used type of orthodontic appliance. They offer excellent durability and remain popular because they are a more cost-effective treatment option.
Ceramic Brackets – Tooth-colored ceramic brackets are preferred by individuals seeking a more aesthetic appearance.
Lingual Orthodontics – In this method, brackets are attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth. Since they are hidden from view, they provide significant aesthetic advantages.
Clear Aligners – Preferred by patients seeking an orthodontic solution without traditional braces, clear aligners can be easily removed and reinserted, offering a practical and comfortable treatment experience.
How Should Nutrition Be Managed During Orthodontic Treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, patients should be cautious about consuming certain foods. In particular:
- Hard nuts
- Ice cubes
- Chewing gum
- Caramel
- Sticky candies and sweets
- Hard candies
These foods may damage the brackets. In addition, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber contributes to a smoother treatment process.
How Should Oral Care Be Maintained During Orthodontic Treatment?
One of the most important aspects of orthodontic treatment is maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
The areas around braces provide an ideal environment for plaque accumulation. Therefore:
- Brush your teeth after every meal.
- Use orthodontic toothbrushes.
- Use interdental brushes.
- Floss regularly and use mouthwash.
- Do not miss your regular dental check-ups.
Inadequate oral hygiene may lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Are the Results of Orthodontic Treatment Permanent?
The results achieved through orthodontic treatment are generally long-lasting. However, teeth naturally tend to shift throughout life. Therefore, the retention period following orthodontic treatment is extremely important. As recommended by your orthodontist:
Fixed retainers and protective clear retainers should be used regularly to maintain the teeth in their new positions.
What Benefits Do Patients Gain Before and After Orthodontic Treatment?
After successful orthodontic treatment, patients benefit not only from improved aesthetics but also from:
- Improved chewing function
- Reduced speech problems and speech disorders
- Easier maintenance of oral hygiene
- A lower risk of developing gum disease
- Better distribution of pressure on the jaw joints
- Increased self-confidence and improved self-image in social life
Orthodontic treatment provides both aesthetic and functional improvements, significantly enhancing a person's overall quality of life.
What Are the Costs of Orthodontic Treatment?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on several factors. The patient's condition, treatment requirements, materials used, the orthodontist's experience, and many other factors may affect the overall treatment cost. For up-to-date and accurate information regarding orthodontic treatment fees, you can contact an oral and dental health clinic.
Which Cities Do We Provide Orthodontic Treatment Services In?
Dentrum Private Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic is a healthcare institution based in Adana. However, it also provides orthodontic treatment services to patients from various cities across Türkiye, particularly neighboring provinces such as Hatay, Mersin, and Osmaniye.
What is orthodontics? Hakkında Sıkça Sorulan Sorular
Mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur during the first few days of treatment or after orthodontic adjustments. This is generally temporary and usually resolves on its own within a few days.
Some patients may experience minor speech changes during the initial adjustment period. However, most people adapt quickly and return to their normal speech patterns within a short time.
The most suitable treatment depends on each patient's individual needs and orthodontic condition. For some patients, clear aligners may be sufficient, while others may achieve better results with fixed braces. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation is necessary to determine the most appropriate option.
Yes. However, if you participate in contact sports, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is recommended to help protect your teeth, braces, and oral tissues.
Not for every patient. However, in cases of severe crowding or limited space within the dental arch, an orthodontist may recommend tooth extraction as part of the treatment plan.
Yes. Orthodontic treatment can be successfully performed in adults of all ages, provided their teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment. Adult orthodontic treatment can achieve highly effective results.
Clear aligners should typically be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Consistent wear is essential for achieving the planned treatment outcomes.
Teeth may gradually shift after treatment if the retention phase is not followed properly. Wearing retainers as instructed by your orthodontist is an important part of maintaining long-term treatment results.
Orthodontic treatment is available at dental clinics in Adana that provide orthodontic care. At Dentrum Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, treatment options such as metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners are planned according to each patient's individual needs, with the goal of achieving a healthy, functional, and well-aligned smile.