Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of science that deals with the irregularites of the teeth and jaws and their relationship and harmony to the face.

Why do Orthodontic problems occur?

Although most of the orthodontic problems are hereditary, it may occur as a result of structural problems affecting nasal airways (i.e. nasal and tonsil growth etc.), various parafunctional habits (finger or pacifier non-nutritive sucking) and teeth and sorrounding tissue loss.

What are the symptoms of orthodontic problems?

Deformations on the face and teeth and loss of chewing and biting functions are signs of orthodontic problems.

Orthodontic treatments in children

After the eruption of all the milk teeth, children must be brought to the dentist for check-up. In cases of inharmonious jaw, early interventions can be given following the growth and development.

The importance of orthodontic treatment in early ages

Early diagnosis is very important in the treatment of jaw bones by directing the growth development with various devices.

In cases of severe irregularity, it is possible to facilitate orthodontic treatment by directing the milk teeth after eruption.

How long does the orthodontic treatment last?

The variety of treatment to choose from and the compliance and cooperation in using the suggested devices significantly affect the duration of treatment.

If the patient do not have any compliance and compatibility problems, the active treatment lasts for an average of 12 months. The continuation treatment will be a period of consolidation and should last as the active treatment.

Living with braces

Living with braces is similar to having new glasses or new shoes. You will not encounter much problem but it there will be an adaptation process. There will be minor inconveniences in the first days. You may experience pain as a response to the forces applied to the teeth, but this pain does not last more than 3-4 days and responds to painkillers.

Although later you will forget that you have braces, the first few days may seem longer to you. Irritations in the mouth may occur but medical treatments and preventive drugs are available.

When you have braces, doctor’s instructions should be carefully observed. Otherwise, disturbances in the devices may affect the process of treatment and can lead to prolonged treatment time.

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is very important because caries and permanent stains may develop in areas that are not well cleaned and brushed. Serious gum diseases and inflammation might occur.

Follow-up checks

Follow-up checks are generally conducted every 4 weeks, but it can also be every 2-6 weeks depending on the situation.

Getting used to the orthodontic treatment

It may take 1 week on average for the patient to get used to the new braces. After such period, many patients report that they someties forget the existence of the braces and are already very used to it.

Eating and drinking habits

The dentist will give you a list of food and beverages to avoid.

Pain and loose teeth

You may experience periodic pain and there maybe loose teeth caused by the forces applied by orthodontic treatment as a result of physiological process provided that there were no clinically and radiologically problems detected before. 

Patient’s cooperation

The most important factor affecting the success and duration of treatment is the patient’s cooperation. Orthodontic treatments are treatments that require the participation of patients. Like in all other medical treatments, devices are used instead of drugs. Diseases cannot be treated when prescribed medications are not religiously followed. In the same way, doctor’s advice on orthodontic treatments must be followed to ensure a 100% success rate.   

Orthodontic treatments in children of 12 years and older

Orthodontic treatment can be applied to anyone as long as there are no diseases nor compliance and cooperation problem that will affect the treatment.  However, this generalization is not applicable at all times.

In cases where there are jaw adaptation and swallowing problem, jaw lock and finger sucking, orthodontic treatment can be applied in children as early as 4-5 years old.

Treatment options and apparatuses

Intraoral apparatuses include fixed and removable ones.

Face mask orthodontic apparatus, like headgear, are worn outside the mouth.

What are the risk associated with orthodontic treatment?

If there is no proper oral hygiene, caries and permanent stains may develop, as well as gum disease and gingival hyperplasia.

In rare cases, the root structure of the a weak tooth resorbs and    dark spots occur as a result of necrosis. However, these rare conditions can be solved by root canal treatment and teeth whitening.