Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with treating all kinds of disorders of teeth that are crooked, not suitable for the jaw structure, and that negatively affect speech and chewing functions. These treatments are generally performed to straighten the teeth, ensure a proper bite, correct the jaw structure and improve the aesthetic appearance. Orthodontic treatment can be done using different devices such as braces or clear aligners.

Orthodontic Treatment Process

Orthodontic treatment is a method used to correct the position of teeth and jaw structure. The treatment process may vary depending on the needs and condition of each patient. But in general, an orthodontic treatment process consists of the following steps:

Examination and Diagnosis: The first step is the examination of a dentist who examines the patient’s teeth and jaw structure. The physician evaluates the condition of the patient’s teeth and jaw and informs the patient about treatment options.

Treatment Planning: The physician prepares a treatment plan appropriate to the patient’s condition. This plan includes information about how the teeth will be moved, what tools will be used, and the duration and cost of the treatment.

Attaching Brackets or Transparent Plates: Before the treatment begins, brackets or transparent plates are attached to the patient’s teeth by the dentist. Brackets are small metal or ceramic pieces that are glued onto the teeth. Clear aligners are transparent plastic materials that are placed on the teeth.

Treatment Process: During the treatment process, brackets or clear aligners are adjusted and replaced regularly. These adjustments allow the teeth to move into the correct position.

Termination: When the treatment period is completed, the brackets or clear aligners are removed. However, it may be necessary to use a special device called a retainer for a while to maintain the new position of the teeth.

The orthodontic treatment process may vary depending on the patient’s age, the condition of the teeth and the complexity of the treatment. The treatment period can usually last from several months to several years. The patient should visit the dentist regularly during the treatment and take care of the health of his teeth.

Retention After Orthodontic Treatment

The end of orthodontic treatment does not mean that the teeth will be properly aligned. After treatment, teeth can return to their previous positions. Therefore, the retention phase is extremely important to maintain the success of orthodontic treatment. This stage is a series of procedures to maintain the new positions of the teeth. Post-treatment retention ensures that the teeth do not shift back to their previous positions and that the treatment is permanent. Retention can be applied in two ways: fixed retention and mobile retention. Fixed retention is applied using a wire attached to the back of the teeth. Removable retention is applied with transparent plaques attached to the teeth.

Things to Consider in Orthodontic Treatment

There are some points to consider during orthodontic treatment. During treatment, care should be taken to clean the teeth. Brackets and wires can cause food to accumulate between teeth. Therefore, teeth cleaning should be done regularly. Additionally, some foods and beverages should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. In particular, hard and sticky foods can damage brackets and wires and prolong the duration of treatment. Additionally, the dentist’s instructions must be followed to ensure proper alignment of the teeth. These instructions may contain important details that may affect the success of the treatment.