Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatment encompasses a range of procedures aimed at correcting irregularities in the teeth and jaw. Although commonly known as braces treatment, it includes various types of treatments. It is generally performed to align the teeth and bring the jaw structure to a healthy shape. Orthodontic problems can arise due to various reasons. Genetic factors, improper tooth eruption, or early loss of teeth are among these reasons. Orthodontics allows patients to achieve a healthier oral structure through early diagnosis and treatment of such issues.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics encompasses a broad field involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and jaw irregularities. This discipline aims to significantly improve patients’ dental health and overall facial aesthetics by providing aesthetic and functional improvements. The main goals of orthodontics include proper tooth alignment, ensuring optimal jaw function, and achieving a healthier oral structure. The primary objective of orthodontics is to ensure the functional correctness of the teeth and jaw. This can help improve teeth cleaning, enhance chewing and speaking functions, and reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Properly aligned teeth also positively affect facial aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment can be carried out using fixed and removable appliances (special devices designed to straighten teeth). These appliances move the teeth slowly and controlled to the desired position. Nowadays, besides traditional metal braces, alternatives such as clear aligners and ceramic brackets, which are more preferred for their aesthetic appeal, are also available.

Who Should Undergo Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be suitable for individuals of almost any age with dental and jaw irregularities. The most common conditions requiring orthodontic treatment are:

• Crowded Teeth: This is when teeth are close to each other and not aligned properly. Crowded teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Diastema (Gaps Between Teeth): This refers to unwanted gaps between teeth. These gaps can cause aesthetic concerns, especially in the front teeth.
• Excessive Tooth Crowding: This is when teeth are too close to each other and lack sufficient space. This condition can lead to crowded teeth and make cleaning difficult.
• Malocclusion (Incorrect Bite Types): These are conditions where the upper and lower teeth are not aligned properly. They include:
  • Open Bite: The front teeth do not touch each other during a bite.
  • Deep Bite (Excessive Overbite): The upper teeth cover the lower teeth more than normal.
  • Crossbite: Some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
  • Retruded Jaw: The lower jaw is positioned further back compared to the upper jaw.
• Jaw Irregularities: Conditions where the upper and lower jaws are not aligned correctly with each other. This can affect facial symmetry and aesthetics.
• Functional Problems: Issues such as difficulties in chewing and speaking can also require orthodontic treatment. Improper teeth and jaw alignment can lead to such functional problems.

Methods and Tools Used in Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is carried out using various methods and tools. The appliances and brackets used in orthodontic treatment are special devices designed to correct dental and jaw irregularities. These devices help achieve a more aligned and healthy smile by slowly and controlled moving the teeth to the desired position. An appliance is a general term for tools attached to the teeth or jaw and remain there for a specific period to support proper teeth alignment or jaw development. Appliances can be both fixed and removable. Fixed appliances are attached to the teeth and remain in the mouth throughout the treatment.

Fixed appliances, such as brackets and wires, are adjusted at intervals determined by the doctor during the treatment. The advantage of fixed appliances is that they work effectively 24 hours a day, and the patient does not have to worry about removing or inserting them. Removable appliances, on the other hand, allow the user to take them out and put them back in. Clear aligners (Invisalign) and other removable appliances offer more flexibility in daily functions such as eating and maintaining oral hygiene, along with aesthetic advantages. Removable appliances need to be worn for specific hours and the effectiveness of the treatment depends on how well the usage instructions are followed.

Brackets are small devices specifically glued to the front surface of the teeth and connected by a metal wire or rubber bands to move the teeth in the desired direction. In addition, tools such as face masks and jaw expanders can also be preferred for orthodontic treatments when necessary. Orthodontic treatment is not limited to braces alone.