- What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is a branch of science that examines the relationship of teeth with jaw bones, jaw bones with each other, and jaw bones with the skull bones. Orthodontic treatment is a way of treating disorders occurring in this system.
- Who is an orthodontist?
After graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry and becoming a dentist A person who specializes or has a doctorate in the Department of Orthodontics is called 'orthodontist'.
- Can orthodontic treatment change the position of my teeth?
Yes. With orthodontic treatment, crookedness and gaps in the teeth can be easily corrected and a correct and healthy smile can be achieved.
- Why does crookedness occur?
While hereditary factors play a role in the causes of orthodontic disorders, the factors are mostly environmental factors. In other words, habits such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, lip or tongue sucking, nail biting, pencil biting, using bottles and pacifiers for a long time (causes permanent skeletal disorders after the age of 4), playing a wind instrument, etc. It may be due to. In addition, tonsil and adenoid problems, which are common in children, cause permanent disorders in the maxillofacial system if not intervened in time.
- Will my teeth straighten after this age? Can adults also receive orthodontic treatment?
Yes, adults can also receive treatment easily. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to move teeth at any age with healthy gums. However, since anomalies diagnosed early have more treatment options, closure must be evaluated at an early age by an orthodontist.
- What is the ideal age for orthodontics?
Generally, the ideal age for the treatment of dental disorders is around 10-12 years of age, when the change of milk teeth is about to be completed and the time for the change of canine teeth. However, early treatment is of great importance in some jaw-related problems and in quitting bad habits. Therefore, you should definitely ask your dentist for an orthodontist consultation around the age of 6-7, when fissure protectors are applied.
- How will I know that I need orthodontic treatment?
The first orthodontic check is performed by the orthodontist at the age of 6-7, when permanent dentition begins. Your subsequent check-ups will be done by your dentist. Around the age of 10-12, your doctor may request orthodontist consultation again if necessary. In addition, orthodontic treatment can be performed even in adulthood, when necessary, to assist prosthetic treatment or for aesthetic purposes.
- How long will my orthodontic treatment last?
Active treatment lasts an average of 1.5 – 2 years. However, time varies depending on the type of treatment, the age and cooperation of the patient. It can be shorter or longer.
- Do my appointments take long? How often will I come?
The first appointment or two, where your records will be taken and your brackets will be installed, may take up to an hour. Your subsequent appointments will be every 3-4 weeks and last between 15 minutes and half an hour unless there is a broken bracket or wire break.
- Do I need to have a tooth extracted?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It may be necessary to extract permanent teeth in order to create space in very crowded mouths.
- Does it hurt when the braces are worn? Will it hurt my teeth or me? Does it give?
The brackets are adhered to your teeth with a special adhesive and do not hurt at all. It may cause some soft tissue injuries in the lips and cheeks in the first few days they are installed, but this is temporary.
The risk of tooth decay increases during orthodontic treatment, so it is very important that food residue does not accumulate between the brackets. Teeth and the spaces between the brackets must be cleaned after every meal.
- Will my braces be visible?
The main element of fixed orthodontic treatment is the bracket. Brackets are available in metal, plastic and porcelain types and are bonded to the enamel surface of the teeth. In addition, treatment can be performed with tongue-applied brackets and removable transparent plates.
During the treatment, the forces on the jawbone are reduced by what children call chincap and bit, 'chincap' and > ''headgear'' devices such as extra-oral devices can be used.
- What can we do to prevent orthodontic disorder?
Family can prevent environmental factors or can also minimize it. First of all, a periodic dental check-up is essential. Regular fluoride application and fissure protector application to permanent molars are necessary starting from the primary dentition. In addition, milk teeth that had to be extracted early should be preserved until the permanent teeth erupt, and for this purpose, placeholders should be made.
Bad habits such as thumb sucking, using a bottle for a long time, and mouth breathing should be avoided in children by 4 months at the latest. It should be discouraged until age. After this age, disorders in jaw-facial development become permanent.
When the family or dentist suspects any disorder in the jaw and teeth, it should be evaluated by an orthodontist
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