Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, protecting, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment can correct an irregular or “bad” bite called malocclusion.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of improper positioning of teeth and jaws. The most important step of orthodontic treatment is to fully diagnose the problem. Crowded teeth pose significant dental health risks in addition to their unsightly appearance, speech problems, and difficulty biting and chewing. Because no matter how well people with this type of tooth structure take care of their teeth, they may experience discomfort such as caries and gum disease because they cannot fully clean them while brushing. Therefore, orthodontic treatment is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for oral hygiene and prevention of potential oral and dental diseases.

How and Why Do Orthodontic Problems Occur?

The patient’s lower jaw being forward or backward, the presence of skeletal disorders or the incompatibility of the person’s jaw structure are some of the reasons for the occurrence of orthodontic problems. As an example of how these problems occur, situations such as overuse of bottles and pacifiers, fingernail biting, or finger sucking are among the factors that we believe are effective in causing orthodontic problems. Early or late loss of milk teeth at an early age may also cause such orthodontic problems.

What are Orthodontic Treatments?

Transparent Aligners: Clear braces, or in other words aligners, which are one of the treatment methods without brackets and metal wires, are used to treat crowded teeth. The aligners that the person can remove and wear themselves are an aesthetic treatment method because they are transparent.

Bracket: In this wire and bracket treatment method, the brackets are bonded to the tooth surface. Force is applied to the teeth through a wire passed between the brackets. Optionally, colored or transparent brackets can be worn.

Fixed Space Maintainer: In cases where milk teeth are lost prematurely, the fixed space maintainer is placed in the tooth cavity until the permanent tooth emerges. Thus, other teeth are prevented from sliding into this space.

Removable Retainer: The removable retainer , which is used to maintain tooth position after treatment, can also be used to stop the habit of thumb sucking.

Jaw Appliances: This type of appliance, also known as splint, is placed in the lower or upper jaw and the jaw is closed correctly. It is also used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Palatinal Expander: Palatinal enlarger, which allows the upper jaw to expand, consists of a plastic material that fits on the palate.

Headgear: The wires attached to the front of the head are supported by the tape on the back of the head. By slowing the development of the upper jaw, the current position of the posterior teeth is maintained. At the same time, it is aimed that the front teeth go backwards.