What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that treats malocclusion, a condition in which the teeth are not positioned correctly when the mouth is closed. The term “orthodontics” is a combination of the Greek words “orthos” (straight or correct) and “dons” (teeth) and means “straight teeth”. Orthodontics therefore describes the practice of correcting misaligned teeth or malocclusions.

In our orthodontics unit, treatment applications related to the correction of crowded teeth and the elimination of incompatible positions in the teeth, jaw and face are performed.

Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?

Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Crowded teeth can make chewing difficult and cause a number of digestive problems, as well as headaches, shoulder or back pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Orthodontic treatment also helps to give the person a more aesthetic smile and in some cases it is a treatment technique that gives the person self-confidence.

What are Orthodontic Treatment Methods?

Orthodontic treatment can be performed with fixed or removable appliances. There are different types of devices used in orthodontic treatments. The most appropriate method, duration and scope of treatment are determined by the specialist physician according to the condition of the person.

• Fixed Appliances

Orthodontic treatment, also called braces, is performed with brackets fixed to the front or back surface of the tooth and wires passed between these brackets. There are different materials that can be used for these applications.

• Metal Brackets
• Transparent and Ceramic Brackets
• Lingual Brackets

Ceramic brackets are widely used because they are almost the same color as the tooth surface. Transparent brackets are often preferred because they do not create a very noticeable aesthetic difference when placed on the front surface of the tooth.

Lingual braces are placed on the back surface of the tooth and allow crowding to be treated without any difference in the person's appearance. However, since they are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, there is a possibility of the tongue touching the wire during speech.

When choosing a bracket, the priority is how the bracket will perform rather than how it will look on the tooth surface.

• Removable Appliances

In orthodontic treatment without braces, transparent aligners are used that are not fixed to the tooth surface. Transparent aligners, which move the teeth in small amounts, allow the patient to easily remove the aligners when necessary during the treatment. Transparent aligners do not cause visual discomfort and do not affect the appearance of the person. Transparent aligners are individually designed and different aligners are used at different stages of the treatment.