Orthodontics – Crooked Teeth Treatment

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What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that occur in the normal structure of the teeth and jaw, affecting their development. Disorders in the teeth and jaw structure are usually achieved by placing the teeth regularly, correcting crooked teeth, closing the gaps between the teeth and making the jaw structure suitable.

Orthodontic treatment can be applied to patients of different age groups. In children, it can be started at an early age to follow and intervene in the development of the teeth and jaw structure. In adults, different treatment options can be offered to arrange the teeth and correct the jaw structure.

Methods Used in Orthodontic Treatment

Among the methods used for orthodontic treatment are: Brackets, Wires, Transparent Plates and other Appliances. These treatments are applied by dentists and can usually last from a few months to a few years.

What is the Aim of Orthodontic Treatment?

The aim of orthodontic treatment is to align the teeth correctly and eliminate the irregularities in the jaw structure so that the patient has a healthier oral structure. Orthodontic treatment corrects the irregularities in the teeth and the incompatibility between the jaws; it is not only aimed at aesthetics, but also helps prevent possible gum diseases, cavities and mandibular joint disorders in the future, and helps eliminate chewing function and speech disorders.

Scope of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is applied during the primary teeth period, and the problems that arise due to habits such as thumb sucking and lip biting seen during this period are eliminated. Thus, a permanent disorder in the skeletal structure is prevented.

The mixed dentition period is also within the scope of orthodontics. During this period, both primary teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth. If the primary teeth are lost early and cannot guide the permanent teeth coming from below, space congestion occurs. Orthodontics deals with eliminating these space congestions. At the same time, jaw development continues during this period. The incompatibility between the jaws that occurs as a result of the development of the upper and lower jaws not being in harmony with each other is also within the scope of orthodontics.

Orthodontics deals with the correction of irregularities in the dental rows during the permanent teeth period. The treatment of irregularities that occur due to gum diseases and irregularities that occur due to teeth that are missing at birth or lost later are also within the scope of orthodontics.

When Should You Go to the Orthodontist?

While the irregularities of the jaw bones should be corrected at a very early age, there is time for treatment only in cases where the teeth show irregularities. Adults can go to the orthodontist at any age. However, increasing age prolongs the treatment period.

Going to the orthodontist at an early age does not mean that treatment will be started immediately. If the child is under the control of the orthodontist, a potential problem will be kept under control. Thus, intervention can be made at the most appropriate time.

Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?

Age is not a problem in the correction of irregularities that only involve the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can be applied at any age from 7 to 70, as long as the teeth and gums are healthy. However, it is thought that the duration of orthodontic treatment increases as the age increases.

If there is a disorder in the bone structure of the individual, age is important; it should be treated until puberty. Because it is not possible to intervene in bone development after the jaw development is completed. For this reason, disorders related to the jaw bones can only be corrected with surgery in advanced ages.

How is Orthodontic Treatment Applied?

Orthodontic treatment refers to all treatment methods used to correct the teeth and jaw structure. Orthodontic treatment is divided into two as fixed and mobile treatment according to the method of application. These treatments can provide many benefits in terms of aesthetics, functionality and health by correcting the teeth and jaw structure. The most common orthodontic treatment methods are given below:

Brackets:

Brackets are small devices placed on the surface of the teeth. They are made of metal, ceramic or transparent plastic material. Brackets are connected to wires and apply the necessary force to keep the teeth in the correct position. This treatment method is the most commonly used and effective orthodontic treatment method.

Clear Plates:

Clear plates are special plates that are placed on the teeth. These plates are specially designed to allow the teeth to move. Since the plates are removable, brushing your teeth and eating become easier.

Lingual Brackets:

Lingual brackets are brackets placed behind the teeth. This method is less noticeable and invisible in terms of aesthetics. However, this treatment method is more difficult to apply and requires the expertise of dentists.

Self-Tensioning Wires:

This method uses wires specially designed to straighten the teeth. The wires are pushed into the correct position by the pressure applied to the teeth and allow the teeth to stay in the correct position over time.

Orthodontic treatment methods may vary according to the needs of each patient and are determined by the dentist. Depending on the condition of the teeth and jaw structure, a single method can be used or a combination of several methods can be preferred.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?

The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors. However, the most important factor affecting the duration is the severity of the orthodontic problem. Compared to other treatments applied in dentistry, orthodontic treatment covers a long process. Therefore, in order for the treatment to be completed in the shortest time, you should take into account your dentist's warnings and not skip your appointments.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

When your teeth are crooked, they become difficult to clean. Therefore, the risk of cavities and gum disease increases. Orthodontic treatment eliminates this risk. The lower and upper teeth interlock with each other during closing. However, if there is crookedness, some teeth come into contact with each other before others and are exposed to much more force. Due to this force, problems may occur in the teeth and jaw joint. With orthodontic treatment, these problems are prevented from occurring.

Are There Any Difficulties in Orthodontic Treatment?

During orthodontic treatment, you can do everything you did before. There are only restrictions on food, as chewing gum, acidic drinks and hard foods can damage orthodontic appliances. In addition, since orthodontic treatment involves a long process, appointments should not be missed.

Is It Possible for Orthodontic Appliances to Be Unnoticeable When Viewed From the Outside?

As a result of the developments in technologies used in oral and dental health treatments, tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable when viewed from the outside can be used today. In addition, the bracket can be placed on the palate and tongue side of the teeth, ensuring that it is not noticeable when viewed from the outside.