What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the normal structure and development of the teeth and jaw, the disorders that occur and the treatment of these disorders.
How Much Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary?
Orthodontic treatment corrects the skewness of the teeth and the incompatibility between the jaws; It is not only for aesthetics, but also helps to prevent possible future gingival disorders, bruises and lower jaw joint disorders, and to improve chewing function and speech.
Scope of Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is applied during the milk teeth period and the problems that arise due to habits such as thumb sucking and lip biting are eliminated during this period. Thus, a permanent defect in the skeletal structure is prevented. Mixed dentition is also covered by orthodontics. During this period, both milk teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth. Space stenosis occurs when milk teeth are lost early and cannot guide the permanent teeth from below. Orthodontics deals with the elimination of these narrow spaces. At the same time, jaw development continues in this period. Incompatibility between the jaws, which occurs as a result of the development of the lower and upper jaws not occurring in harmony with each other, is also within the scope of orthodontics.
In the period of permanent teeth, orthodontics deals with the correction of the disorders in the tooth rows. Treatment of irregularities due to gingival diseases and the treatment of congenitally missing or subsequently lost teeth are also included in the scope of orthodontics.
When Should You Go to the Orthodontist?
While the disorders of the jaw bones should be corrected at a very early age, there is time for treatment only in cases where the teeth show irregularity. Adults can refer to an orthodontist at any age. However, increasing age prolongs the treatment period. Visiting an 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 is 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 when correcting disorders involving only 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 with increasing age. If there is a defect in the bone structure of the individual, age is important; should be treated until puberty. Because after the jaw development is completed, it is not possible to interfere with bone development. For this reason, disorders involving the jawbones can only be corrected by surgery in advanced ages.
How is Orthodontic Treatment Applied?
Orthodontic treatment is divided into two as fixed and mobile treatment according to the way it is applied.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
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 in dentistry, orthodontic treatment covers a long period of time. Therefore, in order for the treatment to be completed as soon as possible, you should heed the warnings of your orthodontist and not delay your appointments.
How Much Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary? What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
When your teeth are crowded, they are difficult to clean. Therefore, the risk of caries and gum disease formation increases. Orthodontic treatment eliminates this risk. Upper and lower teeth interlock with each other during closure. However, if crowding is present, some teeth come into contact earlier than others and are subjected to much more force. Depending on this force, problems may occur in the teeth and jaw joint. Orthodontic treatment prevents these problems from occurring.
What are the Challenges of Orthodontic Treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, you can do everything you did before. There are only food restrictions, as chewing gum, soda and hard foods can damage orthodontic appliances. In addition, because orthodontic treatment involves a long process, appointments should not be missed.
Is it possible for orthodontic appliances to be less noticeable when viewed from the outside?
As a result of the developments in dental technology, today, tooth-colored porcelain brackets, which are less noticeable when viewed from the outside, can be used. In addition, by placing the bracket on the palate and tongue side of the teeth, it can be ensured that they are not noticeable when viewed from the outside.