What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the proper alignment of teeth on the jawbones and the diagnosis and treatment of facial irregularities. The goal is to have well-aligned teeth that are compatible with the teeth in the opposing jaw. Although it primarily refers to straight teeth, orthodontics today also treats not only teeth but also lower and mid-face irregularities.
How is Orthodontic Treatment Done?
Orthodontic treatment is divided into two types: removable and fixed. Removable treatment is done with transparent aligners or appliances that the patient can take on and off inside the mouth. This method is used for correcting minor misalignments and gaps between teeth. In fixed treatment, brackets, which are parts that cannot be removed by the patient, are bonded to the teeth. These parts can be made of metal or ceramic and are connected with special wires. This way, the teeth are moved to correct misalignments.
Additionally, some jaw problems are corrected using external devices such as chin straps and headgear, which are worn to adjust the jaws.
Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?
Misalignments related only to the teeth can be treated at any age. However, in cases of skeletal disorders (such as the lower jaw being too forward or too far back, or the upper jaw being too small), treatment should be done before puberty is complete. In older ages, skeletal issues can be treated with orthognathic surgery, which is a complex surgery. To avoid needing such complicated treatments, an initial orthodontic examination should be done at the age of 7-8.
What Problems Does Orthodontic Treatment Address?
Orthodontic treatment can be applied to teeth with gaps, crowding, impaction, curvature, misalignment, and jaw developmental issues.
Orthodontic Treatment with Transparent Aligners
Orthodontic treatment can also be performed with transparent aligners. In this process, the teeth are scanned inside the mouth using a camera, 3D images are taken, and planning is done digitally. The teeth are gradually adjusted according to this plan, and the aligners are produced in a sequence. After the initial key aligners are placed by the doctor, the patient changes the subsequent aligners every 10-14 days, and the teeth gradually straighten. This method is more comfortable compared to traditional braces and provides a smoother process for the patient.
What Should Be Considered After Orthodontic Treatment?
After orthodontic treatment, some important points should be observed. The tooth movements made during treatment may want to revert after the treatment ends. This tendency to return to the previous state is due to the flexibility of the gum fibers and movements like biting and chewing, which push the teeth forward. Each patient may show a different tendency for relapse.
To prevent relapse after treatment, two main precautions are generally taken. One is fixed retainers applied to the inner side of the lower teeth after the brackets are removed. These retainers are not felt by the patient and can be easily cleaned. Another type of retainer is a removable one (Essix retainer), which is transparent and should be worn 24 hours a day for the first 6 months after treatment. The wearing time is gradually reduced according to the doctor’s preference. It is also recommended to wear the retainer occasionally for 4-6 years.
Maintaining the straightened teeth after orthodontic treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. Preventing the teeth from shifting back to their previous position ensures that the teeth remain both aesthetically pleasing and functional for chewing throughout life. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to follow up on retention treatment and not neglect their orthodontist checkups.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies for each patient. Treatment duration can differ from one patient to another and even from one doctor to another.
In general, orthodontic treatment is a long-term process. Some malocclusions can be corrected in a single phase, while others may require two or three phases of treatment to show improvement. Simpler orthodontic problems can be solved with a treatment plan of a few months, while depending on the type of problem, the treatment can last up to 1.5-2 years.