Frequently Asking Questions

Orthodontics is a specialty that works to eliminate anomalies that have occurred in the tooth and jaw structure. With orthodontic treatment, it becomes possible to straighten teeth, eliminate bite problems or eliminate the separation between teeth. Thanks to the treatment, changes occur not only in the structure of the mouth and jaw, but also in the structure of the facial bones. The treatment, which is an extremely complex process, is therefore long and needs to be planned in great detail.

After completing 5 years of dentistry education, people who have received specialty training lasting approximately 4 to 6 years are called orthodontists. Orthodontists are referred to as specialist doctors because they have completed their specialty training. With the treatments they determine, they aim to increase the biting experience of the patients, to ensure that the teeth are in the correct and natural position, and to achieve a better experience in speaking and biting.

Although orthodontists have actually graduated from the department of dentistry, they specialize in a certain field. This distinguishes them from dentists. Dentists generally deal with teeth, gums and oral health. Orthodontists, on the other hand, are closely concerned with the structure of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontic treatment provides changes in the skeletal system of the facial region. In this respect, it differs significantly from dentistry.

One of the common conditions in orthodontics is malocclusion. However, this condition is not basically a disease. It is the failure of the upper and lower jaw to close correctly. Malocclusion also affects the facial structure of people. This condition, which occurs when the jaw and teeth do not develop correctly, is eliminated with orthodontic treatment. In advanced cases, disorders in functions such as eating or speaking may occur.

Orthodontic treatment is a complex biological process in which many changes occur in the teeth, jaw and facial structure. For this reason, orthodontic treatments are generally considered long. It is extremely important to diagnose orthodontic problems before they progress and to start treatment in a short time. Especially treatments performed before the baby teeth fall out allow the facial and jaw bones to grow more accurately. For this reason, it is recommended that children be taken to an orthodontic examination at least once.

Although orthodontic treatments seem to be identified with children, 25% of orthodontic treatment patients today are adults. Since the development is complete in adults, the tooth and bone structure is much denser than in children. For this reason, similar treatments may take longer than children. However, the experience of chewing or speaking is significantly improved in adults.

Thanks to today's technological developments, Invisalign can be used instead of braces in some orthodontic treatments. This mouthpiece-like device, which is not very visible when viewed from the outside, presses on certain parts of the teeth to bring them into the appropriate position. This mouthpiece, which is specially made for each person's mouth, should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that it is almost impossible to be noticed from the outside due to its transparent structure.

In orthodontics, metal brackets are one of the most commonly used tools for the proper positioning of teeth, elimination of gaps between them or treatment of jaw disorders. It is especially preferred for straightening and aligning the teeth and eliminating the gap between them. However, metal braces can also be used in cases where the lower jaw or upper jaw is more prominent.

One of the important points in orthodontic treatment is the care of the brackets used. They should be brushed thoroughly after each meal. Food residues adhering to the brackets, wires or bands cause stains on the teeth over time. For this reason, after brushing regularly, it should be cleaned with other tools such as dental floss or mouthwash. During the treatment period when metal braces are used, hard foods that are difficult to bite or sugary and sticky foods such as caramel should be avoided.