The word orthodontics consists of the words “orthos”- regular and “odontos”- dental. Orthodontics; It is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and controls the compatibility relations of mismatched and crooked teeth, examines the closing disorders in teeth and jaws, identifies, prevents and treats the factors that cause these disorders, and requires 4-5 years of specialization or doctoral education.
Orthodontists are specialist dentists who detect and treat disorders, crowding and irregularities in the teeth, jaw and face. After 5 years of dentistry education, after completing the doctorate or specialization program, which will last for 4-5 more years, the title of Orthodontist / Orthodontist is obtained. But I think to be an orthodontist; Before touching the most private areas of my patients, it means to touch their hearts, to gain their love and trust, to empathize, to listen to them, to be open to learning from them, in short, to know how to be human first.
Orthodontic treatment is the treatment of tooth, jaw and facial disorders and irregularities with fixed mechanics, removable appliances and transparent plaques applied to the teeth and jaws.
Orthodontic treatment is recommended in order to correct the chewing function, to ensure the normal speech function, which we call phonation, and to relieve aesthetic concerns. As a result of orthodontic treatment, individuals who have straight teeth, jaws and face areas increase their self-confidence and take a more active part in their social lives. In addition, our patients continue their daily lives as healthier individuals, as they acquire the habit of brushing regularly during orthodontic treatment.
The age of starting orthodontic treatment varies according to the type and amount of the disorder. If there is a disorder in the jaw structure, for example, if the mandible is advanced, orthopedic jaw treatment should be started by applying a chinrest even at the age of 6-7, or if there is a mandibular retardation, the treatment should be started just before the growth spurt begins. If only the teeth are defect, the applications made at an early age can prevent the treatment alternative that may occur in the future.
Orthodontic treatment can be started in adulthood, but if there is a jaw disorder at this age, successful results are obtained with orthodontic surgery applications.
The American and Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that the child’s first orthodontic examination be performed at the age of 7 or as soon as the orthodontic problem is noticed. The orthodontic examination, which will be performed around the age of 7, is very important in terms of determining the local, general and genetic factors that may cause the disorder. After the first examination, we take our patients under 6-month control and start their orthodontic treatment when necessary.
When you feel a problem in the alignment or closure of your teeth, you should go to an orthodontist. For example; There may be difficulty in biting, chewing and speaking, or some of your teeth may be positioned forward and backward, and there may be an opening or crowding between some of your teeth. If you have such problems, it is time to go to an orthodontist. Your orthodontist, who is well-equipped and trained in this regard, will solve your problem following a good diagnosis and treatment planning.
Some symptoms other than the tooth area may also be a reason for you to see an orthodontist. For example; mouth breathing, clenching your teeth while sleeping at night, not being able to fully close your lips. In addition, if you close your jaw differently each time, and you hear noise from your jaw joints during this closing, if you bite your cheeks, it means it’s time to go to an orthodontist.
You will need to see an orthodontist, as symmetry disorders on the face can negatively affect the tooth and jaw structure.
If your teeth are aligned forward or backward, if there is crowding or if there is a eruption disorder, these are indications that you need orthodontic treatment.
In addition, the inability to breathe easily through the nose and mouth breathing, the inability to close the jaws completely or their reverse closure on the surfaces facing the cheek, speech disorder, continued pacifier or thumb sucking until the age of 4-5 years, using the bottle for a long time are indications that there will be a closing problem.
No pain or pain is felt during the installation of brackets and wires. Pain may be felt a few hours after the braces are inserted. When the brackets are placed on the teeth, they do not exert force on the teeth, they are passive. After the braces are placed on it, the force begins to be applied. A few hours after the application of this force, pain may begin. The intensity of this pain varies according to the pain threshold of the person. Along with the pain, sensitivity and shaking of the teeth may be felt during biting. These symptoms go away in a few days. In addition, aphthae-like irritations may occur due to the contact of the brackets and wires on the lip and cheek surfaces, and these will heal as soon as possible with the help of various sprays and mouthwashes.
The duration of treatment varies from case to case, whether tooth extraction is performed or not, and the patient’s compliance with the treatment. Fixed treatments are usually completed in 9-30 months. On the other hand, in cases with jaw disorder, the treatments take longer because the treatment is started at a young age. Reinforcement treatment after the wires are removed continues for many years.
Control periods vary according to the procedure. You need to come for control in periods of 3 to 6 weeks on average.
Do I have to have a tooth extracted during my treatment?
Although tooth reduction is one of the treatment procedures, first of all, it is planned how to make room for the teeth without extraction, and when it is decided that no space can be made, it becomes inevitable to reduce the tooth. In addition, if there are impacted teeth and they cannot be included behind the tooth, these teeth may need to be extracted.
In fixed orthodontic treatments, brackets are only resistant to the forces applied by the wires. Extremely hard and reverse forces can cause the brackets to come out of the sticking point and cause the wires to slip and break. Nuts such as hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts should be eaten in pieces. The seeds of foods with seeds such as olives, plums and cherries should be removed. Carrots should be grated or eaten by removing the juice. Meat and chicken should be eaten by cleaning the bony sides. Candies and chips should be avoided. Acidic and dyed drinks such as cola, soda, icetea should not be consumed, natural fruit juices, ayran and compote should be preferred. You can drink soda with a straw.
Of course, orthodontic treatments certainly do not hinder your sports and music studies. Whether you have braces or not, we recommend dental protective appliances for some of your sports activities. If you are using a wind instrument, it may be difficult to get used to at first, but you will get used to it over time.
We refer our patients to your dentist in cases where tooth filling, tooth extraction or tooth cleaning is required during orthodontic treatment. We refer you to an oral, dental and maxillofacial surgeon, especially if wisdom teeth need to be removed during the consolidation period.
After a correct diagnosis and treatment planning, every disorder will definitely improve. I think the most important thing is to preserve this situation. First of all, a thin arch wire called a retainer should be attached to the inner parts of the lower teeth and, if necessary, to the inner parts of the upper teeth. After these wires are attached, measurements are taken and transparent reinforcement appliances (Essix plates) and if necessary additional Hawley plates are prepared. These reinforcing appliances keep the straightened teeth in place and prevent the teeth from returning to their original state. These protectors, which prevent the deterioration of the teeth, should be used as long as the case requires.
Orthodontic treatments are performed for the health of the mouth, teeth and jaw areas of our patients, for them to gain a proper chewing-speech function and to correct their aesthetic concerns. Since our treatments take a long time, we spend a lot of effort and time and carry out your treatments with the highest quality materials.
You can be sure that you receive the healthiest service in our practice where our quality and effort are maximum.
Muratpaşa / ANTALYA, TURKEY
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08.30 - 19.00
