Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that ensures the proper alignment of teeth and jaw structure. Orthodontics, an important part of oral and dental health, deals with the diagnosis and treatment of crooked teeth, bite disorders (malocclusion) and jaw misalignments.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that ensures the proper alignment of teeth and jaws. It deals with conditions such as crooked teeth, spacing issues and jaw misalignments. The aim is to achieve a more aesthetic smile while also ensuring the healthy function of the oral structure.
Orthodontics is not only about making teeth look straight. The correct positioning of teeth is also very important for daily functions such as chewing, speaking and maintaining oral hygiene. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum problems.
Orthodontic treatment can be applied to all age groups, from childhood to adulthood. Problems in the teeth and jaw structure can be identified at different ages and a treatment plan is made accordingly. Therefore, orthodontics is an important field both for early preventive care and for corrective treatment later in life.
Fill out the form to get information and make an appointment
What Does Orthodontics Deal With?
Conditions such as improper alignment of the teeth, incorrect bite between the upper and lower jaws or problems in tooth positioning fall within the field of orthodontics. The main conditions orthodontics deal with are as follows:
- Crooked teeth: It is a condition in which the teeth are not properly aligned in the mouth and overlap or are positioned in front of or behind one another.
- Gap in between of teeth: Excessive spacing between teeth can affect both appearance and tooth alignment.
- Bite disorders: It is a condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly when the mouth is closed.
- Lower jaw being behind: When the lower jaw is positioned further back relative to the upper jaw, it can affect the facial profile and bite.
- Lower jaw being forward: When the lower jaw is positioned further forward than the upper jaw, it can cause differences in chewing function and facial structure.
- Open bite: It is a condition in which the front or back teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed.
- Deep bite: It is a bite problem in which the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.
- Crossbite: It is a condition in which the upper and lower teeth are in a reversed bite in certain areas.
- Embedded teeth: Teeth that should erupt but remain trapped within the bone or gums may require orthodontic evaluation.
- Dental crowding: It is a condition in which there is not enough space in the jaw for the proper alignment of the teeth.
- Spaced teeth: When there is excess space in the jaw relative to the number of teeth, it can cause gaps between the teeth.
- Jaw development disorders: Incompatibility between the upper and lower jaws in terms of growth and development is one of the conditions monitored by orthodontics.
- Shifts due to early loss of milk teeth: Early extraction or loss of milk teeth can negatively affect the alignment of permanent teeth.
- Tooth-jaw problems related to breathing from mouth: A long-term habit of mouth breathing can affect the development of the teeth and jaw structure.
- Disorders related to habits like finger sucking: Certain childhood habits can affect the alignment of the teeth and the structure of the jaw.
What Are the Diagnostic Methods Used in Orthodontics?
Orthodontic diagnostic methods are used to accurately evaluate the alignment of the teeth, the harmony between the jaws and the bite relationship. Not only the appearance inside the mouth is evaluated; the position of the teeth, jaw structure, facial profile and developmental status are also assessed together. Orthodontic diagnosis methods are generally as follows:
- Clinical examination: It is the initial examination phase in which the orthodontist directly evaluates the teeth, gums, bite and facial structure.
- Radiological imaging: It includes imaging methods that allow detailed examination of the teeth, roots and jaw bones.
- Panoramic x-ray: It provides an overall evaluation of all teeth, tooth roots and jaw bones in a single image.
- Lateral cephalometric radiography: It is a lateral radiography used to analyze the position of the upper and lower jaws in relation to each other and to the skull structure.
- 3 dimensional imaging (CBCT): It helps in the three-dimensional evaluation of the jaw and dental structures, especially in cases requiring more detailed examination.
- Orthodontic recording models: By taking impressions of the patient’s mouth, traditional plaster models or digital scans are used to create three-dimensional models; these models are then examined to assess tooth alignment, the degree of crooked teeth and the shape of the dental arch.
- Photographic examinations: Photographs taken from the front and side of the face, along with intraoral images, are used to evaluate tooth alignment, lip relationship, gum appearance and facial aesthetics.
- Bite analysis: It helps identify bite disorders by examining how the upper and lower teeth come into contact with each other.
- Arch analysis: Whether there is sufficient space in the jaw for proper alignment of the teeth is assessed through measurements.
- Growth and development evaluation: In particular, the stage of jaw development in children and adolescents is evaluated and the timing of treatment is planned accordingly.
- Functional assessment: Functions that can affect the oral structure, such as chewing, swallowing, speaking and oral habits, are assessed.
What Are the Treatment Methods Used in Orthodontics?
In orthodontics, the treatment method is not the same for every patient. Because each individual’s tooth alignment, jaw structure and required intervention may be different. For this reason, orthodontic treatment methods are determined individually by the orthodontist according to the severity of the problem and the treatment goals. The main treatment methods are as follows:
Metal Brace Treatment
Metal braces are one of the classic orthodontic treatment methods in which brackets are placed on the teeth and wires are used to gradually move the teeth over time. They are frequently preferred due to their durable structure and effective results.
Ceramic Brace Treatment
Ceramic braces are a fixed orthodontic treatment option that offers a more aesthetic appearance due to their tooth-colored design. They work similarly to metal braces but are less noticeable from the outside.
Clear Aligner Treatment
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that are worn over the teeth and gradually move them into position. They are preferred by many patients due to their aesthetic appearance and greater comfort in daily use.
Lingual Orthodontic Treatment
In lingual treatment, braces are placed on the back surfaces of the teeth rather than the front. This provides a more discreet orthodontic treatment option that is not visible from the outside.
Removable Appliance Treatment
Removable appliances are devices that the patient can put on and take off and they are used especially for certain mild orthodontic problems or for guidance during childhood. They can be used to support jaw development or to achieve specific tooth movements.
Fixed Appliance Treatment
Fixed appliances are orthodontic devices that cannot be removed by the patient and are permanently attached to the teeth. They are used as an effective treatment method for the controlled movement of teeth.
Jaw Expansion Treatments
Orthodontic methods can be applied to help widen the upper jaw in patients with a narrow jaw. These treatments can particularly help individuals in the growth and development period achieve a more balanced jaw structure.
Functional Appliance Treatment
Functional appliances are orthodontic devices that help regulate the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. They are primarily used in growing children to guide jaw development.
Screw Appliance
Screw appliances are removable orthodontic devices with a screw mechanism, used primarily in growing children to correct jaw narrowness and create space for the teeth. They prevent crooked teeth and help bring the jaw structure into a healthy position.
Retention Treatment
After active orthodontic treatment is completed, retention therapy is initiated to maintain the achieved results. At this stage, retention appliances are used to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Retainer Applications
Retainers, which are protective appliances, are used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the new position of the teeth. They can have fixed or removable types.
Orthodontic Treatment Supported With Orthognathic Surgery
In some patients with severe jaw discrepancies, orthodontic treatment may be planned in conjunction with surgical procedures. This approach aims to correct both the teeth and the jaw structure.
Early Stage Orthodontic Treatments
Early orthodontic treatment applied in childhood can be planned to guide jaw development and prevent bigger problems that can occur in the future. This approach aims to take advantage of the growth and development process
