What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disorders in the teeth and jaw. The mouth may not close properly due to crooked or misaligned teeth. For this reason, many negative conditions such as chewing and digestion problems, cavities, gum diseases may occur. Orthodontic treatments not only eliminate aesthetic problems, but also provide solutions to more serious health problems. The structure of the teeth and jaw affects not only the appearance of the person, but also the way of eating and speaking. For this reason, even a minor problem in the jaw and teeth should be taken under control without delay. Orthodontics is also known as braces treatment.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a person who identifies oral problems such as crookedness, crookedness, split teeth and closure problems in advance and applies appropriate treatments. The main method used in orthodontics is wire treatment and there are many types of wires. There are removable appliances and fixed appliances. Removable appliances are generally used in childhood between the ages of 7 and 12. Fixed appliances are divided into metal, porcelain and lingual types.
Metal ones are the most common type of wire that passes between the brackets that are attached one by one on the teeth. People who do not like metal color may prefer porcelain/ceramic wire known as transparent wire. In another method of lingual wire treatment, wires are placed on the back side of the teeth, that is, on the surface facing the mouth. When viewed from the outside, the wire is not visible and therefore people who are uncomfortable with the wire appearance may prefer it. Since the lingual wire coincides with the localization of the tongue, it may take some time for the patient to get used to it. Transparent plaque application, which has become widespread in recent years, is a treatment tool developed as an alternative to all these applications. Transparent aligners, also known as wireless orthodontics, are preferred by people with aesthetic concerns as they are difficult to notice when viewed from the outside.
Orthodontic Treatment How Long Does It Take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies according to the condition of the teeth and the treatment method. For example, if there is a jaw problem accompanying dental problems, this treatment will take longer than the treatment in which only the tooth is problematic. For this reason, you need to be examined by an orthodontist to predict an accurate treatment time. We can say that in the mildest cases, results can be obtained in a period of time starting from 6 months and increasing in order for the braces to fulfill its task. Of course, this time depends on what the problems are and the patient. Faster and more positive results can be obtained by attending appointments regularly, avoiding foods that should not be eaten, and paying attention to cleanliness.
What is the age limit for orthodontic treatment?
Some people avoid sitting in the doctor’s chair on the grounds that the use of braces in orthodontic treatments will affect their social life. In fact, we have started to see people who have been treated with braces frequently in recent years in the society and this point of view is gradually weakening. It is very advantageous to spend a shorter period of time using braces in order to have a healthy smile and teeth that function properly for a lifetime.