What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of irregularities in teeth and jaws.

Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be applied to every age group with healthy oral hygiene. The duration and plan of treatment may vary depending on the age of the person. Regular dental check-ups along with the eruption of milk teeth are very important in terms of determining the need for orthodontics and planning treatment. It is recommended that the first orthodontic examination be performed between the ages of 6-7.

What are the conditions that require orthodontic treatment?

*Disorders in the jaws and teeth due to habits such as long-term use of baby bottles and pacifiers; finger sucking, nail biting and pen biting

*Contraction of the upper jaw due to continuous mouth breathing

*Gaps in the teeth due to the fact that the tongue structure is larger than normal

*Congenital lower and upper jaw incompatibilities

*Malocclusion of upper and lower teeth (inability to bite)

*Crowding of permanent teeth due to early loss or late fall of milk teeth.

How should oral care be during orthodontic treatment?  What should be taken into consideration in this regard?

Teeth must be brushed and the braces must be cleaned of food residues after each meal.Attention should be paid to the choice of food and drink. All acidic drinks should be avoided. Sticky foods such as chewing gum or candy to remove braces should not be consumed. Hard foods such as plums, olives, nuts, almonds, peanuts should not be consumed. Rupture of the braces during treatment will cause the treatment time to be prolonged.

What is Invisalign (transparent aligner treatment)?

Invisalign is a treatment method applied to correct teeth with the help of personalized transparent aligners without the use of braces. 

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

1. Aligners are invisible and aesthetic.
2. Aligners are comfortable, do not cause intraoral damages like braces
3. Aligners are removable, so you can eat or drink anything you want.
4. Dental care is easy during the treatment process. It can be removed, cleaned and easily reattached.
5. The treatment period is much shorter.
6. The number of appointments is fewer during the treatment process.
7. There is no age limit.
8. It allows short-term removal for special occasions such as engagements, weddings, graduations and sports activities.

How is the Invisalign treatment done?

Intra-oral and extra-oral photographs of the patient and x-ray are taken. Then, teeth are measured with an intraoral scanner. Digital treatment planning is prepared with this data. Digital treatment planning offers the opportunity to foresee the treatment outcome before even starting the treatment. With the approval of digital treatment planning, personalized aligners are produced in America. The daily use time of the aligners should be close to 22 hours and they should only be removed during meals. The success of the treatment depends on the person's pattern of using the aligners. Although treatment varies from person to person, it takes an average of 9-15 months.